Lori Pundt is warm and friendly, a laugh-a-minute type.
She is, as some would say, a “hoot.’’
Pundt is also a giver, fiercely dedicated to her family and wonderfully old-fashioned, yet she possesses the ability to easily handle today’s world.
Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Nicole “Nikki’’ Williams, PT, MPT, is a compassionate, knowledgeable therapist, who is the poster person for “patient first.’’ She possesses the uncanny ability to find a positive in every situation tossed her way and lives each day to better the lives of those she serves at Rock Valley’s Mount Pleasant, Iowa, clinic.
Located at 100 North Main, nestled in the middle of gorgeous downtown Mount Pleasant, the clinic has recently added nearby Winfield native Haley Rodgers, PT, DPT, as its manager. The ever dedicated and caring Rodgers is excited at the opportunity to better the lives of those in a community that holds such a special place in her heart.
And when it comes to Williams and Pundt, they make a wonderful team.
“My rheumatologist referred me (to Rock Valley), believing physical therapy would be a great way to ease my pain and get me back on my feet,’’ Pundt said.
It was the right call.
In early 2024, Pundt, a keeper of a neat and tidy home, struggled with everyday chores like vacuuming, washing dishes, folding laundry. The narrowing of her spine was causing her severe discomfort and keeping her from all that is “normal’’ to her busy day.
“I was hurting,’’ said Pundt, who has spent a lifetime of doing, but has long suffered from Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes widespread pain in the muscles and soft tissues of the body, along with other symptoms. It is something Pundt has learned – with help – to work around.
The spine issue, however, nearly shut down the always-on-the-go and full of life mother and grandmother.
“I have a tolerance for pain, but this was beyond that,’’ Pundt added.
A ball of energy and a breath of optimistic sunshine, Williams and Pundt went to work to fix the issue.
Employing several strengthening exercises to the affected area and to Pundt’s core, the two worked diligently to return the mother of three grown males to her everyday routine.
“She has been amazing,’’ Williams, a mother of five, who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Sciences and Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Northern Illinois University, said of Pundt.
“We started with some basic health principles and emphasized work on specific areas and talked about proper hydration and other ways that would help Lori,’’ said Willaims. “We incorporated massage as well to help her find relief. What I found immediately is Lori is determined, she is dedicated, and she wants to get better. She listened, she worked extremely hard and understood what she needed to do to get better. There were challenges, but together – every step of the way – we made it work.’’
What impressed Williams – now that Pundt has successfully completed treatment (released May 23, 2024) – is her ability to do her “homework.’’
“Ask her and she will tell you she has bands and physio balls at home and did – and continues to do – the work outside the clinic necessary to be better,’’ Williams said. “It is important to keep that part up and have it be part of one’s daily routine. Lori was phenomenal when we were together, but I also admired her work outside these walls. Her dedication to her family and all that she does for it, utterly amazes me. Her hard work away from the clinic – along with her work inside these walls – is why she is able return to doing the things she needs and wants to do.’’
A patient often sees a Rock Valley therapist at a low point, struggling with a physical issue, relying on the therapist’s knowledge, care, and compassion to better their life. Pundt put total trust in Williams and Williams answered the call.
Today, they consider each other friends.
“We will monitor every issue and if Lori needs anything we will be here,’’ said Williams, who notes getting people back to doing what they love to do and getting to know them is a huge reason she does what she does. “I am glad we could have a positive impact on Lori. She has had a wonderful impact on me. Outside of what we do in the clinic, we have lots to talk about when it comes to our families. She is such an amazing person. I love that we get to help people get back to doing what they love to do and get to know them in the process.’’
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller