Physically, life can oftentimes be a daunting roller-coaster ride.
Cedar Falls, Iowa’s Melinda Wilmer has had a first-class ticket to plenty of physical ups and downs along life’s path.
Not once, however, has Wilmer backed down from a challenge.
Wilmer’s journey to good health has been boosted by Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Brandon Eckholm, PT, DPT, and Rock Valley’s Waterloo, Iowa clinic.
“Brandon is one of the best physical therapists I have ever worked with,’’ Wilmer shared. “He is kind and honest. Also, he is upbeat, especially at 7 A.M. You can tell his dedication to his patients and coworkers. My therapy appointments are the highlight of my week, not only to work with Brandon, but I also must give credit to (Clinical Experience Associate) Lindsey Jensen, who has also been a big part of my PT as well. When I come in, she always makes me feel welcome and I love the attitude that she exudes.”
“It’s like working with friends, not just another day of physical therapy,’’ Wilmer added. “Brandon doesn’t make me feel bad if I can’t get something right the first time. He empowers me to be the best I can be. I would recommend him to anyone who needs help. And the fact that they (Rock Valley’s Waterloo clinic) give back to the community with their drives and the different holiday things that they do to keep the office festive and fun, is what makes them unique.’’
Forever upbeat and determined, Wilmer suffers from a hypermobile version of Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome. EDS is a group of 13-plus inheritable genetic disorders affecting collagen, resulting in weakened connective tissues. Key symptoms include joint hypermobility/dislocations, skin hyperextensibility, and fragility. There is no cure, but management includes physical therapy.
With Wilmer’s dogged determination and Eckholm’s expertise, the two have battled through Wilmer’s hip surgery – pre-and-post-operative – fought off chronic pain and together have tenaciously worked through a pair of life-stopping vestibular issues.
“I was told I needed to protect my joints and should work with a physical therapist,’’ Wilmer said, noting that Eckholm is no longer allowed to doubt her expertise when recognizing who the artist is when a song comes over the Rock Valley clinic airwaves.
“I have seen Melinda for multiple issues including bilateral hip labral repairs from femoroacetabular impingement, BPPV, and hypermobility from EDS diagnosis which probably contributed most likely to hip pathology,’’ Eckholm shared. “A little bit of everything. My plan was to provide an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere to help her get through something that isn’t fun to go through. The rehab process can be daunting, especially post-surgical anything. Getting Melinda back to as normal as possible is always a priority as well as making the experience not so horrible to go through.’’
Through hard work, dedication, and intense desire to get better, Wilmer has made tremendous strides, earning high praise from Eckholm. She has tackled all her issues with vigor, humor, and a perfect attitude.
“Melinda was ready to get going from the start,’’ Eckholm said. “Some people take a little time to warm up to you, but she was receptive to my style of therapy which is certainly going to be more about getting to know you and providing some humor when appropriate.’’
Getting Wilmer back to her normal routine, reaching her health-related goals, has been a priority for Eckholm, but doing it in a way that the experience – and all that comes with it – is enjoyable. He says her work inside, and outside Rock Valley walls, should be lauded.
“Some people like the more serious style which I can adapt to but certainly appreciate the back-and-forth banter which makes it fun,’’ Eckholm added, noting Wilmer has an enthusiastic sense of humor that mixes well with her drive and determination to get better. “Melinda was about taking her rehab seriously and I don’t believe she would have made the progress she has without being consistent outside of the clinic. She always brings a good attitude, is ready to work and does what is asked of her because she wants to keep getting better.’’
Wilmer’s appreciation of Eckholm, his knowledge, compassion and ability to help her get better, is on display every time she needs physical therapy. It’s then that she turns to Eckholm who has answered the bell successfully with each health-related issue Wilmer has fought.
“I came back for (therapy) after surgery on my right hip,’’ Wilmer said. “We started out simple with what the protocol from the surgeon required after both surgeries and gradually worked up my strength with using the leg press, the new step machine and exercises I can incorporate into my gym routine,’’ Wilmer added. “We have also used dry needling to help with my jaw (TMJ pain) neck and shoulder and hip pain. And since EDS is a connective tissue disorder, it affects so many of the body’s systems. Because of this I was also having dizziness and my neurologist thought it could be vertigo. I mentioned this to Brandon, and he checked me out and found out it wasn’t vertigo, but vestibular nerve damage. Brandon gave me exercises to work on and it has improved so much.’’
“Months after my PT for my right hip had ended, I started noticing that I was having pain issues again and went back to see Brandon,’’ Wilmer continued. “Of course, with my EDS other parts of my body had some issues. I started noticing dizziness again, but it was different this time. This time it was vertigo. We worked on a maneuver to help with the dizziness. The whole time I had been a patient at Rock Valley, Brandon has always given me printed-out exercises that I can use at home or at the gym. And if I don’t have the same type of equipment, he helps give me ideas on what I substitute for them.’’
Eckholm and Wilmer…A lesson in great teamwork.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller