OCTOBER 10.3 JP SOARS 8PM 10.4 TAYLOR GODSEY DUO 3PM 10.4 FUSIK 8PM 10.5 JEFF LLOYD 2PM 10.10 SOULJAM 8PM 10.11 ELECTRIC PIQUETE 3PM 10.11 CORTADITO 8PM 10.12 THE NOUVEAUX HONKIES 2PM 10.17 DRIFTING ROOTS 8PM 10.18 DUBBLE JAMES 3PM 10.18 FUNKIN GRATEFUL 8PM 10.19 VICTORIA LEIGH 2PM 10.24 MIGHTY MYSTIC 8PM 10.25 MIKE GARULLI & CHEYENNE LEAH 3PM 10.25 THE GOODIES AND FLORIDAZE 8PM 10.26 MICHAEL LEBON 2PM 10.31 HAPPY HALLOWEEN WITH JOEY CALDERAIO & THE FUTURE BUDS 8PM
Save money & time without compromisE
Pump’d Cold Brew is your fridge’s best friend. Chilling in its 1-gallon box, it waits for the exact moment you need that kick in the pants. One pull of the tap and it’s game on.
THOMAS RHETT @ iThink Financial Amp – WPB (7:30pm)
5
BOYNTON BEACH FIRST FRIDAY CELEBRATION @ Centennial Park (5:00pm)
GARBAGE @ Pompano Beach Amp (7:30pm)
TRU PHONIC & THE JEFF LLOYD BAND @ Guanabanas – Jupiter (8:00pm)
6TH ANNUAL MOON WALK BAR CRAWL ON CLEMATIS ST. WPB
THE HAUNT—NEW ADDICTION TOUR @ Respectables – WPB (8:00pm)
PUBLISHER
Dustin Wright
MANAGING EDITOR
Ava Bourbeau
EDITOR
Darien Davies
DESIGN
Richard Vergez
WRITERS
Ava Bourbeau
Darien Davies
Haley Dockendorff
THE WELLNESS ISSUE
EVENTS
Danny Wright
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dustin Wright
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY
Kevin Johnson The Cold Collective
Nate Ryan
Anna Mucci
Eddie Beiler
Carlos Fluery FROPRO
Jakob Takos
James McGrath
Therabody
Magic Mind BRĒZ
ADVERTISING
561-449-2263 info@theatlanticcurrent.com
This issue is dedicated to the memory of Jeff Rouse
THANKS
WELLNESS EVENTS FOR THE COLLECTIVE WIN
The Rise of Active Community Events in Palm Beach County
BY DARIEN DAVIES
Remember that perfect Saturday when you were walking to brunch on Atlantic Avenue or Clematis, or even driving along Dixie Highway, and saw a horde of people running past you? It seemed weird, right? There’s no reason for this many people to be running when there’s a more fun option to be had. If you ask those runners, or yogis, or fitness enthusiasts, this IS the fun option to be had.
Gone are the days when you have to lift at the gym by yourself with only headphones as your sidekick as a way to get lifted. The new wave of fitness includes a few hundred of your local cohorts sweating, stretching, and strengthening their way into health, wellness, and sociability.
According to Eventbrite, which is a global platform that connects people to live experiences and social wellness events, there has been a 146% surge in health and fitness event attendance, with running events up 130% and sober-curious gatherings growing 92%. This shows that there’s an increasing shift away from solo exercising to community-based activities.
PHOTO BY KEVIN JOHNSON
“It’s more than just a workout or a cold plunge. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and inspired.”
If you haven’t heard of The Club Palm Beach, here’s your in. They host a variety of events at private membership clubs, paddle clubs, pickleball stadiums, and beach events, to full-scale wellness festivals with workout classes, live DJs, health vendors, and recovery experiences. Some are high-energy, like their pool parties and beach takeovers, while others are more grounded and focused on mindfulness and connection.
But who the heck attends these events if you’re just now hearing about them? About 300 to 500 (or more) people, on the reg. All you need is a ticket to the event, which is open to you and everyone you know.
“It’s more than just a workout or a cold plunge. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and inspired. I want people to leave our events feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Samuel Lenz, founder of The Club Palm Beach. “Whether it’s making a new friend, discovering a new wellness brand, or just taking a break from their everyday routine, I hope every participant walks away feeling more connected, to themselves and to others. It’s not just about wellness, it’s a lifestyle. We make health and connection feel cool, not clinical.”
The goal is to create intentional spaces where attendees can focus on certain factors that Samuel believes will help them better their body and mind, whether that be through focusing on their health or their social wellness, or simply just getting outside and trying something new.
“We live in a world where so many relationships are formed through dating apps or late nights at bars, and they often feel shallow or short-lived. I wanted to create something different. A space where people could unplug, get off their phones, and form real, meaningful connections through shared wellness experiences,” Samuel said. “The Club is about building community, prioritizing your health, and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. It’s wellness with purpose, and connection at the core.”
PHOTO BY KEVIN JOHNSON
“The Club is about building community, prioritizing your health, and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up. It’s wellness with purpose, and connection at the core.”
Another local group that is making big waves in the event wellness arena is The Cold Collective, whose goal is to redefine wellness in South Florida. Their mission is to make wellness more social, inclusive, and rooted in community, which could include a cold plunge, a group workout, or just a stellar and meaningful convo. They want participants to feel seen, supported, and inspired to show up as their best selves, which goes way beyond the average HIIT routine.
“Each event is a mix of movement, recovery, and connection. Pickle and Plunge brings the energy with pickleball, cold plunges, and good vibes. Waterfront Wellness taps into more of a West Palm Beach vibe, right at the waterfront with scenic workouts, recovery stations, and social moments under the sun,” said Victoria Vesce, co-founder of The Cold Collective with Scott Langill. “What makes us unique is how we combine fun and functionality. We don’t just do workouts. We create wellness experiences people actually look forward to.”
Even if you’ve tried some events and they didn’t hit, Victoria welcomes you back for another round. She and Scott wanted to create something that made wellness fun, social, and approachable, which is how The Cold Collective was born. Just like finding the perfect gym or workout space, you need to find the wellness event that speaks to you and your goals.
“We’re not your typical wellness brand. If you’ve ever felt like wellness spaces weren’t made for you, The Cold Collective is here to change that,” said Victoria, who welcomes around 200 to 500 like-minded attendees to events. “We’re here to build something real with cold plunges, sweat, sunshine, and good people.”
So if your fitness goals aren’t helping you reach your life goals, try and fit this wellness option into your routine. You might just find you’re getting more gains than inches lost.
@theclubpalmbeach @thecoldcollectivefl
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE COLD COLLECTIVE
Meet Chaser Water
Florida’s Own
Ultra-Premium Hydration
South Florida has long been known for its nightlife, its sun-soaked days, and its vibrant culture. Now, it’s also the birthplace of a new beverage brand aiming to change the way people think about hydration. Meet Chaser Water — the first and only functional water powered by deep sea minerals, born right here in Florida.
“I noticed people would spend all night in bars and clubs drinking, but water was always an afterthought,” says Rei Rocha, Founder & CEO of Chaser Water. “Usually it was just plain, flat, and overlooked. I wanted to create an elevated hydration experience for those moments, something packed with natural minerals that could keep people balanced and nourished while they were out having a great time.”
That insight sparked the creation of Chaser Water, a premium canned water designed not just to quench thirst, but to replenish and restore. What began as a solution for nightlife has quickly grown into a hydration movement with relevance for athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a healthier way to keep going.
Florida-Born, Ocean-Powered
The brand’s Florida roots are no accident. The Sunshine State shaped Chaser’s identity.
“Florida nightlife and Florida heat — that’s where it clicked. Between the parties, the energy, and the climate, I saw firsthand how important hydration is if you want to keep going and actually feel good the next day. Florida gave Chaser its rhythm and its purpose.”
That combination of culture and climate created the perfect testing ground for Chaser Water. From Miami’s club scene to afternoons on the Treasure Coast and the Palm Beaches, hydration here isn’t optional — it’s survival.
The Power of Deep Sea Minerals
What makes Chaser Water different is what’s inside. Each can is fortified with minerals drawn from more than 200 meters below the ocean’s surface. These deep sea minerals are rich in electrolytes and trace elements essential for hydration and recovery.
“Most bottled water is just… water,” Rocha says. “But when you sweat, dance, or drink alcohol, you’re losing minerals your body needs. Deep sea minerals bring those back. They’re packed with electrolytes and trace elements that support real hydration and balance — which is critical whether you’re in the gym, on a run, or on the dance floor.”
