Individually, they are light-hearted, focused, determined and prepared.
Together, they are a force, a bevy of one-liners and a plethora of spunky comebacks; a three-person, good-natured comedy troupe.
And all three – grandmother, daughter and granddaughter – have found the perfect place – and person – to help them better their lives.
“I really like it when they switch appointments on me,’’ said Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Tucker Reid, PT, DPT, physical therapist for Sue Lemmon (grandmother), Stephanie DeVrieve (daughter of Sue Lemmon) and Ansley DeVrieze, PT, DPT (daughter of Stephanie).
“I will expect one of them and another shows up and takes the spot,’’ added Reid. “Then they say the other person is going to take their spot. It’s confusing, but it gets worked out. All three get a kick out of trying to confuse me.’’
Hijinks aside, Sue, Stephanie and Ansley are 24-karat gold on all fronts. Their lives are also better because of Reid and Rock Valley.
Age 82, with all the life and spunk of someone half her age, Lemmon had let some things slip since double knee-replacement a decade ago. Her once-quick, Bix 7- road-race-walking stride, had become a waddle. Balance was also an issue and overall strength had reached a life-changing point, needing to be addressed.
She could go one way which would lead to serious trouble at her age or find her way to physical therapy, increase her strength and mobility, and get back on track.
“First of all, Tucker is amazing,’’ Lemmon said, garnering approving nods from Stephanie and Ansley. “He has a way of getting the best out of all of us. He is knowledgeable, but with some people that just means they are smart on certain things. Tucker is smart, but he understands. He is patient and he motivates – and challenges – in a good way. I’m stronger, my balance has improved and I feel great. I’m grateful for him.’’
As a pediatric therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Ansley DeVrieze understands every move Reid makes when it comes to rehabbing her right knee. A skiing accident (run over by an errant 10-year-old on the slopes), found her with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Surgery in February (2022) was followed by rehabilitation, with Reid serving as Ansley’s therapist.
“I was working in Mississippi before moving to Iowa City (Iowa) and the position I now hold,’’ said Ansley, a standout volleyball player in her prep and college careers. “And I had a meniscus, MCL and ACL issue on my other (left) knee with surgery. I can tell you the therapist I had in Mississippi – while I’m not doubting his knowledge – was not good. It was never an at-ease situation with any of my rehab.’’
That changed with Reid as her therapist.
“I have an idea what I need to do, but Tucker makes everything work,’’ she said. “He pushes when there is a need to push, but he is always encouraging and his attention to detail and knowledge are amazing. This has been the most positive experience. It’s always been that way with Rock Valley, even back when I was in high school. Tucker knows his stuff, but more importantly, he knows how to get the best out of people. He is a tremendous therapist who had me back at work two weeks post-surgery. All three of us can talk forever about how great this has been for us.’’
The pandemic and the loss of her dog – and their four-mile-a-day walks – left Stephanie DeVrieze struggling with arthritis and a fast-deteriorating left hip. Following a June 24 (2022) procedure to replace the ailing joint, Stephanie, an upbeat and positive sort, turned to something she has long trusted, Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
“Two children, two athletes, lots of times with a number of great therapists,’’ Stephanie said of Rock Valley, one of the nation’s largest therapist-owned and therapist-led private PT practices. “As for me, I kind of let the situation that was my hip get away from me. I lost my walking partner and now here I am after surgery. Tucker and all that he has done for me/us is off-the-charts.’’
A determined Stephanie says therapy – with Rock Valley – has and will continue to improve her quality of life.
“I had a minor setback with a wound issue, but the therapy side of things has me in great shape,’’ she said. “There is the challenge to get better, but there are all these tools I have to stay better. I owe Rock Valley and Tucker for that. Some days have been better than others, but the good and great days outweigh anything that can frustrate you. This is something that will have a huge impact on my life going forward and I’m glad I am where I am.’’
For Reid, treating three generations is a unique, first-time experience. The reward, however, has been off-the-charts.
“This profession is about relationships and bettering lives,’’ Reid said, pointing to Sue, Stephanie and Ansley. “I believe these three amazing people are better for what Rock Valley Physical Therapy has done and can do for them. It’s why we do what we do. On a personal note, all three make me better. They truly work to get better, but each of them takes the time to step back and have some fun with the process. Boy, do they have fun. And that’s important. They make me laugh, man do they make me laugh.They keep me on my toes, but I look forward to each visit.’’
And the opportunity to better the lives of three generations.
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller