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What is Microneedling and Why Do I need it?

microneedling tool towels oils

Microneedling is an in-office procedure, where your dermatologist or esthetician, will run a dermaroller wand studded with tiny needles over your skin to even out its texture. 


While rolling a wheel of needles across your face may sound painful, it really is that not bad – and it comes with glowing benefits!

In-office microneedling uses sterile needles that puncture the skin deep enough to cause slight bleeding for stronger results.  This promotes collagen formation, which allows the skin to remain tighter and thicker as we age.  The treatment can minimize pore size and improve skin quality and texture.  Plus, help reduce the appearance of acne scars, stretch marks, and even fine lines.

Normally, our skin only absorbs about 4% of a product’s ingredients, after using a dermaroller, our skin will absorb up to 70%!  Any condition you’re concerned with – wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, scars – will improve that much faster because the ingredients in your skincare are actually able to get to work.

Microneedling should not hurt if you are doing it correctly.  There are “at-home” devices available however, these are harder to clean so there is a higher risk of infection.  DIY devices do not penetrate the skin as deep as an in-office procedure, which makes them less effective.

If you are dealing with an inflammatory condition, such as psoriasis or eczema, or actively tanning, have sunburned skin, or you have a skin infection such as cold sores, microneedling should not be performed. 

Most patients find microneedling to feel like a little buzzing over the skin with a few areas of sensitivity like on the upper lip or forehead.  Patients may experience red skin and slight swelling after treatment.  By nighttime, you will look back to normal or mildly pink, with very minimal downtime.

Keep in mind that this is not a one and done procedure.  Depending on are targeted area, two to three treatments, spaced out every four weeks, are usually recommended.  Sometimes more treatments are needed. 

If you’d like to try Microneedling with your selfcare routine, give Precision Wellness a call!

Prenatal & Postnatal Massage

prenatal postnatal hands massaging pregnant woman

Massages have been proved in multiple studies to be extremely beneficial to your mind and body. Not only that, but it is also helpful to your baby, too!

During pregnancy, a woman’s body changes… crazy amazing changes!  With all of these changes, it can result in several uncomfortable conditions.  There are a few things that you can do to relive those aches and pains, and one of them is massage.  Massage during pregnancy not only makes a woman feel pampered and more emotionally grounded but is offers undeniable physical benefits as well.  The overall goal for prenatal massage is to help minimize stress, promote relaxation, and prepare the muscles for childbirth.

Massage during pregnancy also stimulates your lymphatic system, boosting immunity and removing excess toxins while stabilizing hormone levels. A few other benefits of prenatal massage include:  reduced swelling in your feet, legs and hands, relieve lower back pain including sciatic nerve pain, improve sleep by relaxing the nervous system and releasing feel good hormones, prepare you body for labor and birth, and relief pain naturally.

Women with normal, low-risk pregnancies can benefit greatly from massage by a trained pregnancy massage therapist.  However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult with their doctor before beginning a massage therapy program. 

Postpartum massage is also super beneficial after giving birth to your baby.  Whether you had a difficult birth experience or your baby’s birth went smoothly, a woman’s body undergoes quite a bit of realignment.  Postpartum massage helps restore your muscle tone in the abdomen and reposition the pelvis.

Benefits of a postpartum massage can include:  Reliving tension from the birthing process, clears excess fluids from the body more quickly, hastens recovery, encourages pelvic and abdominal organs to return to pre-pregnancy positions, promotes shift return to digestive function, increases energy levels and reduces fatigue, aids in returning the uterus to normal size, decreases muscle tension from the exertion of labor, provides emotional support, addresses scar healing protocol after c-section, relieves should, neck and arm tension from breastfeeding. 

One of the biggest benefits in getting a massage after giving birth helps maintain a healthy circulation throughout the body.  In return, this helps the flow of breast milk through the body as well.  And increases the overall product of the breast milk.

If you’re looking for a prenatal or postnatal massage, give Precision Wellness a call!

Do’s & Don’ts of Waxing

Let me be clear, getting waxed will never feel good. It is one of those “beauty is pain” chores that are totally worth it!  Here are a few do’s and don’ts before, during and after your wax appointment to make it the best experience possible.

Do research the salon. Smooth skin is great, an infection not so much.  Asking friends for a referral is a great place to start.  We would also recommend reading reviews on Google or Facebook.  Of course, you can trust Precision Wellness for your waxing needs!

Don’t consume caffeine a few hours before your wax.  Caffeine can trigger even more nerves and increase your heart rate.

Do moisturize and exfoliate before your wax appointment.  Dry hair and dry skin cause your hair to break when removed.  To get the smoothest and long-lasting wax results, the skin and hair should be healthy and moisture rich.

