
Dr. Luke VanderZouwen
(Doctor of Physical Therapy)
Luke earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Hope College, and in 2016 he received his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Central Michigan University. He is experienced in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal issues. In early 2021, he completed advanced coursework in treatment of temporomandibular (jaw) joint dysfunction and has enjoyed working with this often underserved population. He also has a particular passion for treating individuals with persistent pain who are looking to improve their quality of life and daily function.
Luke has many hobbies and passions outside of physical therapy. First and foremost, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, and his Airdale Terrier. He considers himself to be a fitness enthusiast and dabbles in Olympic weightlifting, cross-training, rowing, and running. Luke also loves being out in nature, whether that means camping, backpacking, or getting out and taking a hike to go bird watching.
Luke’s Case Studies

Jaw Region Pain (Suspected muscular overuse)
“I can play my saxophone as much as I want and go through day-to-day activities with little to no jaw pain.”

Cervical Whiplash
I had constant neck pain and extremely limited range of motion in my neck before starting PT. The pain is now gone and my range of motion is greatly increased. The results are more than I was expecting.

Jaw Region Pain / Hypermobility – Locking Open
“With Luke’s help, I’ve learned a lot for how to help avoiding getting pain…the clinic was upbeat – friendly – a nice atmosphere…Luke did a good job to help me. He was someone I could talk to. He listened to me and did a great job.”

Jaw Region Pain / Intermittent Jaw Locking
“I am able to eat and do everyday activities like brushing teeth, flossing, etc., normally and without pain or locking. My headaches have also been reduced…Very nice staff (at Full Potential). Easy scheduling and good communication. Welcoming to patients. Really good at listening to concerns and giving detailed explanations.”

Jaw Region Pain / Intermittent Jaw Locking
“I am able to eat and do everyday activities like brushing teeth, flossing, etc., normally and without pain or locking. My headaches have also been reduced…Very nice staff (at Full Potential). Easy scheduling and good communication. Welcoming to patients. Really good at listening to concerns and giving detailed explanations.”

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
My range of motion has improved drastically and my fear of movement is completely gone! I now look forward to continued improvement instead of being scared…The whole staff is very welcoming and my experience was always met with reassurance – I felt calm and in good hands!

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
I have wider range of motion with little to no pain.” She had cancelled a follow-up visit with an oral surgeon as she felt she was managing well on her own and would not need further intervention.

Chronic Jaw Pain
I am able to open my mouth without pain or fear of tightness and popping.

Chronic Hip Pain
“I have had a long-standing gait issue with my right leg which had gotten so bad that I couldn’t walk 2 blocks without pain. After working with Luke for several months, I have seen great improvement. I am able to walk much longer distances without pain. Luke’s therapy plan helped me make good progress toward my goal of walking 1.5-2 miles without pain. Also, my core and lower body strength has improved significantly. As a result, my posture and my balance are better. Before working with Luke, I had never had a physical therapist that I was reluctant to say goodbye to. He was encouraging and supportive, helping me to find that sweet spot of progress without lots of pain. Last but not least, everyone on staff is competent, kind, and helpful.”

Rheumatoid Arthritis / Knee Surgery
Much improvement. Able to walk without looking like a clown. Physical therapy allowed me to live a more meaningful life as my mobility has improved a lot! (Physical therapy was) …personable, adaptable to my interests and goals. Very kind. Also, very timely and considerate.

Chronic Shoulder Pain
Pain in the L shoulder is now almost a distant memory. I have better range of motion and can slip my arm in to a jacket sleeve without pain! No matter how busy the office/gym/clinic was, I never felt rushed through an appointment.

Chronic Shoulder Pain
Pain in the L shoulder is now almost a distant memory. I have better range of motion and can slip my arm in to a jacket sleeve without pain! No matter how busy the office/gym/clinic was, I never felt rushed through an appointment.

Chronic Shoulder Pain
When I first came in I could barely use my left shoulder. I was in constant pain. Now I am pain free and have full mobility…Very organized clinic. Physical therapists were always on time and efficient. All staff are quite warm and friendly.

Chronic Shoulder Pain
“When I started PT, I was unable to lift and utilize my left arm because of a shoulder injury. I was constantly in pain. Luke’s plan and support has helped me regain strength and mobility so I’m able to get back to my daily + fitness routines. I’m so thankful for Luke and Full Potential PT!”

Multiple Sclerosis
My hips and legs are stronger. My balance has improved so much…Very friendly and kind staff. There is a level of professionalism I haven’t seen before at PT. The staff treated me with respect and worked very well with my limitations.

