Village Health Center · Long Beach

The Healing Art of
Therapeutic Massage

Expert hands. Clinical precision. Lasting results.

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Co-located within Village Health Center, our licensed massage therapist Catherine Duggan offers a full spectrum of therapeutic massage modalities — from deep tissue rehabilitation to the gentlest oncology-safe touch. Each session is tailored to your body's unique needs, not simply a luxury — a clinical investment in your health.

Book a Session Explore Services

Full Service Menu

Nine Modalities.
One Purpose.

Every technique in our practice is selected for its therapeutic value — each modality targets specific physiological outcomes, from breaking down adhesions to supporting the immune system during cancer treatment.

01

Deep Tissue Massage

Chronic Pain · Recovery

Targeting the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, deep tissue massage uses slow, deliberate strokes and firm pressure to release chronic tension. Particularly effective for stiff necks, lower back tightness, sore shoulders, and postural strain from prolonged sitting or physical labor. Clients often report lasting relief after just one to three sessions.

02

Soft Tissue Massage

General Wellness · Tension Relief

A foundational modality addressing muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia without the intensity of deep tissue work. Ideal as a starting point for new patients or as maintenance therapy between chiropractic adjustments. Soft tissue massage improves circulation, reduces muscular holding patterns, and supports the body's natural recovery processes.

03

Sports Massage

Athletic Performance · Injury Prevention

Designed for active individuals — whether you compete at the elite level or simply push your body regularly — sports massage addresses the specific demands athletes place on their musculoskeletal system. Sessions can be structured pre-event (activating, preparatory), post-event (flushing, restorative), or as part of ongoing maintenance to prevent overuse injuries and maintain peak performance.

04

Rehabilitation Massage

Post-Injury · Surgical Recovery

Following injury or surgery, scar tissue and compensatory movement patterns can prolong recovery and create secondary dysfunction. Rehabilitation massage works in concert with chiropractic care and physical therapy to restore range of motion, reduce scar tissue adhesions, and retrain the body toward healthy movement. Often coordinated with Dr. Tropeano's treatment plan.

05

Swedish Massage

Relaxation · Circulatory Health

The classic foundation of Western massage therapy, Swedish techniques — effleurage, petrissage, tapotement — work systematically to improve blood and lymphatic circulation, reduce cortisol levels, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This is not mere indulgence: the physiological effects of genuine relaxation include reduced inflammation, better sleep, and measurable improvements in immune function.

06

A.R.T. — Active Release Technique

Nerve Entrapment · Scar Tissue

Active Release Technique is a patented, movement-based soft tissue method that diagnoses and treats problems in muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. ART is particularly powerful for repetitive strain injuries, nerve entrapments (such as carpal tunnel or sciatica), and areas where scar tissue has formed restrictive adhesions. The therapist applies precise tension while guiding the patient through specific movements, breaking the adhesion cycle.

07

Pregnancy Massage

Prenatal Care · Safe for All Trimesters

Pregnancy places profound demands on the body — shifting posture, expanding ligaments, heightened sensitivity, and often persistent discomfort in the lower back, hips, and legs. Prenatal massage is performed with specialized positioning and gentle techniques adapted to the changes of each trimester. It reduces swelling, eases sciatic pain, lowers anxiety, and supports better sleep — a meaningful contribution to both maternal and fetal wellbeing.

08

Oncology Massage

Cancer Care Support · Gentle Precision

Oncology massage requires specialized training and an understanding of how cancer and its treatments — chemotherapy, radiation, surgery — affect the body's tissues, lymphatic system, and pain thresholds. Our therapist adapts pressure, technique, and positioning to each patient's current protocol and condition. Therapeutic goals include reducing fatigue, managing treatment side effects, easing anxiety, and providing compassionate touch at a time when the body is under extraordinary stress.

09

Assisted Stretching

Flexibility · Joint Mobility

Passive and facilitated stretching techniques improve joint mobility, lengthen shortened muscle groups, and address the accumulated tightness of modern sedentary life. Assisted stretching can be performed as a standalone session or incorporated into massage and chiropractic treatment. Particularly beneficial for patients recovering from chronic tightness, poor posture, or those simply seeking to move with greater freedom and less discomfort.

The Treatment Rooms

A Space Designed
for Healing

Our treatment rooms are private, serene, and purpose-built for therapeutic work — not a spa environment, but something more intentional: a clinical sanctuary where your recovery is the singular focus.

Village Health Center massage treatment room with sage green walls and professional massage table

Private treatment room — professional massage table, serene atmosphere

Village Health Center treatment room with teal walls and professional massage table

Clean, calm, clinical — your comfort and privacy protected at every session

LMT
Licensed Massage Therapist
9
Massage Modalities

Your Therapist

Catherine Duggan

Licensed Massage Therapist · Village Health Center

Catherine Duggan brings deep expertise and genuine clinical intuition to every session. Co-located within Village Health Center at 5406 Village Road, she works alongside Dr. Tropeano's chiropractic practice — an intentional arrangement that allows for genuinely integrated care when your condition calls for it.

Her training spans the full range of therapeutic modalities, from the clinical precision of Active Release Technique to the specialized sensitivity required for oncology and prenatal massage. Whether you are recovering from injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply seeking to maintain the functional health of your body, Catherine tailors every session to your current state and therapeutic goals.

Same-day appointments are frequently available. Call to speak with our front desk and find a time that fits.

Deep Tissue Sports Massage A.R.T. Oncology Prenatal Swedish Rehab Massage Assisted Stretching

Coverage & Affordability

Your Care,
Supported

ChooseHealthy Affinity Program

Village Health Center participates in the ChooseHealthy Affinity Program, which provides discounted rates on massage therapy for members of many major health plans. If your insurance plan includes a ChooseHealthy benefit, you may be eligible for reduced rates on massage sessions — no referral required. Contact our office to verify your eligibility before your first appointment.

◆ ChooseHealthy Program Participant

Integrated with Chiropractic Care

When massage therapy is provided as part of a chiropractic treatment plan under Dr. Tropeano's care, insurance billing may apply depending on your coverage. Many patients find that combining chiropractic adjustment with therapeutic massage accelerates recovery and extends the duration of relief — reducing the total cost of care over time.

We accept most major insurance plans for chiropractic services and will work with you to clarify what your policy covers before treatment begins. Call us or email matt@ubfam.com with questions about billing.

Same-Day Appointments Available

Ready to Begin
Your Recovery?

Village Health Center · 5406 Village Road, Long Beach, CA 90808 · Mon–Fri 9am–6pm

Book Online Call 562-429-4446
562-222-5620

Monday – Friday  ·  9:00 AM – 6:00 PM