Don’t apply self-tanner the day of your appointment.  Wait until the day after your waxing to use spray tan or apply self-tanner.  Be aware that freshly waxed areas absorb pigment better so your skin will look smoother and color will last longer when you apply the day after.

Do make sure you have enough hair.  You want it about the length of a grain of rice.  But do not trim, even if you think you need to.  Your wax specialist will trim if needed. 

Don’t schedule an appoint the before or during your period.  Your body is more sensitive to pain.  Plan to wax within the first two weeks of your cycle.

Do take something like Advil or Ibuprofen if you have a low pain tolerance.  This can be helpful for pain relief and reduce inflammation of the skin after your service.

Don’t fuss with the waxed area.  Avoid touching your newly hair-free skin.  This will clog pores and transfer bacteria.

Do take a deep breathe and relax!  Make sure you communicate with your wax specialist, feel free to ask questions and share preferences so they can serve you best. 

Don’t take a hot shower for a few hours of your waxing appointment or get in salty water the day of your wax.  Avoid soaking in a tub or jacuzzi, saunas, or anything with high heat due to the area being sensitive, which can be a breading grown for bacteria.

Do make sure your specialist is holding your skin taut.  Your esthetician should hold the skin taut to help with the pain.

Don’t exercise after your waxing appointment (or wear sweaty clothes).  Your skin is so fresh the pores are still open and susceptible to bacteria.  Friction from working out at the gym could cause future irritation on the skin.

Do get on a regular waxing schedule.  Waxing every three to four weeks.  Getting regular waxes will reduce the amount of hair coming back.  Exfoliating and moisturizing between visits every day will remove excess dead skin and keep the skin nourished. 

For all of your waxing needs be sure to call a professional, like Precision Wellness – (417) 886-1131

Have a Less Stressful Day

Woman-smiling-with-text

Life is stressful – There is no way around it.  When you become mindful of your stress levels and how to manage them, stress can be easily reduced.  Put yourself and your wellness first and implement these tips to instantly reduce the stress in your life.

  • Prioritize Sleep:   We need 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.  Make this a priority no-matter-what.  Lack of sleep increases your level of stress hormones.  Remember, quality is just as important as quantity.
  • Make a To-Do list:  If your busy schedule is a main source of stress, try making a daily to-do list.  Keep it simple and only include the top priorities – also realistic so that it can be accomplished in one day.
  • Breathe:  Take a few minutes to just breathe.  There are many different meditation and breathing techniques that help calm you down and give your brain the extra oxygen needed to come up with solutions.
  • Say “no”:  This is a hard one for most of us!  Learn to say ‘no’ first.  You can always change your mind later.  Saying ‘no’ to commitments you do not have time for will save a lot of stress for everyone involved.
  • Eat Healthy:  Meal prepping will take away stress on a busy night when you don’t have time to cook dinner or pack lunches for the next day.  Focus on nutritious foods that will naturally reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels
  • Exercise:  Getting active causes your body to produce endorphins, which will help your mind and body to relax.  Just 30 minutes a day for better sleep, a clearer mind and an improved mood.
  • Take Breaks:  Your mind needs some time to de-compress.  Taking small breaks throughout a hectic workday will decrease stress while increasing creativity.
  • Be on Time:  Learning to be on time will save you from speeding to work, skipping breakfast, and those awkward moments of walking into a meeting that started 10 minutes ago.
  • Simplify Life: Focus on essentials in life and eliminate any unnecessary stressors.  Once you simplify your life, you’ll spend more time doing what is most important to your and less time feeling stressed.
  • Make time for YOU:  Spend some time on yourself!  Dedicating just one hour a week or every couple weeks for self care with relieve stress tremendously – schedule a facial, massage, or a waxing session.  
  • LET-IT-GO:  The most important thing is to NOT stress over the things that you cannot control.  Many things that keep us up all night worrying are perceptions on the future or things out of our control.

Why Facial Massage is Amazing!

facial woman cheek massaged

Why is facial massage amazing – simply put, facial massage stimulates the circulation of the blood towards the skin and stimulates cell growth.   Helping to prevent fines lines and new wrinkle formation while at the same time helps to rejuvenate and tighten the skin.

We have heard for years the benefits of body massages: tension relief, improved circulation, and increase flexibility (to name a few).   Facial massage is like a mini workout for your face!   Facial massages involve massaging key facial muscles and pressure points (like your jawline, cheekbones, and forehead) using your hands or a stone roller.  Just a few minutes of gentle deep stroking, tapping, pinching, and kneading helps increase blood flow, reduce puffiness, and keeps your skin looking fresh, youthful, and fine line-free!