Frequent Falls
At the conclusion of her care, she had not had a fall in 2+ months and was able to transfer from ground to stand independently. She was engaging in more home/farm tasks and feeling more confident in her situation. She was very pleased with her ability to be more physically active and feeling encouraged about her future!

LOW BACK/LEG PAIN
“I’ve gone from pain almost all the time to intermittent. I now have the tools to address my pain and feel in control and able to live less restricted… (physical therapists were) great in diagnosing the issue and quickly putting me on a recovery path. Highly recommend!”

Low Back/Radicular Pain Case Study
“I was mistreated from other clinics and lost all hope in PT. It took a lot of time to decide to go (to physical therapy) and I’m so glad I did….night and day difference from my last PT. I don’t think anything could have been a better experience. From the bottom of my heart (and healing sciatic nerve) THANK YOU!”

Right Hamstring/Direct Access
In the state of Michigan, physical therapists are allowed to see and treat patients through direct access (meaning no formal physician prescription is required) for a period of 21 days or 10 visits, whichever comes first. A thorough physical evaluation is performed and if there are any contraindications to initiating care, they are referred to seek out more formal medical evaluation. Should care be needed beyond 10 visits or 21 days, physician authorization is required.

Complex Cervical Pain
– My mental picture of what was possible has changed. 2 – I have very little ROM and now move as freely as my body will allow. 3 – I am not spending all my time thinking about how much pain I have, but rather on what I am going to do with my life today!

TKA Case Study
When I came for the first visit I was totally discouraged. I thought I would never get full mobility of my knee. After a couple visits my hope was completely restored.

ACL Repair and Knee Manipulation
I think all the faculty does a great job at explaining what they expect of their patients. They are also very welcoming and understanding of the pain that I feel. They don’t ever push me to an extremely painful point, but I do feel like I’m being pushed every time I come.

Chest or Rib Pain
The fact that I can actually move and be involved in everything I do is so amazing. (At Full Potential) They keep your mind clear and let you be emotionally OK…

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Fewer episodes of severe pain + numbness/tingling. In last 3 weeks – no episodes (of numbness/tingling)…Sleeping without as many wakeups because of pain.

Osteopenia Resistance Training
I now can do pushes/pulls correctly to have an impact on my osteopenia…(with) your physical therapist’s knowledge and plan of action to help my condition, I am able to continue on my own.

Low Back Pain Differential Diagnosis Case Study
“Thank you both for your helping me figure this out. Without going to see you I would have never known to explore my options further.”

Low Back Pain
I feel like I understand the problem with my back so much better than I did before starting PT. I didn’t know what to expect, but Luke helped me to discover that I am stronger and more flexible than I ever thought and that with the tools I’ve gathered at Full potential, I have the ability to improve my mobility and decrease my pain for myself (hopefully for the rest of my life).

Low Back Pain
Full Potential has excellent therapists who care and progress at a steady pace. They have excellent equipment to facilitate healing and build strength. All of the staff was kind and supportive. Thank you!

Low Back Pain
I am able to do normal activities with little or no pain! I can get through a full work day without being exhausted by pain!

Low Back Pain
Really started to think I would be in constant pain. So pleased with the results…Gave me the tools to put an end to 7 years of pain that I had endured thinking there was nothing that could be done. Thank you!

Low Back Pain
The patient was discharged from physical therapy with increased pain free trunk ROM to WFL, no low back pain during his normal daily activities including his work which requires frequent lifting/bending/reaching tasks. In his course of PT he even experienced one brief flare-up, but through his provided exercises and education he was able to get through it without missing any work time.

Low Back Pain
When I first started physical therapy I had constant lower back pain and shooting pain that ran down my leg. Upon completion of treatment I have more range of motion and can manage my discomfort throughout the day…I was very impressed with the level of care the therapists were able to provide!

Low Back Pain – Radiculopathy
“I had been suffering with back and hip pain for so long I could not even remember what it felt like to not have pain. I had tried numerous treatments. Then I found Dr. Luke and Full Potential. I have been pain free for months. Thank you for giving me my life back.”

Low Back/Radicular Pain
came to you and your team close to not walking and left getting back to life and into my normal routines. We have since had our little one, who is now 9 months old and I am grateful every day that I am able to play with her and pick her up without severe back pain. I have also been working out with pretty much no issues and I am moving like it was back 10+ years ago. It feels great!

Low Back Pain after Diagnosed Disc Herniation
I am pain free now, without medication! I have knowledge of the body and how every move effects each area. I appreciate the friendliness, thoughtfulness, and concern…I could not be more pleased on how well I was treated as well as my results!

Failed Lumbar Surgery
My body has learned that it can respond well to stretching, exercise, and breathing in a helpful way. I can’t thank my therapists enough for teaching me everything I needed to know!












