Few people understand just how far taking care of one’s health truly extends and how quickly one’s health status can change. Scott Douglas Shields, or Doug as people call him, understands both concepts on a very personal level.

Before becoming a licensed massage therapist, Doug worked for several years both as a union stagehand out on the road and then as a stagehand at the Peoria Area Civic Center. “This eventually led me to a devastating scenario,” he recounts. “I got injured on a show, tearing the medial meniscus in my knee. I did nine months of physical therapy to rehab the knee.”

As his work required him to climb around the trusses above the stage, either rehab had to go, or that type of work did. “I was grounded. Literally grounded. But I kept on working there and decided to ‘teach an old dog a new trick,’” he laughs.

Figuring he could do work in which he could help others physically, the ‘new trick’ took the form of massage therapy. Returning to school at the age of 45 was, fortunately, perhaps the scariest aspect of his next life step. Going through the accredited program at the Illinois Central College in East Peoria and earning his national certification and licensing in Illinois, Doug was ready to…open his very own business?

“I kept thinking about something they had told us back in school and that was: ‘Don’t think for a moment that you will go from here right into your own business,’” he recalls. “That’s when that little voice in my head said, ‘Challenge accepted!’”

Doug of course chose to defy his instructors and credits his parents, Harland and Carol Shields, for instilling in him the work ethic that carried him through that challenge of starting his own business.

“From that point on I have had Tranquil Balances in Massage,” he proudly states. “I have, over the past 18 years, worked for half a dozen chiropractors, spa/salons, and all the while I was able to use my business name and still am to this day.”  

Different massage therapists’ expertise lies in different modalities, but Doug’s expertise covers a great deal. Swedish massage – both light and therapeutic modality; deep tissue massage; Kinesio Taping; TCM Cupping – both vacuum and silicone type; Shiatsu (floor technique); and sports massage for pre-event, during a multi-event, and/or post-event.

Doug has also, as of June of this year, added to his list of ‘new tricks,’ becoming a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). He is also a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).

Doug does not take walk-ins, but making an appointment is simple and his schedule is flexible. He is available from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm Mondays through Fridays, and noon to 4:00 pm on Saturdays. More information can be found at www.tranquilbalancesinmassage.abmp.com. 

“I am currently located within AnaPrana Yoga and Healing Studio at 1617 Valle Vista in Pekin, Illinois,” Doug invites. “Call ahead for directions and appointment times at (309) 613-1444. Massage sessions are either 30 minutes or one hour, taping and cupping are charged per area, and Shiatsu can be a 45-minute or up to 90-minute session, depending on problem areas, but is commonly about 60 minutes. I also have package deals on the Swedish massage sessions.”

Truly taking care of one’s health does involve a great deal: routinely exercising, eating right, getting regular check-ups, and — as surprisingly few people consider — allowing oneself to relax.

The tension and stress we carry throughout the days and weeks can affect every aspect of our health. Relieving that stress, therefore, is just as crucial as making sure you are getting the right vitamins and minerals in your diet.

While some might see a massage simply as a luxury, Doug admits that’s only partially true. “Massage is not just a luxury,” he declares, “it is also an investment in your health and wellbeing.”