The result? A clean, crisp taste with functional benefits you can actually feel.
You can order or subscribe to Chaser Water plans at ChaserWater.com and have it delivered to your home or office with the utmost speed and convenience.
chaserwater.com @chaserwater
Hydration With Depth
While Chaser Water began in bars and clubs, its mission is broader. Today, it’s positioning itself as a premium lifestyle water for every occasion. Whether it’s fueling a workout, elevating a wellness routine, or simply keeping people refreshed on a sweltering afternoon, Chaser delivers more than hydration — it delivers balance.
“Our purpose is to elevate something as basic as drinking water into something functional and meaningful,” Rocha explains. “We want people to feel better, live better, and connect deeper with the moments that matter. It’s hydration with depth, both literally and figuratively.”
As the brand expands beyond Florida, Chaser Water is carrying its local DNA with it — a blend of nightlife energy, wellness focus, and ocean-powered science.
For West Palm Beach, it’s more than just another beverage launch. It’s a homegrown story of innovation and culture colliding to create something entirely new.
PHOTO BY NATE RYAN AT FORBES
Q&A
With BRĒZ Founder
NOSBISCH
Hear From the Creator of Everyone’s Favorite Social Lubricant AARON
What first sparked your interest in the beverage space?
After years of drinking, I realized that alcohol isn’t the social lubricant I thought it was. The “confidence” I was getting only resulted in anxiety, and the “fun” I was having led to unavoidable hangovers and regrets the next day. I knew there had to be a better way to create that same happy, euphoric feeling that humans desire without the traditional drawbacks of alcohol. I couldn’t find it, so I decided I needed to create it. I then assembled a team of the wisest people around me to realize it.
Was there an “aha” moment when you realized there was a gap in the market for a beverage like BRĒZ?
The move to the beverage sector felt like a no-brainer. Social beverages have been deeply rooted in culture for thousands of years, inspiring new ideas and bringing people together.
Edibles are unpredictable, and not everyone wants to inhale. Beverage felt like the most natural, social, and intuitive format for cannabis — fast-acting, easier to dose, and anxiety-free when done right. We saw a clear opportunity to create something people could confidently enjoy with friends, without the downsides of alcohol or traditional weed products. BRĒZ was our answer to that gap.
Why was it important to include more than just THC and CBD in the blend, like ashwagandha and L-theanine?
Each of our beverages is crafted with adaptogens, botanicals, and mushrooms to support both body and mind. Unlike alcohol, where you will often face the negative consequences (i.e., a hangover) after drinking, BRĒZ was formulated to enhance any moment without that sacrifice. Each drink is a refreshing and mindful alternative to alcohol that provides a relaxed buzz without the next-day regrets. Designed for mindful consumption, our lineup offers something for everyone — whether they’re embracing full sobriety, looking to cut back on alcohol intake, or simply seeking alternatives to alcohol that still provide a “buzz.”
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve heard from someone who tried BRĒZ for the first time?
One of the most surprising and rewarding things we hear is how people feel different after trying BRĒZ — not just physically, but emotionally. We’ve heard things like, “I didn’t expect to feel so clear,” or “I actually felt more connected to the people I was with.” That’s the exact magic we’re chasing — helping people rediscover presence in life’s everyday moments. But the most rewarding is to hear about the freedom people are gaining from alcohol dependence.
How much do you think timing plays into the success of brands like yours? Considering the slight downturn of alcohol consumption lately, we assume that has helped?
Timing has definitely played a role. We can all feel the cultural tide turning — more people are questioning old habits and seeking out more mindful ways to unwind. The shift away from alcohol isn’t a fad, it’s a reflection of a broader desire for connection, clarity, and wellbeing. We’re helping to lead that movement, but we also believe a rising tide lifts all ships. The more brands that step into this space with intention, the stronger the shift becomes. At the end of the day, it’s not just about creating better products — it’s about helping people feel more present and connected.
Getting into a chain like Sprouts has to be a massive accomplishment. Did you envision that as a goal when you started BRĒZ?
From day one, our focus has always been about getting BRĒZ into the hands of the people who need it most — whether that’s at a local event or a national retailer like Sprouts. We didn’t start with a checklist of stores to get into, but we did know we wanted to meet the moment. As the demand for functional, non-alcoholic alternatives continues to grow, partnerships like this help bring that movement mainstream. It’s an exciting milestone, and we’re just getting started.
