Massage Therapy

Meet Our Massage Therapist

Luci Merlo, Massage Therapist

Luci is experienced in nursing and massage therapy for wellness, injury recovery, and chronic complex medical conditions. Her techniques include myofascial release, neuromuscular reeducation (Trager® movement), and manual lymph drainage.

Sessions are grounded in deep relaxation for lasting benefits. She develops her relaxation skills with training in healing touch, craniosacral therapy, and meditation.

Luci teaches aquatic tai chi at Warm Hearth Fitness Center. She enjoys hiking and dancing in her free time.

Valley Active

5.0

Marion Repetti

2019-03-07T22:11:11+0000

Valley Active is a great place with a very professional and friendly team. I have received excellent treatments for very strong pains I had in my back and my leg (sciatic). I also recommend Valley Active for more general physical training and coaching.

Mike Montgomery

2019-01-07T13:47:33+0000

Working with Benita gave me back good posture and mobility. Great results!

Jenny Holman

2018-10-17T14:33:59+0000

Valley active has helped me return to regular exercise after some midlife setbacks that made it difficult for me to self start without injury. My weekly sessions are challenging but keep me on track and motivated, something that never came with a gym membership. I highly recommend giving them a try and discovering what you can do to feel better ever day!

Wendy Baldwin

2018-10-12T22:40:54+0000

Dave is careful and knowledgeable and focused on getting you not just feeling better but having a plan to do on one's own. highly recommend him.

Heather Holland Wright

2018-05-15T10:43:45+0000

You have brought happiness back to my joints and awesome awareness of how to move! I would not have made it though kiddo #3 without you. The whole team at Valley is a positive force for good! Thanks for all you do for us!

Carolyn Shelburne

2018-05-12T00:57:45+0000

Valley Active is the best! I've been working with Dave since August, 2015. I decided to invest in two sessions a week for 10 weeks. It was one of the best investments I ever made since I have stenosis in both my neck and lumbar spine along with shoulder problems from a car accident. Dave has become an integral part of my "keep myself moving" team in my mature age! He always tailors my workout to my specific needs at the time. I've continued to go once a week since my initial sessions and I have my detailed exercises he gives me to do at home. An investment in Valley Active's Functional Rehab is worth the time and money! Thank you Dr. Colliver and your team for providing this service in the New River Valley!

Katie Martin

2018-05-10T03:37:11+0000

Thank you so much for all your help! So happy to be able to teach and interact with my students pain free!

Ian Thomas

2018-05-09T06:17:26+0000

Wonderful facility and friendly staff. After a few weeks of working together with Benita, my sciatica has been completely relieved. My back and leg are getting stronger with each passing day and my pain levels have reduced to minimal levels. She's also taught me a variety of stretches and exercises to help relieve various other aches and pains due to pre-existing conditions. I'm extremely thankful for the expertise, patience and persistence of the entire Valley Active staff.

Wesley Reed

2018-05-04T19:14:58+0000

Valley active is the place to go for those seeking PT. The valley active team works as one to ensure you're getting the best care possible. During my experience at valley I worked with Benita Nam who is super knowledgeable and very fun to be around.

Elizabeth White

2018-04-10T17:37:41+0000

I have been working with Ethan on my knee pain. He is very knowledgeable, fun to work with, and I feel like I've been making improvements. Ethan has been able to help me incorporate my exercises into my daily routine rather than having to do extra homework like you get in Physical Therapy. This has been really helpful!

Margaret Michels Perkins

2018-04-08T13:33:14+0000

Ethan Rich - Valley Active: Not to seem too dramatic, but the last twenty sessions have been amazing, having trouble truly describe the changes which I feel. Due to Ethan's knowledge of Neuromuscular and Skeletal Conditions, muscles and ligaments which been restricted during my lifetime have been released. Fortunately, I have always been able to find a way to perform daily activities. Ethan has stretched and massaged muscles, suggested new methods which are allowing me to execute movements in a more "normal way" - opening doors, reaching into cabinets - just a couple of many. Ethan's sessions have been assisted by workouts from Trebel School of Fitness and acupuncture from Revitalized Wellness - community effort. Thank you, Ethan and Valley Active for all your time, patience and persistence.

Joan Mitchell

2018-02-24T19:02:34+0000

I am so happy to be working with Ethan at Valley Active. He showed me some very simple exercises that improve my posture and stopped the sciatica pain. Ethan listens well and adjusts the session to cover any new issues that arise. He is also organized and has a plan for long-term improvement and maintenance. I am very impressed with Ethan's skills and professionalism. I have been telling my friends to call Valley Active if they need therapy.

Erika Meitner

2018-02-23T23:43:32+0000

After months of unsuccessful Physical Therapy for severe and chronic lower back issues where the PTs and assistants would be juggling multiple clients at once, I came to Valley Active, and I'm so glad I did! Working one-on-one with Ethan to learn the reasons behind my back pain, address the root causes of it, rebuild my core strength, and learn (finally!) to do the right exercises correctly made all the difference in my recovery. I highly recommend Ethan and the crew at Valley Active!

Mustafa Bahrami

2018-02-16T18:23:38+0000

Dave is the man, not only do you receive relief but you become more informed on how to achieve long term relief on your own.

Laura Nelson

2018-02-05T17:19:16+0000

After more than a year and a half of being shunted from one doctor to another to address debilitating upper back pain following a cervical disc herniation and replacement, I found Valley Active and Dr Colliver. Under the skillful guidance of Dave and the rest of the team, I am finding my life again and enjoying it. I cannot write enough positive things about this group. They are wonderful.