Check out our September newsletter!
SEPTEMBER 2025
WWW.BERMANPT.COM | 239-431-0232
10-Year Celebrations … AND SOME VERY EXCITING NEWS!
Can you believe that September is here and we’re only a few short weeks away from the unofficial start of snowbird season again? This summer has absolutely flown by, leaving me with way more to talk about than what this article will allow.
Fast-forward to today — I'll humbly admit Jenni is by far a better boss than I am. Team entrepreneurship has dramatically changed the course of our lives. It’s funny — I just saw one of those memes this morning showing an image of an iceberg representing business ownership. Above the surface, people see: “You make your own hours and your own money.” But below the surface, what nobody else sees? Sleepless nights, payroll stress, tough decisions, and thinking about the business 24/7. Nobody really tells you that part in the beginning … and even if they do, it’s hard to fully understand until you’ve lived it. From One-Man Band to 4 Businesses and 10+ Staff Here we are — Team Berman, both personally and professionally, celebrating our 10-year anniversaries this month and next. It’s true what they say: We tend to overestimate what If you had told me a decade ago that Jenni and I would be running four different businesses with over 10 full-time staff on payroll, I would’ve laughed in your face and said, “No chance!” My plan back then was to be a one-man band forever, and Jenni would climb the ladder in the corporate health care world. It’s kind of ironic that today, our entire message revolves around how we can do in one year and underestimate what we can accomplish in 10.
Let’s start with the BIGGEST announcements first! 🎉 JENNI & I ARE
inhumane the corporate health care system has become, and we don’t hold back when it comes to calling out Western medicine, Big Pharma, and health insurance companies on our weekly podcasts. (And speaking of speaking out, our 200th episode of “The Berman Method Podcast” dropped last month — make sure you go back and give it a listen wherever you get your podcasts!) What’s Next? We’re Joining Forces! As we head into the next decade of business, Jenni and I have officially committed to joining forces. Right now, Berman PT, Berman Health, and Berman Golf are three separate businesses that occasionally cross- pollinate. But the reality is this: Every patron of one business can benefit from at least one component of the others. If you’re in the PT room, you’d benefit from what’s happening in the gut health room.
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS! 🎉 This month, Jenni and I are celebrating our 10-year wedding anniversary, and next month, Berman Physical Therapy will be celebrating its 10-year anniversary! It’s amazing to reflect back on our lives a decade ago. Within a span of three weeks, Jenni graduated from PA school, we got married, moved (back) to Naples from Jacksonville, and I hung up my shingle for Berman Physical Therapy! We figured that if our marriage could survive that , we’d be in pretty good shape for whatever life throws our way. So far, that theory has held true — we’ve fought and won some tough battles, coming out stronger every time. I remember vividly, as I was learning more and more about business, telling Jenni she needed to quit her job and start her own business. She quickly and explicitly shot that down with:
“I’m not an entrepreneur, and I don’t want to be a boss. That’s you, not me. I’m perfectly happy working for someone else.”
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Starting Physical Therapy?
Here’s What We’ll Ask and Why It Matters
Make a plan of action. Once we establish your health history, we’ll explore the reason behind your visit. We ask questions like, “When or how did this problem start?” “What have you done for this issue so far? Did it make it better or worse?” and “What do your symptoms feel like? Does it hurt? How badly?” Once we understand your concerns better, we ask you what your goals are. We know you want to get out of pain, but do you want to return to your regular exercise routine, play a sport, or simply sleep without discomfort? Knowing your specific goals helps us create a treatment plan so you can achieve them as soon as possible! Any concerns? After assembling your health history, investigating your current problem, and establishing your goals, we’ll devise a treatment plan to tackle the issue and get you where you want to be. We won’t just run with this plan, however. We want your insight, so we may ask if you’re comfortable, committed, and think you can complete your treatment plan. Be honest with us and yourself. Let us know if it sounds too demanding or doesn’t align with your goals so we can pivot and adjust. You’re probably tired of being asked questions, so it’s a good opportunity to ask some of your
Seeing a physical therapist for the first time can be a daunting experience. You may worry about the different exercises they’ll ask you to complete, the environment of the office, and the questions they’ll ask. Nobody likes going over their health history or answering personal questions, but it’s how we create a treatment plan that works for you, your body, and your mind. We don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable or anxious about visiting our office, but we know how intimidating the experience can be. You’re in pain and discomfort due to an issue that is entirely out of your control, and you just want relief. You may think we need to jump in and start massaging or exercising, but the initial questions we ask will help us determine the best path for treatment. Let’s walk through some of the questions you can expect when visiting a physical therapist for the first time. Explore your health history. We need to know about your past to maximize your recovery and rehabilitation efforts. We’ll ask what medications you take to determine
if you’re currently on something that will impact your ability to exercise or heal. For similar reasons, we ask about other medical issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. We also need to know about your surgical history to ensure we don’t
own. We’ve likely already covered some of the things you were worried about or wanted to learn, but if you want to ask anything else, now is the perfect time. Ask about your therapist’s education and experience, your treatment plan, or anything else! Now that you know more about what to expect during your first physical therapy session, you can rest easy. We’ll do everything possible to help you fix
reaggravate any old problems. This can also alert us to details about your current situation. We may inquire about your mental health and bathroom habits to round out your health history. This might sound unrelated to your current dilemma, but it will allow us to understand better what’s happening with your body. Plus, we can offer advice if your issues have caused any anxiety or depression.
