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SEPTEMBER 2025
847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com
18 Years in the Blink of an Eye How My Youngest Son and Business Grew Up Side by Side
Somehow, I blinked, and my youngest son, Nathan, is about to turn 18. Yep, 18. His birthday falls on Sept. 30, and while you know it’s inevitable, your child’s 18th birthday is just one of those milestones that sneaks up on you. That number signifies their official step into adulthood, but every parent knows there’s still a long road ahead before “adulthood” really clicks. Nathan’s birthday is stamped into the foundation of my life in more ways than one. He was born in 2007, and just three months later, on Jan. 1, 2008, we opened the doors to our physical therapy clinic. That’s right, our business and our youngest share
As for this year’s birthday plans? Nothing extravagant on the books yet. Knowing Nathan, he’d probably prefer a quiet sushi dinner over a huge party. He’s got a girlfriend now, and honestly, he’s probably more excited about celebrating with her than hanging out with dear old Dad. But who knows? His big brother might drive back from college to join us, at least for a weekend. I’ll take what I can get.
I won’t lie. It feels like a major milestone for me, too. It’s hard not to get a little reflective. Nathan’s growing up. Soon he’ll be heading off on his own adventure, just like Zach did. And yeah, having two kids in college at the same time is enough to make me break out in a sweat, but it’s also exciting. I know we’ve still got a few more years of “Dad, can you help with this?” ahead. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
almost the same timeline. When people ask me how long I’ve been in business, it’s easy to remember. However old Nathan is? That’s how long we’ve been open.
Honestly, this kid has grown up inside the clinic walls. I’ve got memories of him as
a toddler riding the stationary bikes with tiny feet that barely reach the pedals. He and his big brother, Zach, used to build elaborate obstacle courses out of therapy bands, foam rollers, and exercise balls while I worked. It would take me an hour to clean up the “masterpieces” they left behind, but those were some of my favorite times. As he’s gotten older, he’s pitched in at events, hauling tables and equipment, and helped set up seminars. He’s part of the fabric of this place, just like the rest of us. Now, here we are, 18 years later. He’s in his senior year, visiting colleges, and starting the next phase of his life. He hasn’t picked a school yet, but he’s leaning toward staying in-state or somewhere nearby. Tuition aside, having him close is something I wouldn’t mind.
There’s something about watching your youngest hit this juncture that makes you pause. I know Nathan’s got big things ahead, and I’m proud to watch him figure it all out. But I also know we’ve still got a little more time under the same roof, and I’ll be right here, cheering him on every step of the way. Happy 18th, Nathan. I’ve loved every minute of watching you grow up alongside this business, and I’ll love watching you take on this next chapter just as much. No matter where you go or what you do, you’ll always have a place to land and a dad cheering you on every step of the way. The best is still ahead. –Mike Ulmer
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Do you ever find yourself reaching for chocolate late at night or suddenly craving salty chips in the middle of the afternoon? You’re not alone and definitely not “lacking willpower.” Food cravings are a complex mix of biology, psychology, and emotional cues, and understanding them can help you respond in healthier, more intentional ways. CRAVINGS ARE A UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE. Studies show that over 90% of people experience food cravings, with women more likely to crave sweet foods like chocolate, and men more often craving savory options like meat or pizza. So, if you’ve ever thought you were alone in your cravings, know that this is a near-universal human experience. YOUR BRAIN’S REWARD SYSTEM IS DRIVING THE URGE. Cravings often originate in the brain’s limbic system, responsible for behavior, emotion, and long-term memory. When you’re stressed or low, your brain searches for a quick dopamine hit, the “feel-good” chemical. Foods high in sugar, fat, or salt can deliver The Real Psychology Behind Cravings It’s Not Just a Lack of Willpower PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back “My pain has decreased significantly. This is the second time I’ve had Amanda for PT. Both times I have seen progress. My knees and hips have gotten stronger. I have better balance. My pain has decreased significantly!
that boost quickly, which is why comfort foods are hard to resist. PROCESSED FOODS FOSTER ADDICTION. Research from the University of Michigan has shown that highly processed foods can stimulate the brain’s reward centers in ways similar to addictive substances. That’s why stopping after one cookie or chip can feel nearly impossible — the brain is wired to want more. CRAVINGS MAY SIGNAL PHYSICAL NEEDS. Not all cravings are emotional. Sometimes, your body is genuinely trying to tell you something. For example, craving chocolate may indicate a magnesium deficiency, while craving salty foods can indicate dehydration or a lack of electrolytes. That said, it’s essential to pause and assess. Not every craving means your body needs that exact food. MEMORIES AND EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS PLAY A ROLE. Many food cravings are tied to learned behaviors and emotional associations. If you were rewarded with sweets as a child, your brain might now associate ice cream with comfort or safety. These conditioned patterns are powerful, but you can reprogram them. Food cravings aren’t just about what’s in the pantry. They’re about what’s happening in your brain, body, and emotions. When you understand the drivers of your cravings, you can make choices that support your well-being instead of fighting these urges blindly.
