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From Pain to the Dance Floor: How Dave Took Control of His Health
Dave Potter was in a world of pain when he sought help from PowerStrength at the Plainfield location in the Fall of 2024.
The 64-year-old had spent years managing debilitating knee issues, the lingering fallout of a serious health crisis—and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep going.
“I had a very bad leg infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which is more commonly known as the flesh-eating bacteria,” Dave explained.
The infection required 5 surgeries to treat, and afterward, Dave took the slow road to recovery.
“After the surgeries, I didn’t jump into rehab right away. I just kind of babied my leg and really took it easy for about a year.”
At the time, rest seemed like the safe choice. But years later, Dave began feeling the effects of that decision.
“About 3 and a half or 4 years later, I had really bad knee pain in that same leg,” he said. “I went to an orthopedic surgeon who said it’s an arthritic knee and the only thing that will fix it is a knee replacement.”
He got a 2nd opinion. And a 3rd. Each doctor said the same thing: surgery was the only option.
That wasn’t a decision Dave was ready to make—especially with his son Billy’s wedding coming up in May 2025.
“In my mind, I’m thinking, okay, the work that I’m doing at PowerStrength, I’ll eventually probably have to have a knee replacement, but this will be prehab, and it’ll help me with better rehab after surgery. And I’d like to put this off so that I can have the surgery after my son’s wedding.”
ENTER POWERSTRENGTH
Being familiar with PowerStrength over the years, Dave reconnected with Regional Manager Brian Paulsen, who didn’t flinch when he heard the extent of Dave’s pain.
“Brian told me they can tailor a program for me, so I started coming here. That was in September.”
What Dave didn’t know then was just how much that decision would change his life.
He was in rough shape.
“I had a lot of knee pain. Probably an 8 or 9 on some days. On a scale of 1 to 10,” he said. “In fact, on really bad days before I came to PowerStrength, I had to use a cane sometimes to go to work.”
He was relying on cortisone injections just to get through each day.
“A cortisone injection would give me about 2 or 3 months of pain-free ability to work,” he said.
But that relief was only temporary.
The coaches at PowerStrength—who specialize in helping adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s take control of their health—put together a customized training program just for Dave. It was built around where he was starting from, not just where he wanted to go.
“Just simply moving from 2 days a week to 3 days a week, I increased my membership,” Dave said. “The result of that, a month or so later, made a big difference.”
The improvement was gradual, but it was real.
“Through the winter, I started to see some results, and it took about 4 to 5 months, and I’m feeling better,” he said. “I’m thinking, okay, I’m due for another cortisone shot, but it’s not hurting that bad.”
March came and went. Then April.
“It’s still not hurting. I know the benefit of cortisone is long gone now, so whatever I’m feeling, it’s just the result of the work that I’ve done.”
By May—just in time for his son’s big day—Dave had surpassed his original goal.
DANCING AGAIN
“My son got married. I was able to dance at his wedding, which I never thought I would do something like that,” he said, a mix of gratitude and disbelief in his voice.
Today, Dave is still training at PowerStrength—and still putting off that knee replacement.
“Right now, I’m thinking that if I eventually have a knee replacement, it’s way out on the horizon because of the work that I’ve done here and the coaches here tailoring a program just for my needs.”
He even jokes about the bigger picture.
“I don’t know why insurance companies wouldn’t pay for a PowerStrength membership,” he said. “Because it’s a lot cheaper than what it would cost if I had a knee replacement.”
THE POWER OF A PLAN
Dave’s story isn’t just about one man avoiding surgery—it’s a reflection of what happens when the right support system meets personal consistency. He was willing to show up and PowerStrength was ready with the plan.
Dave’s transformation proves what’s possible with structure, belief, and commitment. He’s more than just pain-free—he’s fully participating in life again.
“I didn’t think I would ever be able to be that comfortable again.”
READY TO TAKE CONTROL?
Men and Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who want to get stronger and have more energy can join the Personal Training Program at PowerStrength at any time. No previous workout experience is required as each program is customized to the fitness and ability level of each individual.
Multiple personal training sessions are offered in the early morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, and evening. Find your nearest PowerStrength location – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.
Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.
