Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
SEPTEMBER 2024
847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com
The Purpose of Physical Therapy Celebrating World Physical Therapy Day and Osteoarthritis Treatment
I know I usually use this newsletter to share important family updates and recent shenanigans, but there’s a special ( probably largely unknown ) holiday I’d like to spotlight: World Physical Therapy Day. On Sept. 8, we celebrate how physical therapy works to improve lives and uplift the community, and in 2024, the day is centered on osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition that touches many lives, particularly as we age. I’m here to demystify some of the fears around osteoarthritis and share how physical therapy can help manage and often greatly alleviate its symptoms. Let’s dive into how we approach this common yet misunderstood condition with customized treatments and dedicated care. Often seen as a companion of later life, osteoarthritis typically affects those 50 and up. One of the first things I tell my patients is that osteoarthritis doesn’t guarantee pain or discomfort. Surprisingly, many people discover they have the condition during an unrelated X-ray, showing no symptoms at all. Osteoarthritis varies widely — some might feel severe pain, while others might not, perhaps due to differing flexibility and muscular strength. However, for
those suffering from osteoarthritis pain, symptoms can significantly damage their quality of life. When patients come to me with osteoarthritis, one common issue is a noticeable reduction in their range of motion and strength. This is where physical therapy plays a crucial role. Our goal is to enhance these areas, helping to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. It’s not about reversing the condition, as osteoarthritis is a permanent issue once it appears, but about managing and controlling the symptoms effectively. A typical session with someone with osteoarthritis involves assessing joint motion and strength. Based on this, we develop a tailored exercise regimen focusing on low-impact activities. Walking and aquatic exercises are usually at the top of my list. Arthritis responds well to warmth, making warm water exercises a double win. They’re gentle on the joints, and the warmth soothes stiffness and pain. Of course, it’s crucial to maintain some land-based activities, too. This might include using hot packs or patches to ease discomfort alongside specific stretching and strengthening routines. The idea isn’t to prepare anyone for the
next CrossFit challenge but to find the right balance of activities that bolster joint health without overdoing it. Not every exercise is suitable for every patient with osteoarthritis; part of my job is to help patients discern which movements will support their health goals and which might lead to discomfort or injury. In my practice, I see a significant number of patients with osteoarthritis, and it’s a common misconception that nothing can be done about it. That’s simply not true. While it’s a chronic condition, the doom and gloom often associated with the diagnosis can be countered with a proactive, managed approach to physical therapy. We focus on what can be improved and work diligently to enhance those areas. Living with osteoarthritis doesn’t mean putting an end to active living. With the proper guidance and exercises, my patients often find they can continue to enjoy many, if not all, of their favorite activities. So, happy World Physical Therapy Day to all my readers, and I promise I’ll be back to the usual Ulmer Family- centered programming in our following newsletter! –Mike Ulmer
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The Essential Trio for Any Lifestyle Vitamins Made Easy
It’s daunting to determine which vitamins and supplements to take when every doctor, dietitian, and online health guru has a different list of must-haves — and they’re usually pretty long. Looking for somewhere to get started? Here are three supplements almost everyone can benefit from! A MULTIVITAMIN Stress, health changes, and even prescription medications in our everyday lives can sap our energy and deplete crucial vitamins. Generally, the best way to replenish what we’ve lost is through various fruits and vegetables. Still, with busy schedules, diminished appetites, or other obstacles, that’s not always possible. A multivitamin is a great starter supplement, as it can help fill various nutritional gaps. OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS These specific types of fat are found most abundantly in fish, nuts, seeds, and eggs. They facilitate cellular function and are essential for the heart, brain, and eyes. Unfortunately, our bodies can’t produce enough fatty acids independently, so we must add more through our diets or supplements. Benefits include a lowered risk of
developing heart disease, blood clots, certain types of cancer, dementia, Alzheimer’s, age-related macular degeneration, and more. VITAMIN D
Everyone knows you need calcium for strong and healthy bones — but without vitamin D, you’re missing out on critical benefits. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the body, so many milk brands fortify their products with vitamin D. It’s essential to prevent osteoporosis. Additionally, vitamin D is critical for cell growth and reducing inflammation, and it’s easy to obtain from sunlight. Unfortunately, many people are deficient in this one. Why? Our modern lives keep many of us indoors. If you’re looking to start a vitamin regimen but all the different health advice on the web overwhelms you, take a step back and start simply. Remember, you can always add more later. Keeping it simple initially will increase your likelihood of sticking to your plan! Try starting with these three supplements, see how they make you feel, and then take it from there.
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
“I came to Kinetic after attending a knee pain seminar. I was having a constant level of 5-6 pain in my right knee. After working with Emery for
about seven weeks, I gained strength and flexibility and no longer have pain in my knee. The laser therapy was very beneficial. I am now in great shape in time for the start of the softball season.” –Gary Tracy
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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YOUR GUIDE TO ARTHRITIS CARE How to Tackle Arthritis With Effective Physical Therapy
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: BEYOND THE SKIN Psoriatic arthritis is another autoimmune type that affects some individuals with psoriasis. PsA can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can be very pronounced in the mornings. Unlike RA, PsA may also involve the spine and areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones, leading to pain at these sites. HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP Regardless of the type of arthritis, physical therapy is crucial in managing the condition. Our goal is to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and improve the quality of life for our patients. Each treatment plan is customized, focusing on the specific type of arthritis and the patient’s symptoms. Techniques may include manual therapy to improve joint movement, tailored exercise programs to strengthen muscles surrounding joints, and education on managing symptoms effectively at home. Living with arthritis can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right strategies and support, including professional physical therapy, you can achieve greater control over your symptoms and continue to lead an active, fulfilling life.