“What Expertise! I had a history of bilateral rotator cuff tears and subsequent surgeries many years ago. Over the past year, my shoulders, neck, and back started hurting again, and my range of motion was
restricted. I attended a free session at Kinetic and then decided that I wanted to be free of all the pain. The office staff helped me with medical clearance. I signed up for PT and Emilie was a great therapist. She focused on my needs by listening and observing. What Expertise! The exercises helped me achieve a greatly increased range of motion, more strength, and the absence of pain! Thank You!” – Fred Kimmel
Amanda came up with new ideas and ways to treat my issues. She is encouraging at therapy and gives me lots of exercises to do at home to complement the therapy here. SHE’S THE BEST!” – Nancy Keating
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YOU FINISHED PT… NOW WHAT? Keep the Momentum Going After Physical Therapy
You’ve put in the work. You’ve stretched, lifted, lunged, and maybe even grumbled through your physical therapy sessions. But now that your PT plan is wrapping up, there’s one big question: How do you ensure your progress sticks? The truth is that recovery doesn’t end with your last therapy session. In fact, the real challenge (and opportunity) starts the moment you leave our clinic. CRAFT A PLAN THAT FITS YOUR LIFE. Before your final session, sit down with your physical therapist and map out a long-term plan. You’ve worked too hard to just “wing it” from here. Your therapist can help you design a realistic fitness routine that keeps you strong and active without overwhelming your schedule. They can even teach you how to adjust your exercises over time so you can continue to improve safely. Consider it your road map to lifelong wellness. STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR PT. Discharged doesn’t mean disconnected! Your physical therapist is still your go-to for questions or advice. Whether you’ve forgotten how to do an exercise, need a fresh challenge, or feel something isn’t quite right, reach
out. We’re always here to offer guidance, tweak your plan, or schedule a quick check-in to keep you on track. MAKE RECOVERY PART OF YOUR ROUTINE. Here’s a secret: Your body doesn’t get stronger during workouts. It gets stronger during recovery. Prioritize rest days, aim for quality sleep, and don’t underestimate the power of hydration! Keeping your body hydrated helps ease soreness, speed up recovery, and improve flexibility. WATCH FOR WARNING SIGNS. Pay attention to your body. You shouldn’t ignore lingering pain, stiffness, numbness, or swelling. If anything feels off, don’t tough it out. Call your therapist. The sooner you address a problem, the easier it is to fix. KEEP YOUR PT IN YOUR CORNER. Think of your physical therapist like your personal wellness coach. Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, improve your fitness, or simply stay active, we’re here for the long haul. Need a post-PT check-in or a fresh fitness plan? Contact our team! We’re always ready to help you keep moving forward.
Sudoku
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
INGREDIENTS Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic
Meat • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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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
Nathan’s 18th Marks More Than Just a Birthday PAGE 1
What Your Food Cravings Are Trying to Tell You PAGE 2
Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2
PT Graduation Day? Here’s How to Keep Thriving PAGE 3
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak PAGE 3
The French City That Has It All (and Then Some) PAGE 4
museum, and enjoy a glass under a chandelier made from a thousand bottles. Even if you’re not a wine drinker, there’s plenty to enjoy in Bordeaux. Those interested in fashion or shopping will love walking down Rue Sainte Catherine, Europe’s longest pedestrianized shopping street. If that’s too crowded for your liking, you can enjoy shopping in the historic Chartrons district. As you walk through the city, you’ll surely see towers that look straight out of a fairy tale or Disney movie. If you’re visiting during the first Sunday of any month, you’ll get to hear the Grosse Cloche belfry ring its 250-year-old bell! For adventurers, just 37 miles southwest of Bordeaux is Dune du Pilat, Europe’s tallest sand dune, also famous for paragliding. Now, it wouldn’t be a visit to France without taking in some art, and Bordeaux won’t leave you disappointed. The Musée des Beaux-Arts and the contemporary art museum CAPC are both worth a visit, and your trip won’t be complete until you stop by the awe-inspiring Monument aux Girondins, a free-flowing fountain over a beautiful bronze sculpture. If a European vacation is on your bucket list, consider visiting Bordeaux when you go. It might just be the highlight of your entire trip!
When you hear about people taking trips to France, your mind likely conjures images of the Eiffel Tower, delicious high-end French cuisine, and a view of the “Mona Lisa” at the Louvre Museum. However, there’s much more to France than the scenic beauty and decadent flavors found along the streets of Paris. If you want to experience the best of France, you must spend time in Bordeaux. While we often refer to Napa Valley and Sonoma County in California as wine country, Bordeaux is the original wine region. Its history with wine dates back over 2,000 years, and you can still experience the area’s love of wine today. Le Bar à Vin and Le Bistro du Fromager are beautifully decorated wine bars that will leave you stunned, unlike anything you can experience stateside. And if you want to take it up a notch, you can visit La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s interactive wine Move Over, Paris BORDEAUX IS FRANCE’S BEST- KEPT SECRET
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