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MAY 2025
847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com
Wipeout in Wisconsin I Thought I Knew Pain — Then They Took My Ski Boot Off
Let me start by saying that I’ve been skiing for years. I’ve tackled the slopes of Colorado, braved the mountains of Europe, and somehow, the place that finally took me down was … Wisconsin. Yes, Wisconsin. It’s not exactly the first place you think of when imagining high-level skiing, but here we are. Honestly, I wasn’t doing anything fancy or dangerous on the slopes! Nathan and I were simply taking it easy, but it was just one
I understand why my patients roll their eyes at me when I tell them to do their balance board exercises.
I already know what’s coming — pain, frustration, and a lot of work. I likely have at least a year of recovery and rehabilitation ahead of me. But I’ve seen firsthand what separates my patients who recover well from those who don’t. The key? A positive attitude and consistency. So, I’ll be doing my exercises consistently, managing my swelling, and, yes, probably complaining about the balance board just as much as my patients do. Unfortunately, this injury meant our family had to cancel our big ski trip to Colorado, which was a huge disappointment. I mentioned our plans to head to Breckenridge for spring break in March’s newsletter, and while we were all looking forward to it, I probably won’t be hitting the slopes again any time soon. But hey, at least I’ll have an impressive scar to show off. And if anyone wants to see the X-rays of my bionic leg, stop by the clinic — apparently, they’ve already made their way to the front desk! I also want to give a huge thank you to all my patients, both past and current, who have sent well wishes. The support means the world to me. Now, I’ll focus on recovering as best I can, and you’ll likely find me back at the clinic soon, stretching on the mat just a few feet over from you! –Mike Ulmer
bad move, one unfortunate flip, and before I knew it, I was on the ground, my leg screaming in pain, and my son rushing off to find help. When you work in physical therapy, you get pretty good at identifying injuries. And let me tell you — I knew this was bad. I’m talking about a complete fracture of my lower leg, a
torn meniscus, and a dislocated kneecap. When the snow patrol came to my rescue, they insisted it was just my knee, but I knew my leg was broken. It wasn’t until I explained my job that they were convinced. The real fun started when they told me they had no tools to cut my ski boot off and had to pull it off instead. My son still says he’s never heard me scream that loud before. I believe him. Fast forward through three surgeries, and I am now the proud owner of more metal in my leg than I ever thought possible. I’m currently in a straight-leg immobilizer, non-weight bearing for at least six weeks, and going stir-crazy on my couch. As a physical therapist, I’m usually the one helping patients recover, not the one recovering. But here I am, about to become my own worst nightmare — because now
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Fit at Any Size
Why Fitness Beats BMI in Predicting Long-Term Health
For years, we’ve been told that maintaining a “healthy” weight is the key to longevity. But new research suggests that fitness — not the number on the scale — is the real game-changer. A 2024 study in
had significantly lower risks of death. On the flip side, those with lower VO2 max were 2–3 times more likely to die from any cause, regardless of their BMI . The good news? Improving fitness doesn’t require drastic measures. You don’t need to train for a marathon or spend hours in the gym to boost your aerobic health. The key is
the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who are physically fit, regardless of their body weight, had a lower risk of death than those who
were unfit — even if those unfit individuals had a “normal” BMI. Simply put, being active is far more important than being thin for long-term health.
consistency — moving your body in an enjoyable and sustainable way. Start with simple activities like a daily 20-minute walk, gentle stretching, or a few sets of
BMI, or body mass index, has long been used to measure health risk, but it only considers weight and height, ignoring more crucial factors like muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Researchers behind this new study argue that aerobic fitness — how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together — is a much better indicator of health than weight alone. They found that individuals with higher VO2 max, which measures oxygen use during exercise,
bodyweight exercises. If joint pain is an issue, try swimming or water aerobics, which provide a great workout without putting stress on your knees or hips.
Health isn’t about fitting into a certain dress size — it’s about staying active, feeling strong, and making movement a part of your everyday life. So, forget about obsessing over the scale and focus on what matters: moving more and living better.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back
“As I recover from shoulder surgery, I basically had to start over. I was given a number of exercises that I worked on in the office and continued at home between therapy sessions. Thanks to my therapist, Mike Ulmer, who
“Mandie gave me great suggestions for pool exercises. I worked
with Mandie and I can not praise her
enough. She not only helped me physically with my balance, she helped me mentally by helping me with my confidence. Thank you so much, Mandie.” –Jeannine C. Williams
was outstanding in leading me in the right direction. I am now reaching all of my goals and fully recovered. Thanks for all you did.” –Jamie Arndt
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May is Correct Posture Month, making it the perfect time to rethink how we sit, stand, and move. While posture might not be the first thing on your mind during the day, poor alignment can lead to aches, pains, and even long- term health issues. Fortunately, a few minor, mindful adjustments can make a big difference in how you feel and function. HOW POOR POSTURE TAKES A TOLL Slouching may seem harmless, but over time, it can create serious problems. Poor posture puts excessive strain on your spine and muscles, leading to discomfort and even long-term damage. Common signs of poor posture include: • Rounded shoulders that make you look and feel hunched over. • Persistent back or neck pain that worsens after long periods of sitting. IS POOR POSTURE TO BLAME?
