Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
JUNE 2025
847-515-8970 • www.KineticPTS.com
I’ve spent most of my career helping others get back on their feet — sometimes literally. I’ve walked patients through pain, rehab, and the long, winding road to recovery. But this summer? The tables have turned. If you’ve read last month’s newsletter (or spoken to anyone at the clinic), you know that a recent ski accident landed me with a severe leg injury and a trio of surgeries. Each surgery comes with its own 6–12-month healing window, and at the moment, I’m still non-weight-bearing. So, what does summer look like for an injured PT who’s more comfortable giving advice than following it? Well, a little upside down. Honestly, I don’t know what this season will hold. Zach will be home from college for the summer, and Nathan will be here, hopefully starting a part- time internship through high school. While I won’t join them on the golf course or mowing the lawn like I usually do, I’ve embraced a new role: general contractor of all things yard-related . My boys, now 17 and 20, can tackle the landscaping projects, and I plan to supervise from a shady spot on the porch. Zach might grumble a little, but who doesn’t when moving pavers? The toughest part about being injured when you’re used to being active is the stillness. I’ve spent the last five weeks mostly indoors, leg propped up, battling cabin fever. I’m the type of guy to walk to the mailbox on a snowy Sunday just to get some fresh air, knowing that no mail was delivered on a Sunday. Now? I’m simply keeping myself busy working from home and counting the days until I can comfortably sit outside and soak up some sunshine. Still Standing (Well, Almost) How I’m Navigating This Summer on 1 Leg
I’ll be doing as much as I can around my recovery schedule. I might not be in the clinic full-time, but I hope to return soon — even if it’s just to rehab alongside my patients. It’ll be a different kind of presence but a familiar one. I imagine myself rolling into the clinic, maybe hopping on the bike next to a patient, showing them firsthand that recovery is a journey we all take at our own pace. This is the first time I’ve truly been on the other side of physical therapy, and I’ll admit — it’s humbling. I’ve never had an injury this serious before. I know what recovery looks like from a clinical standpoint, and now I’m experiencing it emotionally and physically. That duality is strange, but the good news is that I know what to expect. The bad news is ... well, I know what to expect. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years — whether from helping others or now helping myself — it’s that progress rarely looks like a straight line. Some days will be better than others. Some walks will be longer than others. And that’s okay. Summer may look different this year, but it still holds promise: family dinners, porch-sitting, a few laughs over yardwork squabbles, and maybe even a slight sunburn. I’ll keep showing up the best I can with my crutches, recliner setup, and a healthy dose of optimism. After all, healing takes time — but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride. I may be temporarily sidelined, but Kinetic is still running strong. Our incredible team, Emilie, Amanda, Emery, and Mandi, are holding down the fort and doing what they do best: helping patients heal and thrive. They each have openings in their schedules and are ready to welcome both new and returning patients. Don’t let my absence slow you down — you’re still in excellent hands. –Mike Ulmer
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Decode the Label!
Learn to Read Nutrition Facts Like a Pro
Reading a nutrition label might seem like deciphering a secret code, but once you know what to look for, it’s a game-changer for healthier food choices. Let’s break it down so you can shop like a pro and fuel your body with the nutrients it needs. SERVING SIZE Before diving into the details, start with the serving size. This tells you how much of the product the nutrition facts apply to. For example, if a bag of chips says 150 calories per serving but contains three servings, eating the whole bag means you consume 450 calories. CALORIES Calories tell you how much energy you get from one serving. The trick is to balance what you eat with what your body burns. If you want to maintain or lose weight, keeping
an eye on calorie intake is key. Want to know how many calories you should be consuming based on your age, height, and weight? Visit MyPlate.gov/myplate-plan to find out! PERCENT OF DAILY VALUE The Percent of Daily Value (% DV) helps you quickly
other health concerns. If the % DV is 20% or more, that’s high; if it’s 5% or less, that’s low — so aim low for these! WHAT TO LOAD UP ON Not all nutrients are harmful — some are essential for good health! The average diet often lacks fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. These powerhouses support
determine whether a food is nutrient-rich or lacking. Want more fiber? Look for a high % DV. Trying to cut back on sodium? Choose products with a low % DV. WHAT TO CUT BACK ON
everything from strong bones to better digestion and heart health. The higher the % DV, the better!
With these tips, you’ll never look at a nutrition label the same way again. Empower yourself with knowledge, make smarter choices, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced diet!