Not too many companies like BRĒZ choose to call Palm Beach County home. What made you decide to base the brand here?
Palm Beach County holds a special place in my heart. I went to school in Florida, met my wife Skye here, and after years of traveling the world together, we found ourselves back where it all started. There’s something grounding and magical about this place — a slower pace that mirrors the intention behind what we’re building with BRĒZ. It’s a beautiful backdrop to grow a mindful brand rooted in connection, curiosity, and clarity.
BY
PHOTO
ANNA MUCCI
How do you think BRĒZ fits in the wellness industry?
That search for connection is at the core of every experience we create with BRĒZ. Every interaction with BRĒZ feels “surprisingly human.” This is the natural result of our team, comprising passionate leaders who genuinely have a heart for our mission; real people with real stories looking to connect with other like-minded individuals. In a cutthroat industry of corporations competing over shelf space and fighting over every dollar, we’re focused on the heart of our customers. Our humanity and authenticity shine through in every aspect of our business, and it’s a core pillar of who we are. We provide simple solutions to complex problems, making “wellness” not just an industry to conquer, but a feeling of inner fulfillment we aim to provide.
Is there anything on the horizon for BRĒZ that you’d like to share or plug?
There’s a lot we’re excited about — including retail expansion, new formulations, and a lot more we’re ideating around. But beyond the product, we’re continuing to invest in community: from IRL events to digital conversations, BRĒZ has always been about more than what’s in the can. We want to continue showing up in unexpected ways that help people feel more present, more playful, and more themselves.
@drinkbrez
PHOTO BY ANNA MUCCI
RIDING THE SOBER WAVE
BY HALEY DOCKENDORFF
In a world that’s seemingly obsessed with alcohol, it can be hard to get away from it. It’s in every restaurant you go to, in cocktail recipes on your feed, at your friend’s birthday, even at your company Christmas party. Heck, we bet you have some lying around the house.
Alcohol has stayed under the radar of most people’s idea of a “drug” because of its legality, but a new wave is breaking through the wellness community: sobriety.
Whether it be through trending “challenges” like Dry January and Sober October, mixologists embracing mocktail recipes, or even younger generations’ aversion to going out, going sober seems to be the new status quo. We wanted to dive deeper into this (not so) new way of wellness in our community and talk to some people who know a thing or two about sobriety. >>
PHOTO COURTESY OF FROPRO
Matt Williams has been sober for 15 years. He is the founder of FROPRO, a booming snack business that started with his journey to sobriety. After getting a DUI and losing his ability to drive, Matt was biking everywhere. He needed a snack that was healthy, but easy to take on the go, giving life to the peanut butter bars he’s now known for.
“Drinking and drugging was a solution for me that never worked,” Matt said. “I had to realize that I was the problem, and work on myself.”
Matt believes that anyone who is trying to cut back on their drinking is doing a positive thing. The tricky side to this new wave, or trend, of sobriety, he says, is the difference in effort it takes to embrace the change when drinking is a habit, versus when it’s an addiction. This is especially true if it’s being discussed to a large audience.
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with [people on social media and wellness influencers] talking about that,” Matt said. “I just think it can be very confusing for some people because it’s not coming from a place where they stopped drinking because it was a disease.”
Rob Thomas, owner of CrossFit Hype in Boca Raton, also knows what it’s like to live sober. Only, he’s been doing it his whole life. Rob decided from a young age that alcohol just didn’t fit into his active lifestyle.
“I really wanted to excel in what I do ... If I were to drink, nowhere does that fit in how I measure my success,” Rob said. He thinks that others are starting to recognize that, too.
“Hopefully, this is a trend turned lifestyle, and more people understand that this is a better path than letting drugs creep in at a younger age,” he added.
The thing Matt and Rob both found during their sobriety? Community.
FROPRO has grown from Matt’s home kitchen to a bustling production warehouse and functional gym facility in central Boca Raton, where Matt still trains clients. He says it would never have happened without the support of the community, the clients who believed in him, and of course, his wife and CEO of FROPRO, Chelsea Williams.
“I wake up excited for the things I get to do and thankful for another day,” Matt said.
