This story is shared with admiration, gratitude, and with the permission of Jim, his incredible PT, Bethany Richerson, and his support team at ProRehab Evansville.
Jim’s story is one of committed and grit. His passion is serving as a long-time collegiate girls’ softball umpire, but complications and a post-op infection following a routine right knee meniscectomy in November 2024 through Jim a curveball he was less familiar with.
Post-Surgical Complications (Nov 2024–Jan 2025): Due to Jim’s post-op infection, he required two surgical debridements. The second procedure confirmed an E. coli infection, which led to an eight-day hospital stay for IV antibiotics. During treatment, his liver enzymes spiked, prompting additional monitoring and home health care. Jim was followed closely by an infectious disease specialist and began home health physical therapy before transitioning to outpatient care.
A Critical Start to Rehab: Jim’s orthopedic surgeon referred him to ProRehab Evansville and Bethany Richerson, PT, DPT, and Regional Director, due to significant stiffness. At evaluation, his knee flexion was just 55 degrees, far below functional. Weekly check-ins with his surgeon reflected the severity of concern as Jim’s mobility was extremely limited.
Unexpected Obstacles for a Dedicated Umpire: Jim plans his life around the college softball season and had his original surgery during the offseason with the intention to return by late January. Although his recovery took a sharp detour with the infection, Jim remained determined not to miss the season. He entered PT with the ProRehab Team and Bethany highly motivated, despite excruciating pain.
Pushing Through the Pain: Early sessions were brutal. Jim often needed his wife to drive him so he could take pain medication beforehand. Therapy was so intense he bit down on a towel while stretching to manage the pain. It often took a three-person team to position and support him during aggressive manual therapy.
“There were days I screamed through a towel just to bend my knee—but I never gave up.”
Staying the Course – No More Surgery: Despite multiple surgeries and three rounds of anesthesia in just months, Jim and his physician were committed to avoiding additional operations. Weekly calls between therapist and surgeon kept his care aligned, with both agreeing to continue pushing Jim’s limits if progress was possible.
A Turning Point: Progress came slowly until one pivotal session of prone stretching. Jim felt a strong “pop” in his knee, and with it, a breakthrough in his range of motion. From that point forward, therapy advanced quickly as he regained flexibility and began rebuilding strength.
Triumphant Return: By early February, Jim turned a major corner. He resumed umpiring collegiate softball and only missed a couple of weeks of the season. Now running confidently again, Jim’s perseverance – and the ProRehab team effort behind him – made his return possible.
