UPT Staff

UPT Staff

Physical Therapists

Chris Cotter, PT

After nearly 3 decades as a physical therapist, Chris Cotter is still excited about his profession.  “I never lose my enthusiasm for physical therapy because we are always learning new and better ways to help our patients.  We now have gentle techniques to get them out of pain much faster.”

Chris served as Director of Physical Therapy at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Urbana for 8 ½ years.  When he founded Urbana Physical Therapy in 1989, he had specific goals.  In addition to providing the best-possible therapy, he wanted to start a practice in which people mattered and patients came first.  He wanted to create an environment in which each person felt valued and cared-for and got the undivided attention they needed to achieve full recovery.  He wanted a practice in which patients were treated on time, avoiding long delays sitting in a waiting room. 

“To a large degree we have achieved that”, says Chris, “I am always elated when I read our patients’ Success Stories.  I take great satisfaction in knowing that we not only got them well, but that they also enjoyed the experience.”

Chris and his wife Linda have been married 34 years.  They have 4 children and 8 grandchildren, whom they spoil rotten.  They attend St. Mary Church in Urbana and are proud to call Champaign County home.

Karen Titone, PT

After 26 years as a physical therapist in the Mercy Health System, Karen Titone joined Urbana Physical Therapy April, 2008.  She has extensive experience in all aspects of patient care, especially orthopedic rehabilitation which is her strongest interest.

Now that she has been with UPT for over a year, Karen states that she appreciates the diversity of the patient population and the fellowship she has with the staff and patients.  “I love the positive, upbeat attitude of my new co-workers and the opportunity to learn from the amazing, highly-skilled therapists at UPT.”

The patients also recognize Karen’s skill and experience.  She is known for her patience, kindness, and her ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, understandable manner.  She is a real asset to all that we do at Urbana Physical Therapy.

Karen received her physical therapy degree from The Ohio State University.  She is an avid Buckeye fan and attends every home football game.  She and her husband Drew attend Honeycreek Presbyterian Church in New Carlisle where she has been a lifelong member and is involved in several ministries.

David Balsman, PT
Director of Springfield Clinic

David Balsman joined Urbana Physical Therapy in January of 2002, after 5 years at Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia.  He is experienced in treating a wide range of diagnoses, with his main areas of interest being the cervical spine and manual therapy.  “I enjoy the satisfaction of helping people recover from injury and pain, but also learning and gleaning information from the diverse background of the patients.” 
 
In October of 2008, David was named Director of Urbana Physical Therapy’s satellite clinic in Springfield.  His duties include treating patients, overseeing two physical therapist assistants, and performing Functional Capacity Evaluations.

Although growing up in several locations throughout the Midwest, including Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois, David considers Chicago his hometown.  After high school he attended Illinois Wesleyan University where he received a BS in biology.  In 1997 he earned his Master’s in Physical Therapy from Andrew's University.  He currently resides in rural Clark County with his wife and son.  He enjoys numerous outdoor activities ranging from soccer, fishing, football, hunting, cycling, hiking, yard and garden work, and attending his son's sporting events.