The Balance Institute: Mastering the Art of Massage Therapy

There is no question that massage therapy is on the rise. In fact, as reported by the American Massage Therapy Association, research estimates that the massage therapy industry grossed an eye-popping $12.1 billion last year. Recent studies have also found that between July 2014 and July 2015, roughly 39.1 million adult Americans (18 percent) had a massage at least once. The data is clear: Massage therapy is safe, natural, effective and here to stay. Companies big and small are discovering the benefits of wellness in the workplace, and are using massage as a way to attract and keep employees while also keeping them productive.

            This growing popularity and public demand may be somewhat surprising to many but not to The Balance Institute (TBI)—a healthcare facility dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality wellness care on an as-needed or preventive basis in a therapeutically relaxing and inviting environment. Its qualified and capable leadership team and practitioners understood the tremendous whole-body health benefits of massage therapy and personal training long ago, making the keen decision to reinvest in and enrich their current massage therapy and personal training programs.

            States Debra Gallup, co-owner and practitioner: “Our practitioners are all about helping our clients achieve their health goals. We particularly focus on stress and pain management with massage therapy and personal training. We also do our best to educate our clients on things they can do outside of our facility (giving them therapy homework) to improve their health.” Gallup goes on to say: “Our team works with clients in all stages of life, from infants to the elderly and all ages in between. We offer a variety of services, such as infant massage classes to help parents with a variety of issues from colic to bonding and more; prenatal massage to help expectant mothers with all the many changes that occur during pregnancy; neuromuscular massage (a deep-tissue technique) that can benefit a variety of conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, low back pain, shoulders/hands/finger issues due to computer/texting trauma; onsite chair massage to help businesses improve employee productivity and morale; and, of course, Swedish massage, a general relaxation massage that is best known for alleviating stress and increasing cardiovascular health; but for many, it quiets the mind, relaxes the body and renews the soul!”

            The benefits of massage therapy are well-documented. Research indicates that massage therapy is effective in reducing cancer-related fatigue, relieving low back pain, and therapeutically treating osteoarthritis of the knee. In addition, it is also beneficial in reducing post-operative pain, boosting the function of the body’s immune system, decreasing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, lowering blood pressure, and reducing headache frequency.

            Additional treatment benefits include improved sleep, stress management, overall physical and mental health, easing alcohol withdrawal symptoms, pain decrease, and relief in cancer patients.

            Without question, the list of the benefits and useful qualities of massage therapy continues to grow. And, the qualified staff and practitioners of TBI stand eager and ready to help those searching for more natural, safe and effective alternative care options that lead to optimal health and wellness.  

            In honor of EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week, July 10 through 16, TBI is offering $10 off an hour massage session throughout the month of July. To redeem this special offer, individuals must book the appointment directly with Liana Marconyak or Debra Gallup, of TBI, and mention this article feature.  

The Balance Institute is located at 1905 Sunset Blvd., Ste. C, W. Columbia. For more information, call 803-796-4807 or visit TBIHealth.net.