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Treatments |
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Swedish
Massage
Swedish massage works the muscles through effleurages, kneading, frictions and percussions…It stimulates the whole system of the body which makes it possible for the system to re balance (by supporting a venous return, a better blood and lymphatic circulation, the elimination of toxins, the management of stress..) and works on the level of osseous frame. Swedish massage is not meant to work deeply, but is more of a relaxation massage. Gliding strokes mixed with soft music and the sound of running water are sure to put you in a trance….escape from life, drift away…the ultimate relaxation. Enjoy safe, healing touch while you sink into the table and forget about your stress. |
Deep Tissue Massage
A technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes to deep finer pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fibers of the muscles, tendons and fascia. It also helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue. Deep tissue massage usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage, but if it’s done right the client should feel better than ever with a day or two. The technique is often in combination with other massage procedures such as Swedish massage, which will give the session a nice flow and aide in relaxation or it can be used with techniques in Sports Massage for those who like some stretching. |
Hot Stone massage
A variation of a traditional massage, a heated stone massage utilizes hot stones, that are generally heated in 120 to 150 degree F water. Oils are then massaged into the skin utilizing Swedish massage techniques. This relaxes and makes it easier for the body to absorb heat from the stones. A variety of stones are then placed at focal parts of the body such as the upper and lower back. The stones release heat and calm and relax the muscles. The stones may also be used to massage the client and provide deeper techniques to areas withholding tension. When stones cool, they are replaced with another heated one during the duration of a massage. This is done in conjunction with a traditional massage of the client's choice. (Swedish or Deep Tissue) |
Sports Massage
The prime purpose of sports massage therapy is to help alleviate the stress and tension which builds up in the body’s soft tissues during physical activity. Where minor injuries and lesions occur, due to overexertion and/or overuse, massage can break those niggling injuries that so often get in the way of performance and achievement, whether one in an athlete, ardent keep-fitter or a once a week jogger. This treatment is not just for the sports person: anyone can benefit from sports massage, including people in physically demanding jobs and those not quite so obvious (occupational, emotional and postural stress may produce many similar characteristics to sports injuries.) Sports massage tends to be deeper and more intense. It is based on the various elements of Swedish massage and often incorporates a combination of other techniques involving stretching, compression, friction, toning and trigger point response techniques similar to Acupressure. The skilled therapist brings together this blend of techniques, knowledge and advice during treatment, to work effectively and with the client to bring about optimum performance and to provide injury-free training and minimize post event injuries. |
Specific Injury Massage
The therapist focuses on working on the client’s main area of concern.
One area should not be worked for longer than 30minutes. |
Tandem Massage
The ultimate relaxation experience!!! When you really want to treat yourself you can indulge in this 90 min, deep tissue, hot stone, TANDEM massage! That's a massage with two therapists at once!!! Each area is massaged for twice as long as you melt into the heated table. Hot stones and towels are used to relax the muscles prior to the area being massaged. It doesn't get much better than this!!! |
Couples Massage
Bring someone you love to massage therapy and enjoy being relaxed together!!! Tables are set up side by side. One therapist per client. Male and female therapists available should a client have a preference. Choose from upper body, full body, 90min or 2hrs. swedish/deep tissue/sports&stretching. |
Intergraded Therapies |
| Reflexology
In reflexology, pressure is applied to the reflex areas of the feet using specific thumb and finger techniques that cause physiological changes to take place in the body. The body’s own healing potential is stimulated. |
Heat and Ice Therapy
The application of ice or heat on an aching muscle depends on the stage of the injury. All muscle pain is not created equal. Ice is best used on acute injuries that have just occurred (up to 48 hours). Heat works well on chronic injuries that are reoccurring and on injuries that are in the maturation stage (when mobility and strength is the focus).
Ice decreases pain directly, reduces swelling and inflammation, and perhaps most importantly, decreases metabolism of the cells so they don’t need more oxygen than is available. The result is less damaged tissue and a smaller area to be repaired. Also, there is less swelling and repair can therefore begin sooner. In order to benefit from ice you must use it correctly. Avoid putting ice directly on the skin, first wrap the ice or ice pack in a heavy towel or plastic bag then apply. Chill the injured area for 6 to 20 minutes, or until it gets numb (icing for more than 20 minutes may damage skin and nerves). Ice is contraindicated for someone with circulatory insufficiencies, Raynaud’s Disease, or cold allergies.
Heat decreases muscle spasms directly, which reduces pain. It also increases circulation of blood, which brings new oxygen to injured areas and increases metabolism and vasodilation, all of which help in the healing process. To be used properly, heat should be applied to the aching muscles for 5 to 20 minutes. Moist heat is recommended over dry heat. Do not overheat, or leave on for extended periods, as burning of tissue may occur. Heat is contraindicated for fevers, infections, acute inflammatory conditions, cardiac/circulatory insufficiencies, and malignancies. Ice and heat can also be used alternately to act as a pump for faster healing. Inflammation is reduced, then new oxygen is brought back in to heal. This is most effective for sub acute injuries, (after the first 48 hours). Begin by icing for 20 minutes, follow with 5 to 7 minutes of heat, and end with 20 more minutes of ice. Then gently move and stretch the injured area. Repeat hourly, if possible, or at least three times a day. Your therapist might use heat or ice during your massage to sooth aches and pains and promote healing. This may be done using a hot moist hydroculator pack, a steamed towel or a moist heating pad for heat, and a frozen gel pack for cold therapy. |
| Isolated muscle Stretching
PNF is an abbreviation for proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, a technique for increasing flexibility which combines muscle tension with passive stretching. Also sometimes called isometric stretching. During your session if the Therapist finds the client is extremely tight in one area, she may ask you to actively work with her in extending your stretch through this method. The Therapist would being stretching the muscle as far as it will go and then ask the client to resist that stretch for 6seconds. Once the client releases the resistance the Therapist will further stretch the muscle. The Therapist will hold the muscle at the furthest point of the stretch and ask the client to once again to resist him/her for 6seconds and then the muscle will be stretched from that point further. This is usually done 3-4 times and can result in a 50% or better increase in the stretch of that particular muscle. This stretch works phenomenally in increasing flexibility in the quadriceps and hamstrings especially. |
Acupresssure
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure (without the needles) on specific points along the body. Chinese cultures believe the points to be junctures of meridian pathways that carry energy called chi. Acupressure massage therapy stimulates and activates the body’s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony. Some of the Acupressure points are significant as they relate to a specific part of the body while others are more general in their effect. Treatment is normally given in a similar fashion to traditional massage. Points are massaged using finger or thumb, and sometimes a blunt object, in a fairly rapid circular motion with medium pressure for between 5 and 15 minutes at a time. Experienced therapists may integrate acupressure with massage by stimulating these points to aide in physical, emotion and mental healing. |
Optional Treatments |
| Parrafin wax Treatments
Paraffin wax treatments are luxurious spa treatments that are intended to moisturize and soften the skin. Paraffin wax treatments are most often applied to the hands and feet as components of manicures and pedicures respectively but can also be applied during massage. Paraffin wax is unlike more common spa wax that is used for hair removal on the face and body. That type of wax is much more viscous and bonds to the skin. Paraffin wax is a softer wax because of the paraffin oil component. Because it is a soft wax, it melts at a lower than normal temperature. This means that the skin can be submerged in the wax without causing burning or blistering. The therapist melt blocks of paraffin wax in special vats. During paraffin wax treatments, the clients dip their hands or feet into the melted wax one or more times to coat the skin in a generous layer. The hands or feet are then wrapped in plastic, or some other non-absorbent material and left to "soak" in the layer of wax for up to half an hour. When applying to other areas of the body the Therapist will apply with a basting brush and then might cover with a wax type paper to lock in moisture. Paraffin wax treatments are particular popular in the winter because they are warming and because they help moisturize dry and cracked skin. During paraffin wax treatments, the skin is bathed in warmth, which helps the pores to open and the skin to soften. Because the treatments are meant to be soothing, calming oils are often added to the wax in order to add a dimension of aroma therapy to the experience. Once the skin has been allowed to soak in the wax and the layer has hardened, it can be pulled off in one solid piece. Because the wax is soft and contains oil, it does not become very stiff and does not adhere to the skin. Rather, after a paraffin wax treatment, the skin is left slick and soft. People who experience seasonal dry skin often find paraffin wax treatments to be helpful and relaxing preventative measures. Dry, cracked heels and knuckles can make cold weather unbearable. One or two moisturizing paraffin wax treatments can help a great deal during snowy months. |
| Ear Candling
Ear candling is an alternative aide for ear health. It is a simple but effective remedy that involves the use of a hollow candle which resembles a straw coated with special wax. The small end of the candle is placed on the edge of a person’s ear and the large end is lit with a match. It is a non-medical procedure. The practitioner uses a hollow waxed cloth candle to assist in the removing of ear wax and may improve any of the following conditions: sinus problems, sore throat, ear ache, swimmer’s ear, some chronic headaches, allergies and hearing difficulty. Often times if the client is receiving massage first, the Therapist will put ear drops in each ear and block with a small cotton ball to help loosen up wax and debris in the ear during the massage, before the candling procedure. This can result in a more effective treatment. There is absolutely no discomfort to the person receiving this technique. Most people enjoy the process and find it to be relaxing; some to the point of drifting off to sleep. Old ear wax and noxious toxins are drawn up into the candle which has been placed gently into the ear and lit. The low flame of the burning candle creates a slow vacuum which softens and pulls out old wax into the base of the candle. How is it that such results can be obtained? The theory is that such effects are possible because all the passages in the head are interconnected, allowing the candle to drain the entire system osmotically through the membrane of the ear. The ear contains nerve endings and acupuncture points to every other area of the body, mind and emotions. These nerve endings are connected by streams of the subtle energy flow which carries our life force energy. If hearing is impaired or blocked, we are disconnected from that energy. Ear coning acts as a catalyst to clear out debris accumulated on nerve endings. This allows for clear vibrational flow to the corresponding area of the mind, body and spirit and clears way for other methods of healing. A typical Candling client is one searching for a more “natural way” to alleviate pressure in their head or upper respiratory area, or someone in search of relief from pain in their children’s ears, or to hear, smell, see or just “plain” feel better. Ear candling is a technique that has been around for centuries. It dates as far back as biblical times when hollow reeds from swamps were used. It has been passed down from many generations by the Egyptians, the Oriental and European cultures. If a client comes to Full Circle for a massage and ear candling, the Therapist will just have the client remain on the table after the massage while still relaxed under the sheet and turn onto each side to get each ear done. |
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