BY
PHOTO
EDDIE BEILER
PHOTO BY CARLOS FLUERY
SPREADING THE HEALTH
PHOTO BY JAMES MCGRATH
GOLDEN JUICERY EXPANDING TO TEQUESTA
BY AVA BOURBEAU
Sometimes a shop, or a bar, or a hangout becomes an instant classic. In a (relatively) small town like Jupiter, locals can be picky, and tourists prefer to frequent their usual jaunts year after year. No one is particularly responsive to change until the change proves them wrong.
Golden Juicery, located in a coveted spot right on US-1 and Marcinski Road, across from the Juno Beach Pier, is one such instant classic, and soon, it’ll be one of two. Golden Juicery is a health food café serving up feel-good options like açaí bowls, smoothies, wraps, salads, Pumphouse coffee, and more. The focus on clean nutrition began with fresh, coldpressed juices and has blossomed into a menu that includes so much more.
After months of toiling by owner Ethan Jaudus, a little serendipity, and a little word of mouth—as is customary in (relatively) small towns—Golden Juicery has snagged another prime spot in which to open its second location. They’re sticking to the US-1 route and setting down roots in Tequesta.
“I THINK I WORK AS HARD ON MYSELF AS I DO ON MY BUSINESS NOW.”
PHOTO BY JAKOB TAKOS
“This whole location came just from relationships and community, 100%,” said Ethan.
You may have even seen the expansion hinted at by the Golden Juicery decal on the front window of the standalone building and wondered what was afoot. The new space, which is significantly larger than their current location, is coming with some exciting updates. The first is that an increased square footage and larger kitchen mean space for a range hood, allowing for an extension of the menu to include food cooked in-house. They’re bringing on a chef and pastry chef to re-envision the menu, bringing all pastry inhouse, and pulling inspiration from Ethan’s time living on the West Coast. But, don’t worry, the same favorites from the flagship location will still be woven in with the new offerings. What’s more, they hope to host wellness and community events, invite guest chefs for cameos, and have small business pop-ups. The building is also home to Adventure Sports Jupiter, a one-stop shop for kiteboarding, winging, and foiling, which is a complement to the adventure sport vibe that Golden Juicery and Ethan are known for.
As a former professional athlete, Ethan has been entrenched in the wellness industry for about a decade—both personally and professionally. After a dirt biking injury to his left leg that forced him to pull a 180 career-wise, undergo a dozen surgeries, and ongoing years of recovery, he turned to juicing and clean eating to speed his healing. He funneled his passion for health and wellness into what is now his booming business.
An ideal that he’s consistently learning is balance, however, as he navigates his own health and the health of Golden Juicery simultaneously. During the recovery from his most recent surgery just last year, related to his original injury, he was confronted with serious obstacles to overcome. Post-surgery, Ethan contracted a viral infection, had to take antibiotics for months, and lost nearly 20% of his body weight in six weeks. He was forced to slow down and reprioritize.
“I think I work as hard on myself as I do on my business now. If I’m not focusing on my wellness, then I can’t show up in the business as my best self—which, then I feel like I’m doing a disservice to the team and the community we’re serving here,” Ethan said.
Embracing wellness double-time—both physically and mentally—allowed Ethan to finally invest the time and effort to open the much-anticipated second location. Details aren’t set in stone, but we expect to see you there in September for a Post Surf smoothie and a Kind Kale wrap.
4050 U.S. Hwy 1 Suite 314, Jupiter
236 U.S. Hwy 1, Tequesta @goldenjuicery
PHOTO BY JAKOB TAKOS
PHOTO BY JAMES MCGRATH
but first Read Our Guide
A Compilation of Local Run Clubs Because It’s Our Current Hyperfixation
Just like most things in life, we get by with a little help from our friends. Friends, in this case, refers to our trusty run club. Running may be known as a mostly solo sport, but run clubs have been gaining popularity at Boston-qualifier speed. Not only are they a replacement for swiping on dating apps, they can also add structure to your running schedule and make the droning miles less solitary.
Celis Run Club
We’ll start with one of the buzziest run clubs — at least in our opinion. Celis Run Club can often be found on the podium post-race, and even more often, hitting the pavement in preparation. The run club meets up to three times per week, typically on Wednesday evenings, Saturday mornings, and Sunday mornings. The meet-up locations alternate between Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach and Celis Delray, where participants can join a three-mile run, and 1401 Athletics, which hosts a longer run of five to ten miles. They post their schedule on socials at the beginning of the month, so it’s easy to keep up with and plan accordingly.
