January Newsletter: Fresh Starts & Success Stories

Vincent Hanneken, PT/Owner
By Vincent Hanneken, PT/Owner
January Newsletter: Fresh Starts & Success Stories
January is the season of fresh starts, but for many of us, it’s also when aches from the holidays, long travel days, or weeks of inactivity start to catch up. And as life slows down and distractions fade, long-standing pain and movement limitations can become impossible to ignore.
For many, New Year’s resolutions often spark the same question: Can I finally feel better this year? Physical therapy can be the key to turning that “maybe” into a confident “yes!” Through guided exercises, hands-on treatment, and a plan tailored to your individual needs, PT helps you move more freely, reduce pain, and prevent setbacks before they start.
In our January newsletter, we’re celebrating the journeys of patients who made 2025 their year of change.From those frustrated by chronic pain to those simply looking to move better and improve their health, each patient’s story shows the power of consistent care and personalized guidance. These successes are proof that progress is possible at any stage. Three cheers to all of our 2025 go-getters and graduates!
We hope their wins can inspire anyone looking to finish 2026 stronger, more mobile, and more active than ever. Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply hoping to move better, there is a path forward! And it starts by taking a first step.
Let these graduate’s stories be a reminder that small actions can lead to big results, and let 2026 be the year you reach your movement and wellness goals.
Patient Success Stories: Celebrating Our Graduates!
Kathryn K. – 100% Improvement
With physical therapy, I got better strength, balance, and more energy. I enjoyed the complete evaluation and the encouragement at each session. FPPT has the best staff, all are friendly and professional. Dr. Nick is very knowledgeable and explains in detail the program.

Jacklyn T. – 100% Improvement
After my knee injury, I went from being unable to sit with my knee in any position without pain to deadlifting 70 lbs. I am able to do more than I could prior to my fall! I enjoyed the fun atmosphere provided by the staff. We always found something to joke about during sessions, which made uncomfortable exercises much more enjoyable.

Thomas A. – 100% Improvement
My post-knee-replacement PT has moved me toward full expectation/target of knee range of motion faster than expected. And my recovery of leg strength is also doing very well. My therapist has been wonderfully communicative about the recovering interface between healing anatomy and joint function. He has been very clear and appropriately challenging about prescribed exercises, and has been a friend. The FPPT employees, physical environment, ambience and even music have felt consistently supportive.

Remi V. – 100% Improvement
Due to the stretches I have been taught I can now chew comfortably. Additionally, I rarely experience pain and/or discomfort in my jaw anymore. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. The clinic was flexible with my schedule and I had many good conversations while getting treatment.

Connie R. – 90% Improvement
My tight lower back pain is pretty much gone as a result of physical therapy, and I understand how to avoid the tightness consistently. My range of motion has improved, and the inner thigh pain is gone for the most part. I enjoyed learning about what my body was telling me when I pushed too hard to move a certain way. Your clinic strengths included listening to what I was saying and patience.

Robin T. – 100% Improvement
As a result of physical therapy, I am able to move again without pain! My PT had great knowledge of the treatment given and explained it in full. Questions were answered if asked. They truly listen and care. I will never go anywhere else.

Benjamin L. – 95% Improvement
As a result of physical therapy, I am virtually pain free after a work related accident. I am very confident with my work and my home responsibilities after working with Vince. I enjoyed learning new ways to treat my body the correct way, and learning how to be pain free!

Virginia O. – 100% Improvement
My condition has improved a lot. No more daily headaches. My anxiety has lessened thanks to the breathing techniques – learning how to relax as I’m breathing using my diaphragm. I’m sleeping better. No arm soreness and very little neck pain – hardly noticeable as often. Full Potential has a very welcoming environment. Easy to feel relaxed. Very helpful and useful techniques. I’ve learned a lot and can use what I have learned. Made me feel more confident 🙂

Tom A. – 100% Improvement
I came in with a lot of lower back pain. After 6 weeks of physical therapy and learning stretches, the back pain has subsided considerably – I saw 100% improvement. I can move the lower back without pain. Learning the stretches and having the therapist work with me on getting the body lined up was enjoyable.

Toni R. – 90% Improvement
There is a night and day difference since coming to physical therapy! I can wear a larger range of shoes again! Everyone was so friendly, professional, empathetic and just lovely to work with. The doctors are so knowledgeable about their area of expertise. Just brilliant! Really fab place, I fully recommend!

Chuck G. – 90% Improvement
My arm pain is gone and I now know how to prevent it from coming back. I found Vince to be very understanding about my daily routine and to give me good advice on proper techniques for strengthening my posture and core. Clinic strengths include listening, teaching, caring, and building relationships.

David D. – 90% Improvement
I was nearly immobile from a month of hard bicycling then trench digging- right glute, lower back, psoas completely fed up. 8 weeks of persistent stretching and especially educating me on good self care has me 90% back to normal. I enjoyed the friendly front desk people and clean open space in the treatment area. And given my occupation (physician), Vince was still able to get me better educated and up to speed on good ongoing self care. I thought I knew a fair amount; but I certainly needed to learn more!

