Licensed massage therapist Chuck Thissen's playbook of massage techniques is stacked high. There are Swedish and deep-tissue massages—the traditional methods for treating pain and stress—and then there are more exotic forms. Acupressure focuses on the same meridian points as acupuncture but uses pressure instead of needles, and neuromuscular therapy relieves pain by balancing the musculoskeletal and nervous systems the way a circus performer balances his diet between peanuts and popcorn.