Karl Houck, the owner of Progressive Body Therapy, is a bodyworker who specializes in the Mattes Method of Active Isolated Stretching (AIS). After graduating with a 1000 hour diploma from Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in Syracuse, NY, Karl went on to study extensively with Aaron Mattes, the developer of AIS, in both seminar and clinical settings. In total, he has spent over 850 hours training directly with Mr. Mattes. Karl's clinical experience includes working with professional and elite amateur athletes, as well as patients with chronic pain, orthopedic, and neurological conditions. He has been a therapist in hospital, chiropractic, physical therapy, and private practice settings. In addition to assisting Aaron Mattes in presenting AIS seminars, Karl leads stretching seminars for health professionals and workshops in university settings. He is one of a select group of therapists nationwide invited to participate in the process of creating a certification for the work of Aaron Mattes. As a massage therapist, Karl is Nationally Certified and licensed in New York and Illinois. As a personal trainer, he is certified by the American Council on Exercise. He is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Outside of bodywork, Karl has undergraduate and graduate degrees in music and at one time studied for a career in opera. He currently lives in Peoria, IL with his cat Taylor.