@celisrunclub
Jup Social Run Club
You’ve heard of carb loading before a big race, but what about guzzling a pint right after running three miles? Well, you’ll learn. Jup Social Run Club meets at Guanabanas in Jupiter at 6 p.m. every Wednesday. The club’s route is out and back, starting south along A1A to beach access 57, but runners can turn around at any point. All run club participants receive a ticket for a free draft beer at Guanabanas post-run. And let us tell you, it goes down easy.
@jupsocialrunclub
Night Runners WPB
These night owls gather Mondays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. in Howard Park. The scenery each night alternates between a few predetermined routes. The routes are all around three miles, and each has an associated walking route and sometimes even a long run route. You’re welcome to show up and walk, run, or both! You’ll find a handy map of available parking and their routes on their site.
@nightrunnerswpb
L-Dub Run Club
If you’re down in Lake Worth, you can check out L-Dub. The group meets every Thursday evening and the occasional Saturday or Sunday morning. They alternate between sunset runs followed by beer, and morning runs followed by coffee. They meet at various locations in Lake Worth Beach, so check their Instagram at the beginning of the month for the spot. Distances vary from two miles (with an optional third) to 10Ks.
@ldubrunclub
Inlet Tri Club
This run club, well triathlon club, is a little different because it’s membership-based. Based out of Jupiter, the Inlet Tri Club could be right for you if you’re looking for a more structured running community. Membership is $99 a year and includes freebies, VIP and discounted events, and of course, the network. They do have some meet-ups that are open to non-members and could be a good way to dip your toes in before taking the plunge.
@inlettriclub
West Boynton Road Runners
The West Boynton Road Runners are also membership-based. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings they do a five-mile route: one group starts at 5 a.m. and the other at 6 a.m. On Wednesdays, they do speed workouts, and Saturdays are for fun long runs.
@westboyntonroadrunners
You Run Crew
With five runs a week, You Run Crew is keeping Palm Beach Island runners busy. Your best bet is to check their socials for a full rundown of their schedule, but they typically meet in the mornings at Field of Greens on Royal Poinciana Way. They keep things fresh by diversifying with sub-groups for other sports and activities, “to meet people where they thrive most,” said founder Erin Elizabeth. Monday evening is You Volleyball Crew, Tuesday evening means You Soccer Crew, and most recently, You Bike Crew once a month on Sundays.
@youruncrew
Pineapple Grove Run Club
This Delray club meets Saturdays at 9 a.m. at the PurLife Fitness Center and on Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. at The Ray hotel. They host events with The Seed, Free Flow, and others! They’ve got a loyal following, lots of camaraderie, and even a pineapple mascot.
@pineapplegroverunclub
Q&A
With ERIC OTERO of PINNACLE MOVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Even we’re guilty of overdoing it or going for a tempo run instead of taking a rest day. Maybe you need some guidance on an injury, or maybe you’re skeptical of how movement can heal. Either way, hear from Eric Otero (PT, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS), owner of Pinnacle Movement and Performance in Delray Beach. Eric kindly answered our nagging questions about recovery, movement, habits, and activity trends in South Florida.
What kinds of injuries are you seeing most often these days? We typically see all kinds of musculoskeletal and orthopedic-related issues ranging from low back pain from either gardening, working out, or playing with kids to sprained ankles playing soccer, nagging Achilles tendon issues from running, etc. We also treat some neurological conditions associated with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy.
Have you noticed a shift in why people are coming to PT? The people who normally come to us are active, motivated people who actually want to get better or are looking for long-term solutions versus quick fixes that traditional medicine can lead with, such as injections, pills, or even surgeries. When people speak with us, they know they are in good hands with an actual clinic that will take their time and listen to the patient and not feel like they are in a mill being with two to three patients at a time and never really working with the Doctor of Physical Therapy. It is one-on-one with every single patient with no exception, we put the CARE back in healthcare, and people resonate with that.
Do you think more people are training like athletes now — even if they’re not competing? I believe people are much more health-conscious and are really open to training for life. When
we ask people about their low back pain, a follow-up question we ask is, “What is your low back pain preventing you from doing?” That is their bottom line and why they will put in the work to get better because it affects something meaningful to them; whether is it picking up their newborn or kids from the floor, playing in the rec league they may be a part of, or simply shutting them down from their daily walks ... people want to get better so they are training for a better quality of life! We can see how quickly pickleball or Padel has blown up with people really getting out there and enjoying the sport for its health benefits from a cardio/workout standpoint, as well as enjoying the community aspect of it.
