Master of Physical Therapy: University of Michigan

Bachelor of Science, Health Science : University of Michigan

Karen Litos Woodman joined The Spine Center in October, 2007. In addition to presenting her with interesting new challenges, Karen liked the staff assembled at our facility and was ready for the next stage in her career. Previously, she worked at an area hospital as Charge Physical Therapist for inpatient and acute care rehab. Physical Therapy is a second career for Karen. She received her first Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and went on to found a science magazine for MSU alumni, which she edited for several years. Wanting to get out from behind a computer, she decided to join a helping profession and determined physical therapy was her best option. She went to the University of Michigan for her second Bachelor’s Degree, in health science, and then continued her education, receiving her Master of Physical Therapy degree in 1999. Karen has broad experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, which she brings to her patients at The Spine Center. Her treatment plans often feature posture education, core stability, gaited stability and stretching and strengthening techniques. She finds the most gratifying cases to be helping patients suffering from both pain and a neurological disorder, such as autism or cerebral palsy. Karen is truly functionally oriented and designs treatments to “get the patient back to doing whatever it is that gives their life meaning, whether that’s playing golf, skiing or horseback riding – whatever that is for each patient.”

Karen has three children, two step-children and three grandchildren; ages 7, 5 and 2. She and her husband own and operate a motorcycle shop in Lansing and enjoy taking their bikes on long touring rides, especially throughout the Upper Peninsula.