your issue and feel more comfortable. It might take time and effort, but the end result is always worth it. Just stay committed, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or raise concerns!
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THE REAL PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND CRAVINGS It’s Not Just a Lack of Willpower
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 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.
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If you’re in the gut health room, you’d benefit from PT services. If you’re in the golf room, you’d benefit from both. Introducing … The Berman Health Club! And for that reason (and by popular demand), we are merging all three into one powerful entity: Berman Health Club This announcement is wayyyyyy too early to give away all
This includes: • Red Light Therapy • Stimpod • Shockwave • PEMF
• H2 Tabs • Liberty Patches • Peptides
All of these are scientifically backed therapies that actually work. This transformation will come with an annual membership option, giving members
significantly more access, better pricing, and exclusive perks that nonmembers won’t receive.
the juicy details — but I can tell you that the biggest change will be a major shift toward regenerative therapies and longevity- focused modalities, based on the simple principle of helping you: “Just keep moving.”
Again, it’s early … but trust me — we’re beyond excited for what’s coming.
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501 Goodlette Road North, C-100 Naples, FL 34102 239-431-0232 | www.bermanpt.com Hours of Operation: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1. Celebrating 10 Years With Some Very Exciting News! INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2. Physical Therapy Questions That Help Us Help You Heal
3. What Your Food Cravings Are Trying to Tell You
4. The Power of Everyday Walking
CAN YOU WALK YOUR WAY TO STRONGER MUSCLES?
THE SECRET TO STRONGER STRIDES When you think of building muscle,
and thicker. You probably won’t achieve this on a casual stroll, but picking up the pace, especially on an incline, can increase muscle activation significantly. Incorporating inclines into your walks is one of the best ways to increase the muscle-building benefits of walking, but walking on uneven terrain can also help. Walking on sand and dirt trails makes your calf muscles work harder and can even help engage other muscle groups, including those in your core, thighs, and glutes. Another strategy is to add weighted gear, like a weighted vest, ankle weights, or even a loaded backpack. Adding weight can also help you burn more calories on your walks. Of course, none of these strategies will give you a rippled physique through
what comes to mind? For most people, it’s likely lifting exercises or equipment like free weights and strength training machines. But what about walking? You’re probably not thinking about building muscle when you go for a walk. It’s too simple and gentle an exercise, right? That’s true, but with the right intensity, duration, and frequency, it can also support muscle growth. If you’ve ever walked up a big hill or taken a brisk loop around your neighborhood, you probably know what it’s like to feel your calves burn. That soreness is a sign of muscle fatigue and development. To build muscle, our bodies must experience enough resistance to break down muscle fibers. When those fibers are repaired, the muscles get stronger
walking alone. You should prioritize activities that use fast-twitch muscle fibers to really bulk up. These activities require sudden bursts of energy, such as weightlifting, sprinting, and jumping. You also need to focus on a healthy diet and ensure adequate protein intake. Walking might not be ideal for muscle growth, but it’s still a great everyday activity. It increases your heart rate, helps maintain flexibility and balance, and promotes overall fitness. And even if it won’t leave you flexing in front of the mirror, it can help increase tone and build strength where it counts.