Elizabeth C. – 100% Improvement
I can do a lot more after physical therapy. I know what to do when my thigh goes numb and that doesn’t happen as much as it used to. I can walk a lot farther than I used to and my leg is much stronger. The people here are very helpful and very nice. They helped me a lot, they listened to what I had to say and they were encouraging.

David D. – 100% Improvement
I had a chronic issue for over two years that previous providers were unable to improve. As a result of physical therapy at Full Potential, my issues were completely resolved and I feel great. No pain, 100% improvement, and I can now sleep through the night. The clinic had an excellent understanding of how the body works and how to improve imbalances successfully. Very friendly and caring team.

William H. – 80% Improvement
I have much less pain, more mobility, and it is easier to do day-to-day activities like getting up and down on the floor or into and out of the car. I received great care. My PT listened and created a program that has helped me a lot. Friendly, encouraging, very skilled, communicated well. Plus the operation seems organized and efficient. I was always treated well!

Melinda W. – 100% Improvement
I can utilize my arm to its full potential now, being able to lift it farther than my shoulder and all the way above my head. As a bonus, the therapy also helped the numbness and tingling in my thumbs. Each visit I could see improvement in my shoulder/arm. Linnae and Kristen knew exactly what I needed. They are both very friendly and knowledgeable. Everyone is very nice and I will recommend your office to my friends and family 🙂

Mary W. – 90% Improvement
I have no issues other than my initial problem with stairs. I no longer have constant pain in my hip or knee- therapy has improved these areas greatly. A lot of time and trial and error went into my therapy. I only moved forward if the specific mode of therapy exercises were beneficial. I feel good!!

Winn C. – 100% Improvement
I felt I might have to give up running – but I feel so much stronger with the pain gone. Thank you! The clinic listened well. Was thorough. Gave me a workable plan and was personal.

Marlene L. – 100% Improvement
When I came in I was in agony! My neck could not turn without excruciating pain and I struggled to hold my head up. My therapist knew just where to gently apply pressure to turn off the nerves that were overly active. He took extra care to make me reasonably comfortable that day. With each returning visit I was brought back to my normal self. Thank you 🙂 Everyone at Full Potential is friendly and takes the time to keep everything organized. The therapists understand all the nerves, muscles, and skeletal parts of the body and how they connect and work together.

Kathryn B. – 100% Improvement
I am no longer experiencing pain in quads, hip, and no longer having severe cramping at night! FPPT staff are great at listening and providing clear direction. They helped me better understand my abilities and to feel better about my skills in evaluating my muscle pain. Knowing more makes me feel able to dial it down a notch when I experience unsteadiness or pain. Thank you to Nick and Kristen!!

Dan L. – 100% Improvement
Physical therapy has improved my condition immensely. I was very limited in range of motion and very tight in my muscles. I now have a greater range of motion and a lot more flexibility. I appreciated the knowledge Vince gave me of “why” the exercises help and how the body works. If we are not doing the right exercises the body will compensate, not always in a good way. He gave me the knowledge on how to keep my body from compensating and getting sore and tight.

Amy Jo D. – 90% Improvement
As a result of coming to Full Potential, my pain has decreased and my balance has improved to the point I feel comfortable not having a walker, cane, or an arm to hold on to. The staff is very personable, each member has your best interest in mind. They are accommodating in every way. I will miss them!

Jill R. – 80% Improvement
My headaches are gone. The constant neck pain is greatly diminished. I now have tools that work to both prevent acute flair ups and to respond if they do arise. The skill and expertise of the therapists at Full Potential is outstanding. The efficiency and friendliness of administrative staff sets the tone that this is a place of healing.

Victoria S. – 80% Improvement
With physical therapy I have been able to build muscle back and regain balance, strength, and flexibility in my knee. I am able to workout with more confidence! I have truly enjoyed my experience at Full Potential. I have felt supported and encouraged by the staff here and grown more confident in myself and in my strength. I am going to miss these friendly faces here! Thank you for all that you do!

Doug S. – 90% Improvement
I can walk!! Full Potential is very well organized. The greeters were positive and welcoming. My therapist was well planned and encouraging. They helped my problem improve 90%!

Gail P – 100% Improvement
After physical therapy, I have no neck pain! Wonderful! I can do all my regular routines with no pain! I enjoyed the friendly service, the employees were very welcoming. My PT was excellent at demonstrating and had a charming personality.

Catherine S. – 90% Improvement
I definitely needed directions as to what was going to improve my problems. I will continue using the exercises and stretches daily as part of my lifestyle. (I’m only getting older, LOL). I enjoyed that the treatment was to the point! My provider was knowledgeable, patient, used trial and error, and the atmosphere was comfortable, friendly, caring, and very respectful.

Mike C – 90% Improvement
I have almost fully recovered from a quad tendon rupture and the surgery to repair it. This was as positive of an experience as a serious injury could be! All of my providers were professional yet warm and friendly. I will continue to recommend Full Potential.

Dan F – 100% Improvement
After physical therapy, I am much more confident with movements. I have less pain. Much more mobility. The staff is great! I enjoyed the listening, the coaching, and the encouragement.

Rachel F – 100% Improvement
I am now able to walk, stand and exercise without pain. Woohoo! Everyone was kind – they knew my name! Linnae and Kristen were kind and fun to work with!

Darius C. – 100% Improvement
I no longer experience pain in my right knee when doing normal activities. I really enjoyed getting into an exercise routine. I used the moves scheduled by Kristen and Nick during the 11 sessions. I enjoyed the care with which Kristen and Nick listened to my problems and gave me exercise routines that began and eventually eliminated my knee pain.

Their wins can inspire anyone looking to finish 2026 stronger, more mobile, and more active than ever. Whether you’re managing pain, recovering from an injury, or simply hoping to move better, there is a path forward! And it starts by taking a first step.
Ask a PT
Welcome to our “Ask a PT” feature! This is your go-to spot in the newsletter to get real answers to everyday questions about the body, movement, and feeling your best. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, wondering how to stay active, or just curious about how physical therapy works, our team of physical therapists is ready to help. Each month we’ll share responses, tips, and answers based on questions from you, so if there’s something you’ve been wondering about, don’t be shy! Send it in – we’d love to hear from you!
Recent Q and A!
Q: Can physical therapy help me if I’m already active in the gym?
I don’t have pain, but I want to
get more out of my workouts…
A: That is a fair and logical question. Most people think of physical therapy as something you do
only when you’re in pain or recovering from an injury. But what is the motivation when there is
no pain?
Many gym-goers could benefit greatly from PT before pain shows up. Being pain-free doesn’t
automatically mean your body is moving as efficiently or effectively as it could! Here are some
reasons to see a PT if you’re looking to complement your gym program:
- You’ve hit a plateau. If you’re training consistently but your strength, mobility, or
performance isn’t improving the way it used to, a PT can identify what is holding you
back! - You have persistent “tightness” that doesn’t resolve. Maybe it’s your hips,
shoulders, or low back. You stretch regularly but it keeps coming back. Often, chronic
tightness isn’t a flexibility issue, it’s an issue with stability or strength somewhere else! A
physical therapist can uncover the real cause and help you solve it. - You’re compensating without realizing it. Even very fit people can have underlying
weaknesses that cause the body to compensate. Unidentified, these can create pain,
discomfort, or ongoing issues that only become more aggravated as you work harder in
your program.
So how can PT help if you’re already active? A physical therapist at Full Potential looks beyond
individual muscles and exercises to assess how your body moves as a whole. The goal is to
improve your body’s efficiency, which equates to improved movement with less effort. Better
efficiency means less strain on joints that are vulnerable, less wear and tear, and improved
performance in the gym and in your daily activities.
In short, physical therapy isn’t just a tool for managing pain. It’s a way to support longevity,
optimize movement, and keep you doing what you love in the gym for years to come!
Q: During the cold and icy months, I stay inside and I’m more stationary. What kind of posture or
chair should I be sitting in if I tend to sit for a long time?
A: Spending more time sitting during the winter is common, but how you sit (and how long you
sit!) can make a big difference in how your body feels.
First, choose a chair that supports your natural posture. Your feet should rest flat on the floor,
with your knees about level with or slightly lower than your hips. A chair with good lower back
(lumbar) support is important. If your chair doesn’t have it, a small pillow or rolled towel placed
behind your lower back can help maintain a comfortable curve.
Sit back in the chair rather than perched on the edge, and keep your shoulders relaxed, not
rounded forward. If you’re reading or using a phone or tablet, try to bring the material up toward
eye level instead of bending your neck down.
Just as important as posture is movement. Even the “perfect” chair can’t replace getting up
regularly. Aim to stand, stretch, or walk every 30-60 minutes to keep joints moving and keep
your muscles from stiffening.
If sitting tends to increase back, neck, or hip discomfort, consider a consultation with a physical
therapist. A PT can assess your posture, chair setup, and daily habits, and offer simple
Community Announcement
Thank you to all who submitted nominations for the Holland Community’s Choice Awards! We are honored and excited to share that we have been named a Top 5 nominee and will be moving on to the next round of selection. Being recognized among Holland’s top choices for physical therapy is truly meaningful to our team.
Keep an eye out for voting details — the voting window for Best Physical Therapy Clinic will be open from February 2 to February 16.
We are sincerely grateful for the trust, support, and encouragement from our patients and community. It is our privilege to serve you!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional but flavorful)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes start to soften.
- Add cream and broth: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Combine: Add spinach and stir until wilted. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over top. Simmer another 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Exercise of the Month
Calf Raises
Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your hands resting on a chair or countertop for support. Slowly rise up onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels off the ground. Hold briefly at the top, then lower back down with control. 3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: chair or countertop for balance)
Let’s Get You Better ASAP!
Don’t let pain dictate your life. Take the first step towards reclaiming your mobility and well-being with our expert support. Start your journey to a healthier you today.