• Frequent headaches caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. • Muscle fatigue that leaves you feeling drained even when you’re not doing much. • Reduced flexibility and mobility due to improper spinal alignment. What causes these issues? A mix of daily habits, including weak muscles, improper workstation setups, prolonged screen time, and carrying heavy bags. Even stress and fatigue can cause you to slump more than you realize!
EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE
Improving your posture doesn’t require a drastic lifestyle overhaul — just a few small changes. Set up an ergonomic workspace by positioning your monitor at eye level and ensuring your shoulders are relaxed while typing. If you sit for long periods, take movement breaks every hour to stand, stretch, or walk around. It’s also vital that you incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises a few times a week to keep your muscles flexible and engaged. Most importantly, check in with yourself throughout the day. If you feel tension or discomfort, adjust your position to relieve the strain. Good posture isn’t just about looking confident. It’s about feeling better, moving better, and living better. If pain or stiffness is holding you back, our physical therapy team is here to help you realign, strengthen, and move with ease!
WHY GOOD POSTURE IS A GAME-CHANGER
When your posture is aligned, your muscles and joints experience less strain, which makes movement easier and reduces pain. Better posture also means deeper breathing, fewer headaches, improved circulation, and even a boost in confidence. Plus, engaging your core and back muscles throughout the day helps improve strength and balance, ultimately reducing your risk of injury.
Sudoku
Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups
INGREDIENTS • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (about 2 lbs) • 3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped • 2 medium sweet red peppers, chopped • 1 medium onion, chopped • 1 (8-oz) can unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained • 1/2 cup reduced- sodium soy sauce • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp pepper • 3 tbsp cornstarch • 3 tbsp water • 24 lettuce leaves for serving
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
DIRECTIONS 1. In 4- or 5-quart slow cooker, combine roast, carrots, peppers, and onion. 2. In small bowl, stir together the next 6 ingredients; pour over roast. 3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Remove roast, let cool slightly, then shred. 4. Skim fat from cooking juices, then transfer juices and vegetables to a small saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. 5. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water, stir mixture into juices, and cook 3–4 minutes until sauce is thickened. 6. Return beef, sauce, and vegetables to slow cooker; cook for 10–15 minutes. 7. Serve beef in lettuce leaves.
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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
Ski Trip Gone Wrong: When a PT Needs PT PAGE 1 Why You Should Focus on Fitness Instead of Weight Loss PAGE 2 Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2 The Secret to Less Pain and More Energy? Better Posture! PAGE 3 Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Lettuce Cups PAGE 3 Europe’s Hidden Paradise: The Hawaii of the
Atlantic PAGE 4
Religious festivals and traditional holidays abound on these predominantly Roman Catholic islands, an autonomous region of Portugal. Beyond that, however, the islands’ culture, dialect, and cuisine vary widely. The largest island, São Miguel, is home to numerous hot springs and Europe’s only two tea plantations. An emblematic nature area, Sete Cidades, includes the famed Lagoa Azul (blue lagoon) and Lagoa Verde (green lagoon). Numerous healing hot springs in Furnas offer opportunities for wellness and relaxation seekers. Ilheu de Vila Franca, a flooded crater islet accessible from the southern shore of São Miguel, offers exceptional visibility of unique marine life, plus snorkeling, swimming, and cliff diving. Wine lovers will enjoy the island of Pico, where vintners produce the islands’ complex volcanic wines. The Azores Wine Company offers tastings, tours, and overnight stays. The island of Santa Maria has the only white-sand beaches in the region. And Faial Island’s bountiful hydrangea gardens have earned it the nickname “The Blue Island.” Foodies will also enjoy famous local foods, including octopus stewed in wine, kale soup, fried mackerel, and fresh yogurt and cheeses. Taken together, the Azores have something to delight any traveler.
If a trek through timeless volcanic landscapes dotted with crater lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs, plus access to awe-inspiring marine life sounds inviting, the Azores may be the vacation spot for you! The Azores are an increasingly popular tourist destination, often called “the Hawaii of Europe” for their remote mid-ocean location and volcanic origins. The archipelago encompasses nine major islands 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal and is one of the best whale- watching sites in the world. Visitors should plan their trip from the end of April to the beginning of May to view larger migratory species, such as the blue whale. The rocky shorelines of the Azores ascend as high as 7,713 feet atop the Ponta de Pico on the island of Pico. The islands’ untamed beauty offers plenty of outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking. The climate is subtropical, with year-round temperatures ranging from 57 to 71 degrees Fahrenheit. A Journey Back in Time ESCAPE TO THE AZORES
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