What is your name?
Patrick Hansen
What is your role at ARC Physical Therapy+?
I am a Physical Therapist at the Manhattan ARC Physical Therapy+ clinic.
Where are you from?
I was born in Illinois, grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Where did you go to school?
In 2004 received my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
In 2006 I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse with my Master’s in Physical Therapy.
Who or what inspired you to get into the physical therapy space?
I suffered a back injury in high school football and went through about 3 months of therapy. That was my first (bitter) taste of therapy. Once in college, I planned on going into medical school, but all the biochemistry and pharmaceutical classes that I needed to take did not interest me. I had a fellow friend in the pre-med track with me and he suggested Physical Therapy. I never looked back after that!
What do you like most about your work in the physical therapy space?
Every patient is different, every diagnosis is different, and figuring what’s going on to whom is a fun puzzle to solve. Working with people toward their goals is super rewarding and every little accomplishment along the road to recovery is exciting to be a part of.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about the body or physical therapy?
Most ailments of the body can be solved if you take control of the situation. I see the Physical Therapy profession as the best tool out there for people to take control of their injury or problem and get back to doing what they love to do.
Are you involved with any outside organizations?
I am a CrossFit coach in my home town of St. Mary’s.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spend time with my wife and 8 kids, CrossFit, hike, read, cheer for my Minnesota pro teams, and my Wisconsin college teams (yes, I’m a little messed up in the sport of being a fan).
How do you like to celebrate a win or a good day?
A date with my wife.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
“Take care of your body as if you are going to live forever. Take care of your soul as if you are going to die tomorrow.” St. Augustine
Favorite Sports Team?
I live and die with the Minnesota Vikings… mostly dying unfortunately!
Sweet or salty?
Salty
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Beach or mountains?
Mountains
Go out or stay in?
Stay in
What is your best joke?
All I have are a lot of bad Dad jokes…so no good ones really.
What patients/diagnoses are you most excited about treating?
Spine and shoulder issues.
Can you share a patient success story?
In my 1st or 2nd year of being a Physical Therapist, I worked with a lady who fractured her leg in a ski accident. She was in therapy for about 6 months working with me 2-3x/week. After she was done, she wrote me a thank you card that simply said “Thank you for helping me walk again”. This was a “wow” moment for me. I realized how much Physical Therapy can affect people’s lives and this stays with me even to this day.
What inspires you?
My faith and family – doing my duty to fulfill both.
