Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Kate Vlach, PT, MSPT, is a highly skilled, compassionate, and dedicated second-generation physical therapist, who has given nearly a quarter-century to bettering the lives of those entrusted to her care.
If physical therapists were gold, Vlach would be 24-karat.
Kim is a wonderful and caring wife, a great mother and doting grandmother, who thrives on the benefits of country life. Since 2023, Kim has grown to trust Vlach to assist her through several health-related issues.
The bond between patient and therapist – who work from Rock Valley’s Sioux City, Iowa clinic – began with Kim struggling with the effects of vertigo, a vestibular issue that leaves you with a spinning sensation related to the inner ear.
Struggles with unknown balance issues can cause apprehension for anyone.
Enter Vlach, an expert in all things vestibular, who began working to return Kim to the busy life she knows.
Through balance retraining exercises administered by Vlach, Kim found relief after one visit and after three visits, was rid of her battle with vertigo.
“I knew that she (Kim) was pleased with her progress, and I had gained her trust,’’ said Vlach, the daughter of the late Glen Zeigler, who served the Sioux City, Iowa area as a physical therapist for 40 years.
“She returned to all of her normal activities (busy working, busy grandma, returning to life in the country and active in the county fair).’’
From that point, Kim knew she had someone she could trust and turn to.
“Kate did therapy on my head and neck area during the vertigo issue,’’ Kim said. “She also gave me exercises to do at home. Kate has a way about her to make you feel comfortable. She always asks how you feel while doing physical therapy. My balance was off, and I felt dizzy during the vertigo time. I have only had one episode. We talk about our families and that means a lot. When my therapy was done for vertigo, I asked Kate if she would help me after my knee surgery. Her response was YES. ‘’
Before her vertigo issues, Kim was preparing to have left knee replacement surgery. After finding – and trusting Vlach – she would again turn to the veteran therapist for help with post–surgery rehab.
“I knew I was going to have (the first of what would be two) knee (replacement) surgery,’’ Kim said. “Surgery was in June of 2023 and my physical therapy with Kate went well.’’
That success, though, took work from both sides. Vlach says she was impressed in a big way with the work Kim put in to get better both in and out of the Rock Valley clinic.
“Kim returned a few months later (post vertigo) with a left total knee, presenting new challenges, but this time pain,’’ Vlach, who treats vestibular disorders, orthopedics, neuro-rehab, breast cancer rehabilitation as well as other musculoskeletal disorders, said of Kim.
“She had the normal anxieties and challenges most people have in this situation. Bending her knee was difficult, simple tasks like sitting down were difficult, and learning to walk again was tough. I knew I had to make her feel at ease. I just reassured her that this new knee rehab is a process, and we trusted that process. Her work ethic proved that she would put forth the effort needed to have a great outcome.’’
And it did.
Things went so well that in June of 2025, Kim again turned to Vlach to get her through the rehabilitation process, this time with a right knee replacement.
“That (success) is why I came back for the total right knee,’’ Kim said of the work she and Vlach did to rehabilitate her left knee following replacement surgery. “Before surgery, my knee felt like it was going out. I exercise by walking, and it was really slowing me down.’’
Kim, Kim’s husband and Vlach have formed a tremendous team to better her life and return her to the things she loves to do.
“Kate is an awesome person,’’ Kim shared. “She is very professional, kind and always happy. The first time I met her I knew I would always think of her as a friend besides being the best physical therapist. I know how important it is to attend each of your physical therapy appointments.”
“I know that is why the vertigo and knee appointments have gone so well. I was able to get back on track so quickly with the help of Kate and my husband. He is the best caregiver. His help has made this journey better, too. And the staff at Rock Valley Physical Therapy are nice. When you first walk in, they all make you feel comfortable. I am so happy I am doing my physical therapy at Rock Valley Physical Therapy. ‘’
Vlach says Kim was more than ready to take on the challenge of knee No. 2.
“She was ready to go, no longer intimidated by the process,’’ Vlach noted. “We go beyond the traditional methods of range of motion, strength, etc. Initially it’s important to address the swelling. We stimulate lymphatic drainage, reducing edema as well as addressing scar mobility and joint hypomobilities. Scar mobilization is key around the patella for full flexion and extension. This all leads to improved function.”
“As Kim does her part with her home exercise program and we do our part, this leads to a great outcome,’’ Vlach added. “Kim is a joy to be around. She’s kind, patient, and like your favorite aunt. She is always willing to work hard, even when it hurts, because she knows it will give her the best outcome. When patients take on total knee surgery, it’s just the first step. Rehab is key to a great outcome. Kim takes it to heart and does what she can to help herself. She understands the importance of her home exercise program. When patients do their part, they are a lot happier in the end.’’
On Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 4:30-6:30 P.M., Rock Valley and the Sioux City, Iowa Chamber of Commerce, will join forces for an open house and ribbon-cutting celebration at its Sioux City clinic (915 Pierce St.). For additional information, call (712) 234-8760.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller