Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Balzer.
Hi Dave, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a physical therapist for eight years now. When I first started out, I imagined my career would revolve around sports and orthopedics. That’s where I focused much of my energy — helping athletes recover, rebuild, and return to peak performance. But as I gained more experience, I found myself increasingly drawn to a different kind of patient.
These were the people I sometimes describe as being “stuck” or those the traditional biomedical model label as “failed medical patients”. They were living with persistent pain, chronic conditions, and the kind of limitations that don’t fit neatly into a textbook. Instead of frustration, I felt curiosity. I wanted to understand why their pain persisted and how I could better support them.
That curiosity led me to dive deep into the science of pain, the nervous system, and how lifestyle factors — like movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and behavior change — all play an integral role in healing. I found myself expanding beyond the traditional boundaries of physical therapy, learning how to address the whole person, not just their symptoms.
This exploration eventually brought me to a unique and underserved area: men’s pelvic health. Today, I specialize in treating men with pelvic floor dysfunction, persistent pain, and complex musculoskeletal conditions. I’m currently the only male physical therapist in the state of South Carolina specializing in men’s pelvic health, and I’m passionate about bringing more awareness and care to this deeply needed — and often overlooked — space.
For five years, my wife and I worked as travel physical therapists, moving across the country and gaining a wide variety of clinical experiences. A little over a year ago, we decided to settle in the Greenville area of South Carolina, where I’ve since opened my own practice – Holistic Health and Physiotherapy. My mission is to serve this community by offering compassionate, integrative care that empowers my clients to move better, feel better, and live pain free. The human body has a natural capacity to heal, sometimes it just needs a guide along the way.
This is work I deeply believe in. There’s a tremendous need, and I’m deeply thankful for the trust my clients place in me as I assist them on their healing journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My first mentor in the physical therapy profession once told me “half of what you learn in graduate school is false, the problem is… we don’t know which half”. I certainly found this to be true and I also feel the 50% statement may be an underestimate. With that being said there have definitely been speed bumps along the way in helping my clients achieve their goals. But this is what I enjoy about working with the human body. No one injury or condition is the same person to person. It keep me on my toes and keeps me curious. I take pride in being a lifelong learner and this profession certainly requires that mentality. And I’ve found my clients appreciate that. They know I am working hard to seek out the best interventions to address their needs and I’m also not afraid to tell a client “I don’t know”, but I will of course work my butt off to find the right answer for them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a physical therapy and I am the sole clinician for my business Holistic Health and Physiotherapy. My background is in orthopedic and sports, but I specialize in men’s pelvic health, chronic pain, and trauma/stress-based conditions. My practice is mobile, so I come to your home, gym, or office as your convenience. I utilize a holistic lifestyle approach, integrating body and mind, to help you heal and thrive without pain, stress, or dysfunction. Massage therapy and movement are the foundation of any physio practice, but I fully understand the whole body must be treated by looking at nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, stress, and overall lifestyle. I am currently the only male physical therapist who specializes in men’s pelvic health in the state of South Carolina.
This biopsychosocial approach to healing challenges the typical cookie-cutter, biomedical model of surgery, injections, and pain medication. My approach to client care takes into consideration not only your physical pain/dysfunction, but also the psychosocial aspects that influence health and well-being – truly treating the whole person.
I have great interest in working with complex clients who were failed by the biomedical model and now feel “stuck”. I also have a passion for assisting clients in optimizing health and performance.
What’s next?
My mission is to promote a healthy, vital community! So, with being new to the area I am very excited about getting more involved in the community while promoting health and wellness. I especially look forward to serving the men’s pelvic health community as there is a great need in that space.
Pricing:
- $159 / hour session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.davebalzer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davebalzerdpt
