Karen Welk received her masters degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa (1989). She has worked professionally as a physical therapist in a variety of settings and states. She is currently working in an outpatient physical therapy clinic for Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames, Iowa. Welk specializes in manual therapy and aquatic therapy and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Her interest in sports and physical development has led her to conduct independent reviews on back health and back pain. Welk also has considerable experience related to safe and contraindicated exercises, and she applies this experience in her professional practice.