Arthritis is not just a single disease; it’s a complex disorder comprising more than 100 different conditions and can affect people at any stage. At our practice, we focus on understanding these differences, especially with the most common forms, such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), to offer tailored physical therapy treatment that addresses the unique needs of our patients. OSTEOARTHRITIS: WEAR AND TEAR Osteoarthritis is often defined as a “wear and tear” condition in which the cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually deteriorates. This type of arthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands, leading to pain, stiffness, reduced flexibility, a grating sensation, and the formation of bone spurs. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: IMMUNE SYSTEM INVADER Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joint linings, causing painful swelling and potential joint deformity. RA affects both sides of the body equally, resulting in swollen, tender joints, significant stiffness after inactivity, and overall fatigue.
Sudoku
Packed with protein and fiber, this chickpea curry is a flavorful, plant- based option perfect for any diet. Delicious Chickpea Curry
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil. 2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the curry powder, cumin, and turmeric and stir to combine. 4. Add the chickpeas, tomatoes, and vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. 5. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tbsp curry powder • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tsp ground turmeric • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth • Salt and pepper, to taste
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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
Discover How Physical Therapy Can Transform Osteoarthritis Care PAGE 1
Simplify Your Supplement Routine PAGE 2
Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2 What Are the 3 Most Common Types of Arthritis? PAGE 3
Delicious Chickpea Curry PAGE 3
Beyond Big Ben and Buckingham Palace PAGE 4
Big Ben’s massive clock face, London Bridge’s walkway, and Buckingham Palace — London is known worldwide for its many historic landmarks. But tucked into all its layers of culture are truly unusual and lesser-known attractions to explore. So, brush up on your Monty Python, pack an umbrella for London’s rainy days, and set a course for the most unique experiences England’s capital has to offer. TWININGS TEA SHOP A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without tea time, and there’s no better place to explore the city’s historic love affair with this aromatic beverage than Twinings Tea Shop. Opened in 1706, the shop quickly became known for having the finest teas around and continues to serve tasty cups. Twinings has been the official tea supplier to the royal family since 1837, and its original logo remains on the building. HIGHGATE CEMETERY If you want to see the city’s spookier side, the Highgate Cemetery is one of the most impressive of London’s From Tea to Tombs EXPLORE LONDON’S QUIRKY CORNERS
“Magnificent Seven” park cemeteries. The Victorian Gothic-style tombs and buildings were built in 1839, and it has a history of vampires, too! Multiple Hammer horror films were shot there in the 1970s, and two magicians famously challenged each other to find and kill a vampire there around the same time. Neither was successful, but it remains a popular site for lovers of the paranormal and the occult. THE FIRST PUBLIC DRINKING FOUNTAIN London is home to perhaps the most fascinating water fountain in the world. This simple granite basin, built in 1859 and adorned with the words “Replace the cup,” was the first public water fountain. Before then, water was precious, monopolized by water companies, rare to come by, and undrinkable. As people pushed for public access to water, a philanthropist named Samuel Gurney created this fountain, attached to the gates of the St. Sepulchre- without-Newgate Church on Holborn Hill. It became an instant hit. An estimated 7,000 people would stop for a drink daily when it first hit the scene. The city has many hidden treasures, whether you hope to catch a vampire in one of London’s historic cemeteries or sip on a culturally esteemed drink.
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OUR BEST OFFER EVER!
DEAR VALUED CLIENT,
For “World Physical Therapy Day,” our team is hosting a week of completely FREE screenings for newsletter readers like you! The free screening is ideal for people who have been diagnosed with or think they may have Osteoarthritis of the neck, low back, shoulder, hip, or knee.
This exclusive offer is open to:
• All past patients who have not been seen for PT in more than three months • All present patients with another problem we aren’t treating • All loved ones, family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers of our past and present patients Each screening includes a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with one of our physical therapists. Your PT will talk with you about the history of your problem and will take measurements to test your strength and mobility. After a thorough screening, they will give you a written copy of:
• The cause of your pain or problem • A plan for successful treatment
These appointments are free, but limited — each PT only has 10 spots!
If you’re experiencing pain or problems with day-to-day activities like walking, standing, sitting for long periods, going up or down steps, getting in and out of the car, sleeping, or driving, then this is an excellent opportunity to see one of our world-class therapists and discover the cause of your problem!
CALL 847-515-8970 NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE SCREENING FREE SCREENING DAYS ARE SEPT. 16-19
If you are a past or present patient, call 847-515-8970 to schedule your free screening. If you are referring a friend or family member, give them this letter and ask them to call 847‑515-8970 to schedule their free screening.
Grab your slot before it’s gone. We’ll see you soon!
Sincerely,
Mike Ulmer, Physical Therapist
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