At C.O.R.E., our greatest success is the progress our patients make every day. We’re proud to share real stories from individuals who have overcome injuries, regained strength, and returned to doing what they love. When you choose C.O.R.E., you become part of our extended family. Explore some of the inspiring journeys from our patients.
Jason, Quadriceps Rupture Rehab at CORE Physical Therapy
Injury:Patellar tendon Rupture,
Services Utilized:Post op care, recovery, strengthening, manual therapy, proprioceptive training, biomechanics analysis training,
Results
Jason suffered a complete patellar tendon rupture during a powerlifting competition while squatting nearly 600 pounds. C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy and Sports Performance in Omaha was onsite covering the event and helped coordinate surgical intervention within just two days of the injury, allowing the rehabilitation process to begin quickly and efficiently.
Following surgery, Jason began an intensive one-on-one rehabilitation program focused on restoring knee mobility, strength, balance, and lower extremity function. As a high-level athlete and competitive Olympic discus thrower, his recovery required far more than standard physical therapy. Our team developed a highly specialized rehabilitation and sports performance program designed around his goals of returning not only to powerlifting, but also to elite-level throwing competition.
Throughout rehabilitation, we gradually progressed strength training, movement mechanics, balance development, and sport-specific performance work. Jason successfully returned to heavy strength training and is now deadlifting over 700 pounds, bench pressing over 400 pounds, and squatting nearly 400 pounds again — all without pain.
With his sights set on improving his discus performance after narrowly missing the 2016 Olympic Trials by just 12 inches, rehabilitation at CORE continues to focus on explosive power development, movement efficiency, rotational mechanics, and advanced sports performance training. Our goal is not simply helping athletes recover from injury, but helping them return stronger, more resilient, and performing at an even higher level than before.
At CORE Physical Therapy in Omaha, we specialize in advanced rehabilitation for high-level athletes, combining evidence-based physical therapy, strength training, sports performance, and individualized programming to optimize recovery and athletic performance.
Jason’s recovery story was also featured in a KETV news segment discussing tendon ruptures, where Dr. Claire Rathjen provided expert medical insight regarding rehabilitation and tendon injury risks associated with certain medication classes.
Here is his story.
This is WHO we are, This is what we do!
Hayden, full recovery from car accident, Omaha CORE
Injury:Multiple fracture lumbar and thoracic spine, MVA
Services Utilized:Strengthening, balance, sports performance, manual therapy, dry needling, and performance training.
Results
Hayden came to C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy and Sports Performance in Omaha following a serious motor vehicle accident that resulted in severe fractures to both his lumbar and thoracic spine. At the start of rehabilitation, he experienced significant limitations in mobility, strength, and overall function due to the severity of his injuries and the spinal fixation hardware required during the healing process.
Throughout the early stages of recovery, our team focused on safely restoring movement, improving stability, and maintaining as much strength and mobility as possible while protecting the surgical repair. Every phase of Hayden’s rehabilitation program was carefully progressed based on healing timelines, pain levels, and functional improvement.
After approximately three months, Hayden underwent a second procedure to remove the spinal hardware. From there, rehabilitation advanced into a gradual return-to-sport progression focused on rebuilding strength, mobility, endurance, balance, and sport-specific movement patterns required for competitive hockey.
Over the following months, Hayden worked tirelessly through advanced strength training, functional rehabilitation, and sports performance exercises designed to prepare him for the physical demands of high-level hockey. Through consistency, determination, and individualized one-on-one physical therapy, he was able to successfully return to competitive hockey at near full strength.
Hayden’s recovery journey is an incredible example of resilience, determination, and what can be achieved through expert rehabilitation and hard work. His story continues to inspire patients recovering from traumatic injuries and reminds us that even after serious setbacks, recovery and return to sport are possible with the right support and rehabilitation program.
Marissa, Physical Therapy in Omaha, the best…
Injury:Distal fibula fracture
Services Utilized:Strengthening, range and manual retraining, sports performance, modalities for muscle re education.
Results
Marissa suffered a fractured ankle while competing in roller derby and initially feared she might never skate again. Determined to recover and return to the sport she loved, she searched for the best physical therapy clinic in Omaha and chose C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy and Sports Performance for her rehabilitation journey.
In the early stages of recovery, rehabilitation focused on safely progressing from immobilization in a cast and walking boot to crutches, and eventually back to normal walking mechanics. As healing progressed, our team worked extensively on restoring ankle mobility, balance, proprioception, and lower extremity strength to rebuild confidence and stability.
Once foundational strength and movement returned, Marissa’s rehabilitation advanced into sports-specific training tailored to the demands of roller derby. Her program included skating progression drills, lateral movement training, cutting mechanics, balance exercises, deadlifting, squatting variations, power development, and explosive movement training designed to safely prepare her for a return to competition.
Through months of hard work, consistency, and one-on-one physical therapy, Marissa successfully returned to skating and competitive roller derby. Her recovery is a great example of how individualized sports rehabilitation and performance training can help athletes regain confidence and return to doing what they love.
At CORE Physical Therapy in Omaha, our patients become more than just patients — they become part of our community and family. We are incredibly proud of Marissa and everything she accomplished throughout her recovery journey.
Ben, Omaha area running, physical therapy
Injury:Back and hip pain
Services Utilized:Manual Therapy, Muscle energy, Graston, Dry Needling, Gait analysis, Sports performance, Bio feedback, and proprioceptive training.
Results
Ben is a high level runner who due to back pain, had not been able to run for over 2 years. Through a personal referral, he found CORE. Three months later his back pain had ceased, and he ran the first half marathon in 2 years in a blistering 124.57, only 5 min off his PR. Ben had a multiple level compensation back pain and rotation of the hip, also exacerbated by a weakness in that hip, with internal rotation on the R side. With progressing CORE and Lower body strengthening, he was able to correct the gait abnormality with slow motions analysis, and get a symmetrical running cadence with perfect knee and hip control. His full return to running is pain free, and he is now one of our good friends.
Calvin, ACL reconstruction at CORE Physical Therapy
Injury:ACL tear, Bone tunneling surgery
Services Utilized:Proprioception, visual feedback training, strength training, balance and sports training, range of motion, Modalities, post op guidelines.
Results
Calvin is a 20 year old male Crossfit athlete and came to us with a torn ACL many months ago. His former ACL reconstruction failed due the fact his femoral condyle tunnels were just too narrow to hold the graft. He elected to have a surgery to correct this deficiency prior to receiving a new ACL. After 16 weeks, he is ready for a new ACL and complete recovery from his previous limitations.
Here is the a 3 min synopsis of his recovery.
Madalyn, Omaha Physical Therapy CORE.
Injury:Post op ACL reconstruction
Services Utilized:Physical therapy, Sports performance, Dry needling, Modalities, Manual therapy, Performance Programming
Results
Madalyn is an athlete with a history of multiple knee surgeries. She worked with Dr. Claire in the past, but was looking to continue her athletic career to a higher level. Madalyn was introduced to the sport of Rowing, which she took to like a fish into water. After 3 months of training, she was able to best ALL of the men and women in her age group at the Creighton Women’s Rowing Challenge 2016. Within a month, she was signing a Div. 1 scholarship to Row with Creighton. He hard work, determination, and dedication proved she would be a success in any sport she set her mind to. He story is long, but ever inspirational.