Kinetic PT May 2018

MAY 2018

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THE ULMER FAMILY VACATION

May is here, and it’s finally beginning to actually feel like

great memories. Watching our kids play in the sand and surf just like we used to really gives St. Pete a sense of timelessness. This year, it was just Emilie, the boys, and me, so we were free to do a little more adventuring. We rode on a banana boat, one of those inflatable water sleds that is towed behind a jet ski. My sons had a great time bouncing around on the waves, but let me tell you, getting a face full of salt water stings! Luckily, Emilie and I weren’t as sore the next day as we thought we were going to be.

trying to flee the cold Chicago weather as well, because there were plenty of Cubs hats in the crowd. Thankfully, I’ve been to enough of these theme parks to know that the memories of the long wait times fade, leaving you with just the good stuff. We did both the Test Track and Soaring rides while at Epcot and had a blast! Both rides are incredibly immersive. Soaring really makes you feel like you’re flying over the Great Wall of China, so I don’t recommend it if you have a fear of heights. And of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Epcot without walking around to the various cultural-themed pavilions and eating great food. The day we were there, we had lunch in “Germany” and dinner in “China.” All in all, it was a great trip. We fit in some much-needed family time and made plenty of memories. We’re incredibly lucky to be able to continue this long-standing family tradition. We know many of our readers are jet-setters, so if you have a favorite vacation spot or a fun story from your travels, let us know! And here’s to the return of sunny weather right here at home! –Mike Ulmer

spring. When the family and I got back from our vacation last month, we were “welcomed” by the cold, windy April weather before our plane even landed. It was one of those bumpy touchdowns that makes you really appreciate your pilot. As nice as it is to be home, we missed the Florida sunshine almost immediately. Every year, we Ulmers go down to St. Pete Beach for the kids’ spring break. It’s a great chance to spend quality time together as a family and soak up some much- needed vitamin D. But beyond being our annual dose of R and R, the trip to St. Pete has become a family tradition. You see, my family has been visiting the same stretch of Florida coastline since I was a teenager. We even stay at the same hotel. Admittedly, I took a break from the vacations during the early years of the practice. But as soon as the kids were old enough, we loaded up the car and made the 18-hour drive down to St. Pete, reviving the family trip my parents started. Our extended family joins us down there about every other year. It’s great to reconnect with relatives in a place where we all have such

“WATCHING OUR KIDS PLAY IN THE SAND AND SURF JUST LIKE WE USED TO REALLY GIVES ST. PETE A SENSE OF TIMELESSNESS.”

While we’re in Florida, we try to make it to one of the famous amusement parks for a day. We did Disney World and Universal Studios in the past, but this year was our first time going to Epcot. Unfortunately, a lot of other families on spring break had the same idea. Whether for rides or food, the lines at the park were incredibly long. Plenty of families must have been

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The Incredible Journey of Bobbie the Wonder Dog

Imagine America in 1923. Yankee Stadium opened its doors for the very first time. Walt and Roy Disney founded The Walt Disney Company. The first issue of Time magazine hit newsstands. President Warren G. Harding died of a heart attack in office, and Vice President Calvin Coolidge became the 30th president. And Bobbie the Wonder Dog trekked 2,550 miles to return home.

the collie. The search continued throughout their stay, but time ran out, and the Braziers had to return home to Oregon without their beloved Bobbie. What the Braziers didn’t know was that Bobbie had been searching for his family as well. He may have been scared away, but he was determined to get back home. And so began his incredible journey. He turned his head west and began walking. And walking. With winter setting in, Bobbie had a monumental task ahead. Bobbie swam across numerous rivers. He trekked across the Great Plains and over the Rocky Mountains. While we will never know exactly what Bobbie endured, we know he made it home. Over 2,500 miles later, in February, 1924, a tired and beaten-down pup arrived home in Silverton, Oregon, to a stunned family. Bobbie the Wonder Dog’s story made national headlines. He received a medal and the key to the city, and he became a silent movie star in the film “The Call of the West.” Today, you can visit Bobbie’s memorial near his home in Oregon.

