For Al Golabek, being a talented and successful massage therapist only scratches the surface of his many talents.

In 1993, he lost his sight in a motorcycle accident, but has never let his impairment stop him from living a full life. He has since become a World Champion water skier, an accomplished canoe builder, a competitive cyclist, a marathoner, and a youth mentor. In his quest to become a more skilled massage therapist, Allan traveled to Thailand to study at ITM (International Thai Massage) for 5 weeks in 2009.  Allan learned the ancient art of traditional Thai Massage from the Thai masters of Chang-Mai, Thailand.

As a massage therapist, Al believes his blindness has enabled him to develop a heightened sense of touch, thereby improving his ability to diagnose and being more in touch with his massage techniques. In addition, patients consistently comment that they are more comfortable being partially dressed for a massage because he is blind.

A lifelong resident of Bethel, Connecticut, he has remained active in the community and an advocate for those with disabilities.

Allan has received the following certifications and designations:

• Florida Board of Massage Therapy
• Palm Beach Academy of Health and Massage
• National Certification Board for Theraputic Massage and Body Work
• Certification of Swe-Thai Massage
• Lotus Palm certification in Traditional Thai Massage
• Certification from ITM (International Thai Massage)
• JVB Enterprises Certification in Therapeutic Ultra-sound & Electric Stimulation

To see a local TV segment on Al on YouTube.com, click here.
To see a Eukanuba guide dog program that Al was featured in, click here.