Dr. Mark Rathjen is the Co-Founder and Owner of C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy and Sports Performance in Omaha, NE. He is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), with a strong background in sports performance, strength training, and rehabilitation.
Mark grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he competed on a club powerlifting team in various local and regional competitions. His passion for human performance, exercise science, kinesiology, and injury prevention led him to Des Moines University Medical Center, where he earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2006.
With more than 25 years of experience in weightlifting, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and sports performance training, Dr. Mark specializes in helping patients and athletes move efficiently, train safely, and reduce the risk of injury. He has an extensive background in martial arts and continues to maintain an active lifestyle through strength training, Olympic lifting, and outdoor endurance activities.
At CORE Physical Therapy in Omaha, Dr. Mark focuses on movement analysis and performance optimization, including slow-motion gait analysis for runners and detailed biomechanical assessments for weightlifting technique, bar path, and movement mechanics. His goal is to help each patient improve form, reduce overuse injuries, and perform at their highest level.
He also provides individualized strength and mobility programming, including Olympic lifting and powerlifting instruction, corrective exercise, and movement training tailored to each patient’s body, goals, and abilities.
Outside the clinic, Mark enjoys traveling, trying new foods, staying active, and spending time with animals—especially his cats. He is proud to work alongside his wife and best friend, Dr. Claire Rathjen, as they continue to build C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy and Sports Performance as a leading physical therapy clinic in Omaha.