5 Benefits of Facial Massage:

1 – Tones facial muscles and reliefs tension.  Most of us hold a lot of tension in our face.  When we feel stressed, tired, or concentrated, we tense our forehead and eye area (this causes wrinkles over time)

2 – Releases toxins.  Using a lot of beauty products, environmental factors and the hustle of everyday life can cause toxins to build-up, contributing to fine lines, puffiness, and breakouts.

3 – Boosts circulation.  Just like doing a set of jumping jacks or push-ups, the movement of a quick facial massage sends a surge of blood and oxygen to your skin.  This increased flow deflates puffiness, brightens skin tone, and helps detoxify your skin.

4 – Improves product absorption.  Massaging your face with your fingers in upward, lifting motions is a wonderful way to help your favorite products like moisturizer and serum absorb into the skin. 

5 – Relaxation!  Skincare benefits aside, facial massages are just as good at relieving emotional tension as they are at calming muscle tension.  They help you feel more relaxed and at ease at the end of a long day!

Skin care experts advise on a facial massage at home 2-3 times per week.  Of course, come in for your monthly facial to get a facial massage (and so much more) from a licensed professional!

Massage & Arthritis

arthritis holding wrist

Are you struggling with arthritis and looking for relief?   Look no further!

Massage therapy has been used widely as an aide to reduce pain and promote recovery of injured muscles.  Massage therapy can also help with moderate inflammation and stiffness associated with arthritis by improving circulation.  This translates to enhanced blood flow to arthritic joints, improved movement, and reduced pain.

Studies have shown that having a professional massage just once a week, and doing self-massage once a day, may help reduce the pain associated with many conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuropathy.

There are many different types of massage available to you.  The best massage we recommend for arthritis are…

1 – Swedish:  Swedish massage is the most popular, using long strokes, circular movements and kneading to loosen tight muscles.  Pressure can range from very light to deep. With a Swedish massage you really get the blood circulation going.

2 – Shiatsu:  In this form of massage, specific spots are massaged that are said to relieve pain elsewhere in the body.  The areas massaged will depend on what type of pain you are having.  Your limbs may also be stretched lightly.

3 – Lymphatic massage: Also known as lymphatic drainage massage, this massage will use light, patterned strokes to help excess lymphatic fluid drain into the bloodstream.   This is very helpful for people with arthritis because they sometimes have a lot of excess fluid from the inflammatory process.

4 – Petrissage:  During a petrissage, your therapist will gently lift your skin and knead or roll it.  This can help lengthen the tissues that connect to your muscles, enabling them to relax a little.  Adding a little stretch and pliability can cause greater relief from discomfort.

Of course, you can always ask for a customized massage. Do not be afraid to ask your therapist for a treatment that is designed especially for your aches and pains. When you’re ready to work on you, give Precision Wellness a call!

How to maximize your massage

maximize woman face down headrest

When you invest in yourself, your physical, mental and overall health, by committing to routine massage therapy sessions, you want to make sure that you’re getting the best massage every time.  To ensure this, we suggest adopting the following ten tips to enhance your massage therapy experience.

Tip #1 – Decide what you want to get out of your massage – relaxation or more rehabilitation – before your session can make a big difference in having a satisfying experience.

Tip #2 – Communicate with your therapist before your session about how you are feeling, medical history, and what you expect from the session.  Doing so will help keep your session focused.

Tip #3 – Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time.  This gives you time to prepare your mind and body for the session.

Tip #4 – Be Fully Present.  Try to avoid squeezing in an hour during the work-day or when you have to rush to or from your session.  It will be easier for you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the massage experience if your mind is not worried about missing your next meeting.

Tip #5 – Leave your devices behind.  Getting a massage is one of the few places you can be without any distractions from the outside world.  Clear your mind by leaving your phone and other devices in your car or at home so you can really unplug during your session.

Tip #6 – Drink lots of water. After your massage, you will want to drink plenty of water for the next couple of days.  Your body is releasing toxins and metabolic waste for two to three days after your massage and you’ll need to replenish your fluids.   This will also help you from feeling fatigued.

Tip #7 – Breathe!  Relaxing long breaths from your abdomen does not just help you relax mentally, it also helps your muscles relax as your therapist works out your body’s stiffness and tightness.

Tip #8 – Avoid Stress.  Yes, if it is possible, avoid stressful activities.  This includes your gym workouts.  Try to avoid lifting weights after a deep tissue massage to prevent stressing your muscles.

Tip #9 – Take a bath.  Take a hot bath with Epsom salts.  Epsom salt baths are easy and ideal way to help flush toxins from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate substances.

