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APRIL 2025
847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com
Why Laughter and Healing Go Hand-in-Hand How We Build Community, One Themed Friday at a Time
Making physical therapy fun might sound like a challenge, but we’ve made it a priority at our clinic. After all, most of our patients aren’t exactly thrilled to be here — they’re dealing with pain, recovering from surgery, or struggling with balance. It’s not always an easy journey, but we believe healing doesn’t have to feel like a chore. April 1 is International Fun Day at Work (on top of being April Fools’ Day), so why not share how we’ve made our clinic a place where our team and patients can share a few laughs, enjoy a positive atmosphere, and look forward to coming in? One of the best ways we bring fun into our clinic is through “ Festive Fridays.” We pick a different theme every month and encourage our team and patients to dress up and participate. During football season, you’ll find us sporting our favorite team’s gear. When the weather cools down, we might have a flannel day (though I have to admit, I run hot in the clinic, so that one wasn’t my favorite). And don’t even get me started on all the ugly sweaters at Christmas — some of those should come with a warning label … Then there’s Sparkle Wars for New Year’s, which has taken on a life of its own. Everyone competes
to wear the most over-the-top, glitter-covered outfit possible (except for me — I opt for minimal sparkle, but I still appreciate the effort). Patients love it, and we always post reminders on our front desk board so they know what’s coming up and can join in. You’d be surprised how many people get excited about picking out an outfit for physical therapy! Beyond the dress-up days, we also celebrate team birthdays in style. My wife, Emilie, is an incredible baker, and she always makes a special dessert for whoever’s birthday it is. And, of course, we don’t keep all the fun to ourselves. Patients get to enjoy the treats, too, because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little sugar boost every now and then? One of the most beloved members of our team isn’t even human. We have Fred, our clinic skeleton. Fred was originally meant to be an educational tool, but he’s become a mascot over time. Every month, Fred gets a new outfit to match the theme. He’s been everything from the Easter Bunny to Santa Claus, and patients love seeing what he’ll be dressed as next.
patients come to us during some of the most challenging times in their lives, and our job is to help them get back to doing the things they love. But that doesn’t mean the journey has to be all hard work and no fun. Creating a welcoming, lighthearted environment helps people stay motivated, engaged, and positive about their progress. And it’s not just for the patients but also our team. Work can be stressful, no matter how much you love what you do. These little traditions give us something to look forward to and keep morale high. It builds camaraderie and makes the clinic feel more like a community than a workplace. Even though I might grumble about the dress-up days (yes, I always participate), I can’t deny they add something special to our clinic. I may not know what Festive Friday will bring in April, but I’ll leave that decision to the team. I know that whatever it is, Fred will be dressed up, the patients will be smiling, and we’ll all be having a little fun while doing what we love. And really, that’s what it’s all about. –Mike Ulmer
Ultimately, we know physical therapy is serious business. Our
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Are Sugar Substitutes Worth the Tradeoff?
Know the Facts About Artificial Sweeteners
The U.S. market for soda is worth over $200 billion, fueled by the average American’s annual consumption of nearly 40 gallons of soft drinks — including diet soda. While staying hydrated is good, sending lots of chemical sweeteners into our digestive tracts may not be.
Similarly, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes are more likely due to underlying health issues like excessive weight than consuming artificial sweeteners. In the last decade, more natural sugar alternatives have become available, like stevia, agave, monk fruit, and allulose. Diet soda manufacturers have yet
people still suffer side effects from drinking diet soda. The sugar alcohols in diet sodas are linked to intestinal distress, and one scientist points to a potential link between laboratory-created sweeteners and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The importance of our stomach’s microbiome is new to science, and all impacts are under intense scrutiny. Sugar-free beverages may be a better choice than sugar-infused drinks because they don’t cause insulin spikes, but the Mayo Clinic warns that frequent consumption of any type of sweetened drink can become habit-forming, making it hard to return to drinking plain water, which is the optimal choice for health. As with most food trends, we should be informed, listen to our bodies, and make wise choices about what we drink and eat.
Concern for serious health issues started in the early 1970s when scientists linked cyclamate and saccharine, popular synthetic sweeteners, to cancer. Congress banned cyclamate but wouldn’t ban saccharine.
to incorporate these into their soft drinks, but they are experimenting. The Coca-Cola Company uses stevia along with erythritol (another new sugar substitute) in its
Vitamin Water Zero.
More recent studies determined that obesity is related to many types of cancer, and obese people are more likely to consume lots of diet soda.
