The mission of Husker Rehabilitation & Wellness is to provide cost effective holistic rehabilitation and occupational health services which exceed their customer’s expectations and maximize functional outcomes in an attractive and caring environment.  Additionally, their wellness center programs allow clients to focus on preventative care and continued self-rehabilitation.  Ben Petersen, DPT is a Physical Therapist at Husker Rehab.

Tell us a little about your business. – Husker Rehab has been serving our patients’ needs since 1999.  We now offer two locations in Lincoln, as well as one in Beatrice and one in Fairbury.  We offer several different services, including orthopedic therapy, women’s health, back rehab, treatment for vertigo (BPPV), sports rehab, and chronic pain care.  Our treatments incorporate hands-on care with postural-based exercises.

How did you get started in the business? – I experienced knee pain as a kid that was greatly helped with physical therapy.  After that I had a strong interest in helping others with physical limitations.  The rest is history I guess.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The field of rehabilitation science is always evolving and advancing.  The challenge is to keep myself and my skills up-to-date, allowing me to give my patients the most effective treatments that I can.

Tell me a little about your family. – My wife, Amy, and I were married over five years ago.  She is a registered nurse at the St. Elizabeth’s nursery.  We have a three year old son, Miles, who has enough energy to power the whole family.  He’s also expecting a new baby brother any day now!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – We love spending time as a family.  Some of our favorite activities include going to baseball games, going on bike rides, wrestling in the living room (not so much for mom), fishing, and watching movies.

What are you the most proud of? – My kid(s).

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – My mom once told me that whether you think you can or can’t do something, you’re right.  It’s up to you.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Dedicated.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Drawing ability.  My co-workers tell me that I do cartoon people pretty well.

Which talent would you most like to have? – I wish I could sing.  I can play(ish) the guitar but can’t sing to save my life.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I spent a summer working at the Iowa State vet school.  I could definitely see myself being a small animal vet.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I last read Heaven Is For Real.  Loved the book and I hope to see the movie soon!

What is your favorite movie? – The Goonies.

What is your favorite TV show? – Currently probably Modern Family.  When they were on I was a big fan of The Office and House.

What is your favorite local restaurant? – Blue Orchid.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – The Babe.  That guy would have some good stories to tell and I’m a big Yankees fan.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – My email is bpetersen@huskerrehab.com, and I can also be reached at (402) 477-3110 Monday-Friday. Or visit our website at www.huskerrehab.com.