Tip #10 – Alternate Temperatures.  If your massage therapist uncovered areas of your body that had a lot of tension, you could be feel soreness after your session.  Alternating moist heat and cold compresses on the area of soreness will help.

Now you have the ten tips, you are ready to schedule and enjoy your massage experience with Precision Wellness!

What Is a Bacial and Why Do I Need One?

womens back with coffee scrub on it shaped like a heart

A ‘bacial’ is a treatment specifically formulated for your back consisting of deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and ends with a detoxifying mask for hydration.  Also known as a back facial.   Back facials use many similar techniques used for treatments on your face.  Generally, a back facial starts with a deep steaming designed to open the pores and soften your skin.

One of the great benefits of a back facial is to get rid of back acne and a variety of skincare needs.   Back facials are also great to help ease tension in your muscles and to heal dry skin on your back.

Your esthetician can help you determine how often you need a back facial based on your skin concerns. It may be recommended at least every 2-4 weeks if you are experiencing back acne and breakouts. Give Precision Wellness a call if you’re ready for your Bacial!

What is Thai Massage?

massage-therapist-performing-thai-massage-on-client

Unlike a Swedish and deep tissue massage that take place on a table, Thai massage actually takes place on a floor mat.   During a Thai massage, the masseuse moves all around and above the client to access a wider range of angles over each part of the body.  The session may also include rhythmic pressing and stretching of your entire body.   This could include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient’s back.

What to expect from Thai Massage

During a Thai massage, you will keep your clothing on.  It is ideal to wear loose-fitting, clean, and comfortable clothing (along the lines of active athletic wear).  During the massage, you will be pulled, stretched, and rocked while the therapist uses many parts of their body including their thumbs, elbows, and knees.

Benefits of Thai Massage

Research has shown that the benefits of Thai massage can include improved circulation and lymph flow improvement, improved range of motion and flexibility, reduced levels of stress, deep relaxation, pain relief, and reduction of muscle tension, as well as increased energy level.

Remember, after any type of massage, you will need to drink plenty of water.  Your muscle tissue will not be as pliable if you are dehydrated and will cause that day-after tenderness.   Drinking plenty of water will also help flush out the waste after your massage.   Avoiding caffeine and alcohol is a good idea as they are dehydrating.

We at Precision Wellness are here to Help you Feel Your Best!

The Ultimate Skin Care Routine

ultimate woman in mirror applying lotion

It is never too early to start a skincare routine; your skin will thank you. However, it is suggested at puberty is a good time to start as this is when new hormones are introduced and acne may begin.   A skincare routine has multiple steps including cleansing, hydrating, treating and protecting your skin.

The purpose of a skincare routine is to improve your skin appearance, prevent signs of aging, prevent certain skin issues and to protect the skin by using the right products such as exfoliants, feels, masks, cleaners, moisturizers, and antioxidants/serums. Your first step in creating a skin care routine is to get to know your skin first.   Look for characteristics of your skin, identify if you have dry, oily, combination, and/or sensitive skin. 

Keep in mind to not get overwhelmed by or follow the ‘hottest trend’.  There are many products out there that may not be best for your skin type. Remember, it takes time to develop a consistent routine to see results.  Just like dieting, you can’t just eat one thing and expect to be healthy.  It needs to be a balance.  

The most important products you need to create your personalized skincare routine:       

  • Cleanser
  • Exfoliator
  • Toner
  • Serum
  • Eye Cream
  • Treatment
  • Chemical Peel
  • Face Masks
  • Moisturizer
  • Sunscreen (SPF)

Are you wondering what to use and when?   Let’s talk about that.  

Your Day time skincare routine is all about protection.  Protection from the sun and pollution.  You Daytime steps should include:

1 – Cleanser

2 – Serum

3 – Eye Cream

4 – Moisturizer

5 – SPF

Your skin naturally repairs itself at night.  You should be giving your skin what it needs during this time.  Your nighttime routine should be all about treatment.

1 – Double Cleaning (Cleanser & Toner)

2 – Eye Cream

3 – Treatment (retinol, peelings, anti-aging serums)

4 – Moisturizer

Everyone could use a little extra help. Here are a few other services Precision Wellness provides to keep your skin radiant and healthy:

1 – Personalized Facials to exfoliate and hydrate.

2 – Dermaplaning to eliminate peach fuzz and dry skin.

3 – Facial Peel to remove dulling surface cells to show smoother, softer, retexturized skin.

4 – Microdermabrasion buffs away surface skin reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and pore size

When you need help with your skin give Precision Wellness a call!

PRECISION WELLNESS

Therapeutic Massage, Esthetics and Yoga

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