Of all the stories to come out of 1923, Bobbie’s may be the most incredible. It all started with a road trip. The Brazier family of Silverton, Oregon, decided to take a road trip to visit relatives in Wolcott, Indiana. Mom, Dad, their two daughters, and their Scotch collie piled in the family Overland Red Bird touring car and headed across preinterstate-highway- system America. Several days later, after the Braziers had settled in with their Wolcott relatives, Bobbie the Scotch collie was attacked by a pack of dogs. The dogs scared Bobbie away, and despite a long search around Wolcott, the family was unable to find any trace of

“My experience here has been excellent. I can walk normally and feel so much better. I’ve learned how important exercise is and now have a daily routine I will continue. This is a wonderful place to rehab with lots of smiling faces and tons of encouragement!” –Jean Riley

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With These 3 Exercises straighten your legs. Lift the leg with the problem knee 1–2 feet off the floor while keeping it straight. Then lower it to the floor again and repeat. Do this 8–12 times. This will strengthen your quadriceps and hip-flexor muscles, both of which will be key to regaining mobility after the operation. SITTING KICKS While sitting in a stable chair, raise your leg straight out in front of you like a slow kick. Once your leg is as high as it can go, hold that position for five seconds, then slowly lower your leg back to the floor. Do three sets of 5–20 repetitions of this exercise. Sitting kicks work your quads through their full range of motion, ensuring you have good flexibility.

CLAMSHELLS Lie on your side, with your problem knee resting on top. Keeping your feet together, raise the top knee away from the bottom knee. Repeat this for three sets of 5–20 repetitions. This exercise flexes your rotators and abductors, which you will rely on for balance after knee surgery. If you have trouble performing these exercises, want the guidance of one of our expert therapists, or just have questions, please pay us a visit. Our medical professionals are well-versed in prehabilitating and rehabilitating clients who have undergone knee surgery. We’ll work with you to ensure you go into the operating room with the best possible chance for a speedy recovery!

Most people tend to think of physical therapy as a response to body ailments and injuries, but it can work just as well to pre- empt them. And studies show that prehabilitation can drastically reduce your recovery time, making rehabilitation less challenging. This is especially true of knee surgery, where having strong, flexible joints in the legs aids in recovery. At the very least, do the following exercises before knee replacement surgery. They are designed to strengthen the joints and muscles that will be key to your recovery. If you experience pain or extreme discomfort while performing any of these exercises, please come see us immediately. STRAIGHT LEG RAISES Let’s start simple. While lying on your back, Grilled Ranch Potatoes Ingredients • 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved • 1/4 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil • Juice of 1/2 lemon

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• 1/2 packet ranch seasoning • Ranch dressing for drizzling • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives • Bacon bits (optional) • Salt and pepper to taste Instructions 1. Heat grill to medium. In a large pan, toss potatoes with olive oil, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. 2. Skewer potatoes. (If using wood skewers, be sure to soak in water an hour before grilling.) Grill until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. 3. Drizzle with ranch and garnish with chives and bacon bits.

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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 Stories From St. Pete Beach PAGE 1

Bobbie the Wonder Dog’s Incredible Journey PAGE 2

Clients Say It Best PAGE 2

Heal Faster: Prepping for Knee Surgery PAGE 3

Grilled Ranch Potatoes PAGE 3

The Key to a Memorable Vacation PAGE 4

The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel. Many Americans spring for all- inclusive packages when planning

the locally owned restaurant is sure to appreciate your business!

ART Just as your town probably has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Anyone can get a gift shop bauble that was mass-produced somewhere else. Take the time to peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region! PEOPLE While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a friendly conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. MEMORIES Treasured memories are the best souvenir you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore!

their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting. Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond the hotel lobby. FOOD Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your taxi driver or hotel concierge about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations, and

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