The wind whipped the thick, early-spring sleet sideways.
As dark, damp and cold as the day was on the outside of Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s North Liberty, Iowa, clinic, things were warm-and-inviting on the inside.
Why?
Nicolle Cabalka, CM, PT, DPT/Clinic Manager and Catherine Herman, PT, DPT, LSVT BIG, two compassionate and gifted Rock Valley therapists, were standing guard.
Cabalka, the latest addition at North Liberty, began as clinic manager in early April 2024, following a successful run at Rock Valley-Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa Vestibular site at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Cabalka’s ultra-positive style is enhanced by her many abilities as a therapist, including specialties in concussion management, dry needling, pelvic floor, TMD/TMJ, and vestibular therapy. She is the perfect fit for her new role in guiding a clinic and her continued work as a skilled and knowledgeable therapist.
Herman, it must be noted, has played a tremendous and vital role in the success and growth of the North Liberty clinic, which has become an important piece to what is one of fastest-growing cities in the state of Iowa.
“I wanted to help people and make a difference in people’s lives,’’ Cabalka said, when quizzed as to why she chose such a rewarding career. “And I went through the take-to-and-pickup-from side of therapy with my dad who fractured his fibula. He could not drive while rehabbing. He also had a torn ACL, MCL and meniscus. Full brace. Going through all that piqued my interest.’’
Herman’s first glimpse into the world of physical therapy was eerily similar.
“One of my brothers suffered a broken tibia playing football his senior year of high school,’’ said Herman, who earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Iowa.
“My brother would go on to become a physical therapist. I watched what he went through with his leg. I was also playing a sport, following in his footsteps, and went through something similar, but not as drastic.
“I had a stress fracture but never benefited from physical therapy,’’ continued Herman. “Then I think about those two experiences. Things could have been different if I had PT. And I think about it with patients and my role, making sure they get the care they need in what is really a tough period in their lives. It all kind of played a role in where I am.’’
When asked to assess all that comes with leading a clinic, a wide grin crossed the face of Cabalka, her voice raised an octave, and her hands became part of the discussion. She is excited and focused on her mission.
“My biggest want is to reach more people in the community,’’ Cabalka said. “I have lived here for a little bit and found it to be a wonderful place. We are working to make ourselves more known and build upon what has been done so far, but make sure people know we are here, we can help, and we want to help.’’
Herman, versed in specialties like TMJ/TMD and LSVT Big, has starred on the vestibular side for the North Liberty clinic.
A vestibular disorder occurs when a disease, condition, or injury interferes with your body’s balance system. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an exercise-based treatment program designed to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution.
“There has been a positive response,’’ Herman said of her vestibular work at North Liberty. “Once people started to find out they could come here for treatment, that they didn’t have to travel a distance for help, things progressed. Then you start seeing family members, cousins, neighbors and it grows from there.’’
Gifted, compassionate and knowledgeable, Herman says her vestibular prowess grew out of her willingness to try something new at an early stage in her career.
“It is rewarding, that’s part of it,’’ Herman said of why she chose vestibular as one of her specialties. “The first place I worked – an orthopedic setting – no one else was doing it and no one wanted to touch it. I started with basic BPPV/vertigo (a common disorder of the inner ear) and enjoyed making a difference. It’s scary for those who have to deal with it, but there is a great sense of relief when you can help. It’s also something you can correct quicker than an orthopedic issue. The rewards of helping someone get back to everyday life are tremendous.’’
Both Cabalka and Herman are excited to be “Making Better Lives’’ in North Liberty, doing so with like-minded people, with patient-first values.
“You hear that cliche that Rock Valley is a family,’’ said Cabalka. “What is special is that you find out it is true and you are cared about, your opinion is valued, and great patient care is always at the top of everyone’s list. It has been rewarding to find out Rock Valley truly is a family.’’
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller