About Us

Pursuit Physical Therapy is Northern Michigan’s home for highly customized and highly effective physical therapy. Our mission is to help build happy, healthy, and resilient communities by empowering people to move freely and live an active lifestyle, without restriction.

Hello.

At Pursuit Physical Therapy, we’re here to help you move with ease, gain strength, and return to the activities you love with confidence. We help you take the guesswork out of what exercises you should be doing so you can return to the activities you love. By working with Pursuit, you’ll feel confident in your customized treatment plan.

Plus, you’ll also enjoy peace of mind that comes with working alongside a company that believes in full transparency, honest communication, and a genuine desire to see you succeed.

Get Back To Doing
What You Love.

That’s our mission. Plain and simple. We want to help you get back to the activities you love without pain or discomfort.

our Team

We strive to make real connections with our clients in order to understand your exact therapy goals and create specialized training programs designed to get you back to doing the things that give you joy.

Aaron Swoverland

Physical Therapist/Owner

Aaron is a 4th generation resident of Northern Michigan. He and his wife Deb have twin one year old daughters, Grace and Annie. They also have a black lab named Gus who occasionally acts as the Kalkaska location’s mascot.

Aaron graduated from Kalkaska High School in 2006 before earning his bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Cornerstone University. He received his doctorate in physical therapy from University of Michigan in 2015, and completed a fellowship in Applied Functional Science from the Gray Institute in 2016.  He has served in the Traverse City area the last 5 years, but is excited to be able to move back to Kalakaska and work in his hometown.

Nick Hawkins

Physical Therapist/Owner

After graduating with his Doctorate in physical therapy, Nick went on to complete a fellowship at the Gray Institute which fueled his passion for helping people move well.

In this fellowship, Nick developed effective diagnostic skills and learned how to create an optimal treatment plan based on the diagnosis. More importantly, he learned how the entire body connects and how we must look above and below the painful area to truly find the solution for pain relief.

Nick and his wife Sara love the outdoors. Whether it is running, cycling, hiking, swimming, yardwork, or even doing PT outdoors, you’ll often find Nick outside. Nick and Sara are parents to two kids, Eli and Isabelle, who both run the show 😊.

When you work with Nick, you will immediately notice his ability to engage with you and you will have his undivided attention during your treatment session. Nick strives to make the rehab process enjoyable, fun, and effective.

Lisa Thompson

Physical Therapist

Lisa Thompson

Hi, I’m Lisa Thompson. I am from northern Michigan. I’m from a large family and grew up in a small town; Marion, where most of my family still lives. I have 2 younger sisters whom I enjoy spending time with playing softball, cards/games or just relaxing and catching up.

I did my undergraduate work at Spring Arbor University, graduating with my BS and my doctoral degree from Central Michigan University. I have continued my education post graduate school, and have earned my COMT from the Manual Therapy Institute. I love being a therapist and treating patients. It’s a rewarding career and I have met some great people along the way.

My husband, Caleb, and I love northern Michigan. We enjoy hiking, the beaches and being outdoors. We have 2 small children: Robyn who is 2 and Harold (Harry) who is 5 months. They are so much fun and a blessing to watch as they grow, learn and discover everything for the first time. We have 2 dogs; Bentley and Shelby. We like to go for family walks with the dogs and kids. We love to take weekend trips for family adventures. I also play a lot of slow-pitch softball during the summer months, which is a lot of fun and makes up a lot of weekend trips.

Lance Fulsher

Physical Therapist

Lance Fulsher

Lance was born and raised in Marquette, MI and completed his undergraduate degree in Sports Science at Northern Michigan University. From there, he went on to complete his DPT at Oakland University in 2014. Following graduation from Oakland University, Lance completed his Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy certificate in 2017.

Lance and his wife, Lauren, are excited to have moved back to the Traverse City area as it gets them closer to family and friends. Lance enjoys getting to know his patients on a personal level and helping them reach their overall goals during therapy.

Outside of work, Lance enjoys sports, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with his dogs.

Julia Otwell

Physical Therapist

Julia Otwell

Bio coming soon!

Alex Pikunas

Physical Therapist

Julia Otwell

Alex graduated from Oakland University with a degree in Health Science in 2013 before graduating with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Michigan-Flint in 2016.

After graduation, Alex completed a fellowship in Applied Functional Science in 2018 further developing his love and understanding of human movement, biomechanics, and rehabilitation. Professionally, Alex is deeply committed to helping others achieve their health and wellness goals.

With a special interest in chronic pain, sports-related injuries, and pre/post-operative conditions, he finds fulfillment in guiding individuals on their journey towards recovery and improvement.

Outside of the clinic, Alex and his loving wife Karlyn are parents to two girls, Liana and Myla. Alex embraces the joys and challenges that come with being a “girl dad.” When he’s not helping others achieve their health and wellness goals, Alex can often be found on the ice, where he enjoys playing hockey as a goalie, or out on the water, boating. He also loves spending his free time on the golf course, weight training, and doing anything car-related.

Luke Reed

Physical Therapist

Julia Otwell

Luke completed his bachelor’s degree in physiology from Alma College in 2020 before receiving his doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Michigan-Flint in 2024. He and his wife Sarah are Northern Michigan natives, both graduates from Benzie Central High School, and are happy to be residing in Benzie County once again near family and friends.

Luke loves being a PT, as it allows him to get to know patients individually and aid them to achieve their goals through therapy. He is excited to be back in his hometown and be able to give back to the community that has given him so much growing up.

Outside of work, Luke loves running, golfing, gaming, and playing with his dog Rory. Additionally, Luke is an avid Detroit sports fan and will talk your ear off about Michigan football and the Lions if you let him.

Jacob Shuler

Physical Therapist

Julia Otwell

Bio coming soon!

Feel The Love

See what our clients have to say about Pursuit Physical Therapy of Northern Michigan
Finally Pain Free
A few years ago, I suffered from chronic knee pain that limited my workouts and made it impossible to participate in any competitive activity.  I was constantly in pain.  After multiple failed diagnoses and treatments, I decided to try PT.  I was fortunate enough to be referred to Nick Hawkins of Pursuit Physical Therapy.  Nick’s treatment made an immediate impact.  After 6 consultations and a home stretching regimen, I was finally pain free and back in the game! 

Jesse S.

Back To Playing
After a serious Achilles tendon rupture Aaron of Pursuit Physical Therapy used his expertise and background in athletics to design a rehabilitation program for me geared around basketball to help me train and strengthen my injury.  Through this program I was back to playing the game I love in 6 months.   

Chuck

Peace-Of-Mind
I cannot say enough how grateful I am to Pursuit Physical Therapy and Nick for his expertise. When I came to him, I had such pain in my hip and leg that I could hardly sleep, drive or walk. I was physically and mentally exhausted. Right away I began getting relief, and now it’s completely better. I have such peace-of-mind knowing that as I age and things hurt I have an alternative to taking medication.

Grace H.

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