Some nutrients are better in small doses. Keep an eye on saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, as too much can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back
“Everyone was professional, pleasant and
devoted to good
“Quality of life massive improvement. Emery was a true inspiration. I came in wobbling with the use of a walker, left occasionally using the cane.”
patient care. Thank you all so much.”
–Paul Springborn
–Jill M King
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THE ANTI-AGING STRATEGY YOU NEED Outsmart Aging With Every Workout
As we age, it’s natural to notice more creaks and groans when we get out of bed or reach for something on a high shelf. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to slow down! In fact, staying active — specifically by building strength and improving flexibility — can make all the difference in maintaining your independence, energy, and overall
muscle and protect your bones. It’s also one of the best ways to fight osteoporosis, a common culprit behind age-related fractures. FLEXIBILITY MATTERS MORE THAN EVER. Now, about those stiff shoulders and tight hips. As we age, the range of motion in major joints like the shoulders and hips decreases by roughly 6 degrees per decade after 55 , according to a Journal of Aging Research study. While that might not seem drastic, you’ll feel it whenever you reach up high or bend down to tie your shoes. Flexibility training keeps your joints limber and your posture aligned while also helping to prevent injuries from everyday movements. Bonus: stretching improves circulation and can help reduce inflammation!
THE BRAIN-BODY BONUS. Exercise is powerful brain fuel. Regular movement has been linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and even better cognitive function. Think of it as mental strength training with the added benefit of endorphins. These benefits become
increasingly vital as we age! START WHERE YOU ARE.
health as the years go by. MUSCLE LOSS AFTER 50.
Not sure where to begin? Start with low-impact activities and gradually build up your strength and stamina. Just three sessions a week can make a big difference.
Research shows that after age 50, we lose about 1% of our muscle mass every year . That may not sound like much, but it adds up over time. The results are reduced mobility, decreased strength, and a greater risk of falls or fractures. To combat this, it’s vital to incorporate strength training into your weekly routine. Even with light weights, resistance exercises help rebuild
Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new routine.
Sudoku Contact our team today to create a personalized plan that fits your goals so you can age with independence and strength.
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup
This light soup offers the perfect combination of healthy ingredients and flavor.
Inspired by EatingWell.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1 medium shallot, chopped • 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced • 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided • 1 14-oz can reduced- sodium chicken or vegetable broth • 1/4 tsp salt • 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear) • 1 tsp lemon juice • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.
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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
Mike Makes the Most of His Summer Despite Leg Injury! PAGE 1 What’s Really in Your Food? PAGE 2 Patient Testimonials: Getting Confidence Back PAGE 2 The Surprising Anti-Aging Benefits of Strength and Stretching PAGE 3 Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup PAGE 3 Mãori Culture and More: Discover the Magic of New Zealand PAGE 4
warmer terrain, past golden beaches and lush native vegetation. This trek offers ample opportunity to enjoy some of the many exotic birds of New Zealand, home to more avian species than any other country in the world. NATURE SHOWS Nearly half of the world’s whale species are in New Zealand’s vast marine territory. Giant sperm whales can be seen year-round, and humpback and southern right whales are visible from shore from May through September. If you’re a fan of nighttime lights, stargazing at such celebrated dark-sky sites as Great Barrier Island and Mackenzie Region on South Island will amaze you. And for a different kind of evening light, try touring New Zealand’s caves or grottos for a glimpse of exotic glow worms, a native insect that glows blue-green in the dark!
SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING June through October is peak season on New Zealand’s world- class skiing and snowboarding hills. Book accommodations in popular winter sports areas on the South Island, such as Queenstown and Wanaka. Warm up après-ski with a pint of one of New Zealand’s famous craft beers. Hundreds of the nation’s diverse brews will be displayed at Beervana, a popular two-day festival on Aug. 22–23 in Wellington. EXPLORING COASTAL TRAILS Hiking through New Zealand’s stunning coastline and ancient forests — or tramping, as the locals call it — is a major attraction. Many of New Zealand’s Great Walks are on alpine or subalpine tracks and are impassable in winter. But the country’s most popular Great Walk, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, extends 37 miles one way across
Few cultural celebrations capture a crowd’s attention faster than an explosive rendition of a Mãori war dance by a New Zealand sports team. The world’s growing fascination with Mãori culture is one reason travel to New Zealand is soaring, boosting annual tourism spending by nearly 15% last year. While it’s winter there now, the island nation still offers many off-season attractions for the savvy traveler — including the June 19–22 celebration of Matariki, the Mãori New Year. Here are a few others. Winter Down Under SAVORING THE OFF-SEASON JOYS OF NEW ZEALAND
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