At Back n Touch, we are dedicated to our personal approach in all areas of our practice. Get to know us before we get to know you! All of our staff are highly skilled, and well trained in their respective practice areas. We love what we do and it really shows! Come see for yourself – you will see why we are so passionate about what we do!
Chiropractors
Dr. Eli Guterman practices chiropractic as well as Swedish and Shiatsu massage. He studied massage at The Swedish Institute for Massage Therapy in NYC. He ran a small business operation while studying abroad in Israel and practiced privately in NY for 3 years. Eli has won awards and recognition in business sales and marketing. He also worked as an event coordinator and manager for outreach organizations. Eli graduated from the New York Chiropractic College in 2009 and loves combining the art of chiropractic into his therapeutic massage treatments.
**Dr. Ryan Pearlman** — Person of the Week
Dr. Pearlman is a native of Syracuse. Before attending New York Chiropractic college, he graduated from Henninger High School and Syracuse University. Dr. Pearlman offers a wide spectrum of chiropractic services and treats a variety of sports injuries. He also gives his patients individualized rehabilitative stretching and diverse strengthening exercises.
Acupuncturists
Gerard Rios, L.Ac
Gerard is a traditional trained Oriental Medicine Practitioner whose scope of service includes Acupuncture, Botanical Medicine, Chinese Dietetics, Oriental Exercise instruction and Tui Na therapeutic bodywork. He carries New York State licensure and is a Diplomate through the National Commission for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Gerard is also a certified teacher of Tai Qi and Qi Gong. In his daily life, Gerard applies the wisdom of Chinese Philosophy. This includes diet, herbal therapy and the practice of internal martial arts. All of which greatly contribute to his energetic capacity to be an effective practitioner.
Sami Bati, L.Ac
Sami has vast knowledge of both Eastern & Western medicines. He worked as an M.D. in Russia, and had Internships at Harvard and Brown University, specializing in Immunologic Diseases, Eye Inflammatory disorders, Surgery & Medicine. Sami also has an MS in Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine and incorporates techniques such as AmMo, Tui-Na, Qi Gong, Magnetic Therapy, Reflexology, and Shiatsu. Sami Bati’s Acupuncture treatments can be used to treat a wide range of mental and physical imbalances and traumas. Sami helps to re-harmonize a vast majority of acute and chronic disorders, as well as weight balance, quitting smoking, and pain control.
Massage Therapists
Amy Laratta
Amy graduated from Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in 2010 as valedictorian of her class. She utilizes a combination of Swedish and Deep Tissue massage techniques. Amy tailors her sessions to the unique needs of each individual client. Amy is deeply committed to a holistic approach to health which inspired her interest in massage. Her favorite activities are spending time with her daughter and enjoying the great outdoors.
Erica Sheer
Erica has a very outgoing personality and an intense passion for massage therapy. She graduated from the Onondaga school of Therapeutic Massage in June of 2009. Erica is excited to be working at Back n’ Touch and helping clients through deep tissue massage with unique individualized sessions. Erica has specialized her techniques by completing continuing education in Ashiatsu Massage. In her spare time she enjoys hanging out with friends.
Jessica Stockham
Jessica graduated from Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in June of 2010. She loves helping her clients through deep tissue work and also practices shiatsu and hot stone massage. Some of Jessica’s interests include hiking, camping, and skiing. She enjoys a regular active lifestyle through her running, biking and swimming.
Matthew Balch
Matt, a native of the Binghamton area, has called the Syracuse area home for the past several years. After graduation from the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage, he received his license in 2005 and has continuing education in Ashiatsu Massage. Matt is well versed in relaxation and rehabilitation techniques, and has worked with clients ranging from professional athletes to infants. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, live music, travel, and restoring his home.
Seth Merrill
Originally from Saratoga Springs, Seth graduated from the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany, NY in 2004. He has since enjoyed a career working alongside medical professionals and in upscale spa settings. Using a variety of modalities, Seth’s refined technique assists clients in reaching their goals from relaxation to regaining or maintaining their optimal physical ability. In his free time Seth enjoys cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, running, hiking and camping.
Theresa Grosso
Theresa graduated from the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage in 2005. Her work is fueled by her life long passion for a healthy, natural and strongly effective lifestyle. She is trained in Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Hot Stone, Swedish, Oncology, Ashiatsu and Thai Massage. Theresa offers tailored treatment based sessions for clients to enhance the body’s natural balancing and regenerative processes. She enjoys bringing the benefits of massage to clients ranging from active athletes to those in hospice care.
Front Desk
Christopher Hess
Christopher was born and raised in the Auburn area. He is a veteran of the Marine Corps. When his enlistment ended, Chris spent several years living in southern California. After a decade in the Business Sales Marketplace, he has decided to bring his varied background and customer service skills to Back n’ Touch. Chris is a father of two boys, a husband, and an aspiring triathlete, with lots of energy to spare. He also enjoys commuting to and from work daily on his bicycle.
Stephanie Renay
Stephanie was born and raised in the Syracuse area and graduated from Chittenango High School in 2005. She then attended Cazenovia College and graduated in December 2009, where she majored in Sport Management. In Stephanie’s free time, she enjoys to play pick up basketball, take long jogs, go rollerblading, and participate in many adult leagues such as volleyball, softball, and kickball. She hopes to go back to school and one day coach track and field and/or basketball. Stephanie’s dream is to become a physical therapist/athletic trainer.