Is that changing how you approach treatment? We have not changed our philosophy since we were established in 2018. If anything, it has solidified us being on the right track of putting our patients first! As Doctors of Physical Therapy, we hold ourselves to the highest of standards. It is time to raise the bar and receive the quality service you deserve by working one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who can give you the attention needed to achieve your goals. Our goal at PMP is to provide a long-term solution to what is keeping you from the things you enjoy the most. We enter into a commitment to you, the patient. By providing care in this manner, we can thoroughly determine the best approach to help fulfill your needs and get you moving better and feeling better.
Hybrid training is everywhere — does it come with a higher injury risk? There are really many factors when considering correlations to a type of training and the risk to the patient. Bottom line, Movement is Medicine! However, I believe when you consider someone who is new to that type of training, who does not have a solid fitness background, they can be susceptible to overuse issues, which we commonly see. I believe if they progressively ease into it,
it is actually not only safe but extremely beneficial for them. Also, having great coaches that monitor and watch or correct form in these training environments is key! We work with many gyms and coaches around the community to keep people active in a safe, fun, and conducive manner!
How about running? Are you seeing more running-related injuries? We are seeing an increase in more running-related injuries primarily because of the surge in local run clubs and events.
Pickleball is huge — what’s the most common issue from that crowd? The most common injuries outside of direct trauma from falls on court are tennis elbow, shoulder issues (rotator cuff strains or shoulder impingements), or knee-related injuries such as MCL sprains or meniscus issues.
Are recovery tools like cold plunges actually helping — or just trendy? Cold plunges can be great for many reasons and not just trendy! They can help reduce inflammation or soreness, boost your mood by upregulating dopamine, kick start your central nervous system and improve your mental clarity, enhance blood circulation post-plunge as your body tries to get back to homeostasis, and the list really goes on. Bottom line, we are big fans!
What’s your take on people trying to “hack” recovery? People are always looking for the latest and greatest recovery hacks, but keeping it super simple is where everyone’s main focus should be. Exercise regularly, get consistent and quality sleep, and focus on proper nutrition. Just focus on these three alone, and you are already ahead of the game!
How much of your job now is education versus treatment? Education is really our most important tool in our toolbox! Yes, we can dry needle, perform cupping, active release therapy, etc., but if we do not educate our people on what is causing their issue and direct them on how they can help themselves, we missed the big picture. What we tell our patients is that they are the captains of their bodies and we are simply co-pilots to help direct them on how to get to their goal of being pain-free and getting back to the activities they enjoy most.
Is social media helping or hurting how people manage their bodies? Both, really. Social media provides some baseline information, but people may not understand that everyone’s body is different and there is no cookie-cutter approach that will “fix” everyone’s issues. More so, people should dig deeper as to where they are getting their information from to make sure it is a valid resource or professional, versus someone who simply has more followers.
“The longer you let your body get accustomed to pain or dysfunction, the harder it can be to treat.”
What’s one thing active people in South Florida should be doing but aren’t? Being proactive with their healthcare. Too often, we have people coming in mentioning issues that have been going on for months or years! The longer you let your body get accustomed to pain or dysfunction, the harder it can be to treat. We encourage our people to not sweep discomfort or pain, which are messages our bodies are giving us, under the carpet and let it pile up. A general rule of thumb we encourage our people to follow is, if it has been bothering you for more than two weeks, it is time to get it checked out. It will save you both time and money in the long haul.
And what’s one thing they should probably stop doing? Waiting until the issue really does impact their day-to-day or recreational activities. We give our people a game plan to modify or work around issues versus the typical “just rest it.” Patients need more of an understanding of what their plan of care looks like from start to finish so they can avoid rushing back into things when they may not be ready.
Are you optimistic about where fitness culture is heading? We are very optimistic about where fitness culture is heading! Just from the local increase in run clubs, wellness events, etc., there has been a boom in health-focused individuals that has created fun and empowering communities.
What’s your top advice for staying painfree and active long-term? Keep moving! Movement is really the best medicine we have control over. If you are in pain and need guidance, see a provider who listens and can educate or empower you on how you can control your own situation!