Artificial sweeteners do provide some benefits, including fewer cavities, lower blood sugar, and less weight gain. However, some
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back
“I had a wonderful experience at Kinetic Physical Therapy Huntley. When I came here, I had a lot of shoulder pain and was unable to do much activity with my left shoulder. Following my therapy sessions, I am
“Thank you, Emilie, for taking great
care of me! I couldn’t walk at all a month
ago. I was using crutches just to get around. Two sessions later, I was using a cane. Today, I don’t use anything!” –Geri Stockwell
no longer in pain, and my range of motion has increased tremendously. I can now get back to doing physical activities. The staff at Kinetic are phenomenal, from the front desk to the therapist. I strongly recommend Kinetic Huntley to anyone in need of physical therapy.” –George Nwogu
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PICKLEBALL PAINS? Keep Playing Without the Aches
• Shoulder Injuries: Overhead shots and serves can cause shoulder impingement or rotator cuff issues. • Tennis Elbow (aka Pickleball Elbow): It’s not just for tennis players — repetitive motions can cause inflammation in the tendons around your elbow. • Sprained Ankles: Quick lateral movements make your ankles vulnerable to twists and sprains. HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP If you’re feeling the strain from your time on the court, physical therapy can be a game-changer. We focus on treating the root causes of your pain, whether from muscular imbalances, poor range of motion, improper technique, or even wearing the wrong footwear. Our team will help you regain strength, improve flexibility, and fine-tune your form to prevent future injuries. FEELING THE PAIN? GET A FREE SCREENING! Don’t let nagging aches keep you off the court. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms — or just want to make sure you’re playing at your best — schedule a free screening with us. We’ll assess your movement, identify problem areas, and get you back to playing without pain.
April is National Pickleball Month, and if you haven’t heard, pickleball isn’t just a fad — it’s the fastest- growing sport in the country, with an estimated 36 million players hitting the courts. Whether you’re a die-hard pickleball enthusiast or proudly waving the tennis flag in the great court rivalry, one thing’s for sure: Both sports come with their fair share of injuries. At our clinic, we see plenty of pickleball and tennis players, and we understand the last things you want are aches and pains from swinging a paddle or racquet. Protect your passion for pickleball by learning about common injuries and how to treat them! COMMON PICKLEBALL ( AND TENNIS ) INJURIES According to a 2021 study examining pickleball injuries, sprains, strains, and contusions are the most frequent culprits. Here are the most common injuries we treat: • Achilles Tendinitis: That quick sprint to the net can strain your Achilles tendon, leading to pain and stiffness. • Wrist Strains: All those fast volleys and awkward falls can stress your wrists.
Sudoku
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken
Inspired by DietDoctor.com
This keto-friendly chicken dish is packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein. It’s the perfect weeknight option for a quick, tasty meal.
INGREDIENTS • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on • Salt and pepper, to taste • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 lemon, zest and juice • 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400 F and season chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken skin-side down until crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook 2 more minutes; remove from skillet and set aside. 3. Melt butter in skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, cream, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 3 minutes. 4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake in oven for 15–20 minutes or until cooked through (165 F internal temperature). Garnish with parsley before serving.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
847-515-8970 www.KineticPTS.com
11920 Oak Creek Parkway Huntley, IL 60142
INSIDE
The Secret Ingredient to Recovery? A Little Bit of Fun PAGE 1 How Much Do You Know About Diet Soda? PAGE 2 Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2 Ace Your Pickleball Game Without the Aches and Pains PAGE 3
Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken PAGE 3
Escape to Paradise: Savoring the Beauty and History of Antigua PAGE 4
Although Antigua covers only 108 square miles, it has a rich history and cultural traditions. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park offers archaeological sites and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The 8th of March Project commemorates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who labored on the docks for centuries. Energetic hikers can make their way up a steep trail to Shirley Heights, 492 feet above sea level, to enjoy a panoramic view across the sea. Among Antigua’s unique attractions is the centuries- old artisan craft of forming tamarind seeds into jewelry and home decor. The island is also home to one of the rarest fruits in the world, the Antigua black pineapple, which is sweet and delicious sliced fresh or in jelly form. Also, a weekly archaeological tour called “Rum in the Ruins” offers a history of the sugar trade and the island’s famous rum. Antigua’s Summer Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The celebration began when people took to the streets in 1834 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and independence from England. Visitors to the Carnival today can enjoy wildly colorful costumes and 10 days of music, dancing, and parades. Among the most memorable experiences are steel band competitions playing calypso and soca music.
Can you imagine escaping to a tropical island where you can visit a different beach every day for a year without ever seeing the same one twice? It’s not a fantasy. It’s Antigua. Antigua has long been known for its 365 beaches, from Halfmoon Bay’s silvery sands to Galley Bay Beach’s surfing waves. Unique for its history and native crafts, this eastern Caribbean island is rich in recreational and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty. Christopher Columbus encountered Antigua in 1493, and the British subsequently colonized the island and neighboring Barbuda in the 1600s. Barbuda was originally planned as a slave-breeding colony, but the enslaved people brought to the island rebelled against colonial rule. After years of domination by the United Journey Through Time DISCOVER THE ENDLESS BEACHES AND VIBRANT CULTURE OF ANTIGUA
Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence as a single nation in 1981.
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