By Bryna Elder-Munro, NCTMB
New Massage Therapy Practice with Focus on Helping Cancer Patients and Survivors
LAMBERTVILLE—Cancer patients and survivors now have a new place to find pain and stress relief.
Now open in the Canal Studios Building, In Balance Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork offers supportive-touch massage for patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment as well as massage techniques specifically designed to address the post-operative needs of breast cancer patients and survivors.
In Balance’s owner, Bryna Elder-Munro, NCTMB, is a nationally certified massage therapist and holds dual certification in oncology massage and massage for mastectomy and breast surgery.
“For the person living with cancer—as well as their family and caregivers—a gentle touch can improve their quality of life, relieve pain and stress and boost the immune system,” Elder-Munro explained. “I feel honored to be a part of each client’s path to good health and healing.”
Elder-Munro uses techniques that reduce tension and pain associated with the physical and emotional aspects of cancer surgery and treatment. These methods also help remove harmful toxins, reduce scar-tissue tightness and help the patient reconnect with his/her body. Research has shown that patients who receive massage while undergoing chemotherapy may experience lower levels of side effects such as nausea. Studies also show massage can alleviate depression.
“And the best part about massage is that it just feels wonderful. Isn’t it time to feel good?” she added.
A graduate of Pennsylvania School of Muscle Therapy, Elder-Munro received advanced post-graduate training in cancer massage with Cheryl Chapman, RN, HRN, NCTMB, an early innovator in cancer massage. Elder-Munro also has advanced post-graduate training in the gentle-but-profound CranioSacral Therapy and is a Usui Reiki Master Practitioner.
“CranioSacral Therapy and Reiki, which is gentle healing energy, can also help cancer patients by re-setting the central nervous system and calming the mind and body,” Elder-Munro said.
Elder-Munro herself is a long-time cancer survivor who wants to help others fighting the disease. Opening her own practice is a dream come true. “This month as I open In Balance, I celebrate 15 years in remission,” Elder-Munro said. To share her joy, she is offering a special: Buy two 1-hour gift certificates and you’ll get a half-hour massage free.
In addition to helping cancer patients, In Balance offers traditional Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Whether a client needs relief from nagging pain and stress-related tension or wants sports-specific massage, Elder-Munro customizes each session to best meet her clients’ needs.
Elder-Munro is available to speak free of charge to organizations and groups about the benefits of massage for cancer. She can be reached at (609) 379-9267 or via email at [email protected]. In Balance Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork is located at 243 N. Union St., Suite 201, Canal Studios Building in Lambertville.