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The Berman Health Club
Where Movement Meets Longevity For the first time ever, we’re combining Berman Physical Therapy, Berman Health, and Berman Golf into one unified, powerhouse membership designed to help you move better, feel younger, and live longer. Over the past 10 years, we’ve helped thousands of people overcome pain, improve gut and hormonal health, and get back to the golf course. But now we’re taking it to the next level — by merging it all under one roof to create something even more powerful. Why the Shift? Because true health is never one-dimensional. • PT can only take you so far if your body’s inflamed. • Gut health is incomplete if you’re not moving well. • And golf performance? It skyrockets when your joints, muscles, and internal systems are aligned. This is more than a rebrand — it’s a complete transformation. What You Can Expect: The Berman Health Club will include access to advanced regenerative therapies and performance tools such as: ✔ Red Light Therapy: for inflammation, pain relief, and tissue repair ✔ Stimpod & Shockwave: break up chronic pain and speed healing ✔ PEMF Therapy: boost cellular energy + recovery ✔ Peptides, H₂ Tabs, Liberty Patches: cutting-edge longevity and performance tools ✔ Exclusive PT, Gut & Golf Integration: no more silos
✔ Private Workshops + Events: member-only education and community access The Membership Model We’re introducing a founding membership with: • VIP access to all services • Significant savings on treatments • Priority booking • Special perks and early access to new therapies We’ll be limiting memberships to maintain premium service levels. Want in? Ask to join the Priority Notification List, and you’ll be the first to get details before we open it to the public. Because at the end of the day, if you want to keep moving, you’ve got to be proactive about how you age!
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STRESS: Specifically, Cortisol, and How to Manage This
Stress — it can be a good thing and a bad thing. Yes, I said stress can be a good thing. We have a stress response system within our body, which is managed by the Hypothalamus- Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis). The hypothalamus and pituitary are organs within our brain that communicate with the adrenal glands, which sit just above the kidneys. The HPA Axis is in control of our stress response. The response to a stressful trigger creates the “Fight or Flight” response from the communication of our organs on this axis. The acute response of the HPA Axis is actually important as it can save us at times — for instance, running (faster than we ever could under our own power) from something chasing us or fighting (harder than we could have ever imagined) when necessary. Adrenaline and cortisol are released during these stressful situations, which help our body fight and flight efficiently. As we leap into the fall season — school is back in, sports are back in, hurricane season is still going on, wedding season is on and on and on … your favorite football team? Whether it is something really important or potentially as silly as a team, stress is stress. The negative side to stress is when the HPA Axis is chronically stimulated. Chronic stress on the body can occur from outside influences such as relationships, work, finances, or children. Chronic stress on the body can occur from internal influences such as food sensitivities, poor gut health, or infections. Chronic stress on the body can occur from a combination of internal and external stress, such as physical pain, a vehicle accident, or physical abuse. Cortisol is the stress hormone that has the most impact, positive or negative, on our body. In chronic stress situations, chronically high cortisol levels can be detrimental to our system. They can cause interrupted sleep, brain fog, abdominal fat, irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus (Type II), gut permeability, cravings, anxiety and depression, increased hunger, and more. Cortisol can also impact hormone balance in males and females. Most of the time, we cannot take our stress away — we cannot stop being a mother, sister, or aunt. We typically cannot quit our jobs or undo the vehicle accident we were in. We can, however, control the stress response to improve the health of the HPA Axis. How do we do that without being able to change the stressor?
Let’s jump in!
1. Meal Plan: One of the most important things is fueling your body appropriately. First, we need to ensure blood sugar stability by consuming adequate amounts of protein and vegetables while balancing this with the right complex carbohydrates. We also want to avoid inflammatory foods, as we already mentioned that inflammation can cause internal stress. You can identify inflammatory foods for your body specifically by checking a sensitivity list via blood. 2. Gut Health: It is extremely important to avoid the foods that will cause more damage to your gut lining. The Gut- Brain Interaction is extremely important to balance. 3. Proper Vitamin, Mineral, and Amino Acid levels: Checking your levels via blood is very important to controlling overall brain-body interactions and balance. Things like vitamin D, folate, magnesium, L-theanine, and L-glutamine are just a few that are important to monitor and take! *Levels should be checked prior to starting vitamins.* 4. Exercise: With the proper balance, exercise releases endorphins; however, if it is too intense or prolonged, it can also cause chronically elevated cortisol levels. A balance of strength training and cardiovascular training is vital. 5. Meditation and Positive Self-Imagery: This is a key to releasing endorphins and improving serotonin levels. In turn, it will help to balance the HPA Axis appropriately. 6. Grounding and Sunlight Each Morning: Allowing your feet to touch the ground (in the grass) and getting at least 10 minutes of sunlight each morning has been shown to lower cortisol levels. I could certainly list another 4–5 supplemental ideas to improve cortisol levels, though I’ll save those for now. Start by focusing on this list each day, and you will already be headed in the right direction for managing your stress and anxiety! It ain’t easy, but it is simple. Keep working. –Jenni Berman PA-C, ABAAHP, CPT, CNS
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