With an ear-to-ear grin and enthusiasm oozing from every word, Lynn Gustafson extolled the virtues of a recent walk about her neighborhood, exercising at home and a message to friends to kindly, “hold her accountable.’’
Round 2 has been a rousing success.
“I had knee issues – swelling, arthritis and discomfort in 2023,’’ the upbeat Gustafson said while sitting – and sharing – a moment with Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Kristin Czuba, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA, Certified LSVT BIG Provider.
“I even had issues with a cataract. Kristin helped me get through all that and then gave me what I needed to maintain after therapy. Well, I don’t think I did as well as I should have with the tools that were given me.’’
That, it must be noted, has changed. Oh my, has it changed.
In December of 2024, Gustafson suffered a small fracture of her right knee. Pain and swelling followed not only in the affected area, but about the rest of Gustafson’s body. In fact, swelling and an oxygen-related issue, found Gustafson in a local emergency room for a period of eight hours.
Post ER visit, Gustafson turned back to the ever-dedicated Czuba and Rock Valley’s Rock Island, Illinois-based clinic to rehabilitate her knee. Following a thorough evaluation, Czuba went to work to improve Gustafson’s knee issue and her overall health.
The results have been beyond positive. There has been resolve and a dedicated – and daily – effort by Gustafson to get – and stay – better.
“Lynn is wonderful,’’ Czuba said. “I believe once some things got in line with her overall health, she knew she could focus on her knee, build strength in her lower half and reach her goals. I love being around her and I love that she continues to hold herself accountable. I love that she wants to share the positive side of staying with things.’’
Czuba, in guiding Gustafson through her knee rehabilitation, challenged the 73-year-old with a bevy of strength and coordination exercises. All to which Gustafson responded. Dedicated to maintaining strides made in the clinic, Gustafson has continued to progress at home, working on a variety of daily exercises designed to address strength, mobility and balance.
“We simply re-thought Lynn’s approach,’’ Czuba said. “And she bought in and has done a great job. Nothing is easy, but Lynn realized if you set time aside – outside Rock Valley and after you are released – you can build on the improvements that were made in the clinic.”
“I knew Lynn would work hard here, but she has continued to do things at home that have made a difference,’’ added Czuba. “I know there is the walk – from her house to our clinic – that is a goal. And steps to the porch at home is also something she is working on as well. Lynn is doing her homework and holding herself accountable.’’
Gustafson says it was important to take some personal inventory this time through therapy.
“I contacted four friends and asked them if they could remind me, I have work to do,’’ said Gustafson. “And they have been great. I needed to realize 10 minutes – just 10 minutes out of my day – can make a difference. When I put my coffee in the microwave to warm it up, I can exercise. I’ve changed my diet and began to have fun with this. I want to tell – and show– people you can get better and maintain it. I don’t want to take five steps forward and then take three steps back anymore. So much of my getting better is because of Kristin.’’
There is another reason Gustafson has worked hard to get better. For Christmas 2024, her daughter purchased her a ticket to see Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.
“It is motivation,’’ she said of the tribute to the legendary singer. “Continue getting better and be able to navigate all the walking – and seats in the balcony – and effort that comes with seeing something so special. I am a huge Neil Diamond fan – saw him when he opened The Mark of the Quad Cities (in 1994) – and have always loved his music and that he is such a wonderful person.’’
For Gustafson, there will always be challenges. She knows, however, if there are issues along her path, she has a lifetime of support with Czuba and Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
“Knowing there is someone there to support me is important,’’ Gustafson said of Czuba and Rock Valley. “Even if I just need to stop in to talk, Kristin is there for me. One of my goals is to walk to this clinic (Rock Island) and then make it back home.’’
A goal – with the new Gustafson approach – that is within reach.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller