Massage

Both chiropractic care and Oriental medicine utilize massage to further enhance treatment results by relaxing tight muscles and improving the flow of blood and lymph circulation. The relaxed state often achieved during and after massage has a positive effect on your overall physical condition.

Therapeutic

Therapeutic massage targets problem areas by using pressure on specific trigger points to reduce symptoms of chronic pain. It also helps repair and heal soft tissue damage.

Neuromuscular

Neuromuscular therapy massage relieves muscle pain and stiffness due to injuries, stress or chronic muscle fatigue, while relaxing the entire body.

Swedish

Swedish massage (also called circulatory massage) generally uses long strokes and a light touch to achieve deep relaxation and improve circulation of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Deep Tissue

Deep tissue massage stimulates, rejuvenates and energizes major muscle groups to improve performance, flexibility and circulation.

Myofascial release

Fascia is a continuous band of connective tissue that lies beneath the skin, covering all muscles, tendons, ligaments and the internal organs. In this type of massage, attention is given to that fascia attached to the musculoskeletal system. Using gentle, but sustained pressure applied to fascia which is bound, or restricted, can loosen up previously restricted muscle movement and reduce or even eliminate pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many new patients are unfamiliar with massage and often query us about the techniques and customs of this treatment. We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand.

Why should I have a massage?

Though many people feel that it is merely a luxury, massage is beneficial to the overall working of the body and its systems. It provides relaxation and helps retrain muscles to their normal state, returning the body to a postural balance, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and increasing muscle flexibility and tone. Massage also aides the body in relieving toxins.

How do I know what technique is right for me?

Most sessions are not geared for one particular technique. Throughout the session, different techniques are incorporated depending on your body’s needs. Each of the AWC massage therapists is versed in many of the same techniques but incorporate them into the treatment differently.

Does massage hurt?

Massage should never be exceedingly painful. If it is, you should let your therapist know immediately that the pressure is too deep, a certain area is hurting or something is uncomfortable. Please refer to the different massage techniques listed at the top of the page to help determine the pressure and movements that are right for you.

Do I have to be completely undressed during my massage?

The patient is asked to get undressed to their comfort level; many patients opt to leave on their underwear. Draping is the technique used to cover the patient during the massage session. Depending on the issue that is being dealt with at the time, it may be beneficial to be completely undressed, as the patient is always under a sheet or blanket. The therapist only undrapes what needs to be worked on and no private areas are ever exposed.

Can I request a male or female therapist?

Our primary goal is your level of comfort. So, you may request either a male or female therapist.
Please keep in mind that you may have to wait for schedules to come available if you select a specific therapist.

I came to Advanced Wellness Center with chronic pain in my neck and right arm. Right after my first chiropractic adjustment and massage, I noticed a difference in my strength. I now have almost 100 percent strength in my hand and the massage has really helped with the pain and numbness.” – Shannon J.

Practitioners

Chanelle Anderson, BA, CMT

Certified Massage Therapist

“As a massage therapist, my main objective is to help you, the client, reach an ideal state of relief, health and relaxation.”

Chanelle began working at the Advanced Wellness Center in 2003 after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Family and Consumer Science from California State University, Long Beach and her Certification in Massage Therapy from Bryman College (now Everest College).

In addition to working at the Center, Chanelle teaches Massage Therapy at Everest College and received the Teacher of the Year Award in 2008. “I enjoy helping students get a fresh start with a new career, as many of them have had tough lives. It is very rewarding to have such an impact on people and to watch them succeed in ways they may not have thought possible.”

Chanelle is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). She feels that her association with AMTA and her pursuit of continuing education in massage therapy and alternative medicine allow her to provide the best possible care to her patients.

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Blake Peterson, CMT

Certified Massage Therapist

Blake specializes in sports massage with a holistic approach. He takes pride in his work and strives to provide the best possible massage for every client.

After working for several years in the printing trades, Blake yearned for a healthier profession where he could use his hands and work with people, not machines. A friend convinced him to check out a massage school where he was able to audit a class. He knew then that massage was what he wanted to do with his life.

After 1,400 hours of certification coursework followed by numerous educational seminars and workshops since, Blake has refined his massage technique. In 1995, he earned his Certificate in Massage Therapy from the Mesa Institute School of Massage in Orange County. While he continues to learn and add new approaches to his form of the healing arts, he considers his specialties to be deep tissue and trigger point therapy.

“No two people are exactly alike. Every person has unique stresses in their lives that manifest within their bodies. It's my job to find those physical knots and work them out.”

Blake is an accomplished musician and has been playing bass in a band for more than 19 years. He also manages and plays with an over 30 men’s soccer league. In whatever free time he has left, Blake enjoys spending time with his American Bulldog, Booksta.

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Scott T. Mulleary, NCTMB

Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

“My continuing goal with the Advanced Wellness Center is to be an active part of the team approach to healing. My skills within the field of alternative medicine allow me to positively influence the health of my patients – locating and treating the cause of their ailments, rather than the symptoms.”

Scott’s path to massage therapy came after working 15 years as a professional bicycle mechanic. He witnessed the importance of massage and bodywork to athletes and began to view the body as a complex and powerful engine. His growing fascination of the human engine lead Scott to the California College of Physical Arts in Huntington Beach where he earned his Massage Practitioner Certificate.

Upon graduation, Scott was invited to instruct Deep Tissue and Sports Medicine Courses at his alma mater. In 2005, he earned his National Certification.

Scott, an endurance athlete and competitive cyclist himself, has worked closely with Olympic, amateur and professional athletes, helping them balance the demands of exhausting training/racing schedules.