Melissa Priest is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT). She received her massage training at Healing Arts School of Massage in Lubbock, Texas and has been practicing massage for fifteen years. She practiced at several local chiropractic offices before settling at Avalon Day Spa with Barbara Acker, where she worked as an independent contractor. Melissa then spread her entrepreneurial wings and became owner of Healing Hands Massage Therapy and later StillPoint Massage Therapy both in Lubbock. Melissa is excited to rejoin the team with Barbara Acker at DermaSmooth Medical Spa.
Melissa is passionate about massage and believes massage is an integral part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She prefers to create a custom massage based on each clients needs using a variety of modalities including Therapeutic/Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release including the John Barnes technique, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Strain/Counter Strain. She uses a wide range of techniques to improve pain, range of motion, circulation and to relieve stress. Melissa offers a high level of professional treatments that compliment the menu of services at DermaSmooth.
Call Melissa at 806-777-9615 to schedule your next visit.
Swedish Massage
applies gentle to moderate pressure using a variety of techniques to manipulate muscle tissue. It might also include passive and active joint movements, and stretching. The goals of Swedish massage are to relax the body, reduce stress, oxygenate the blood, help the lymph system remove toxins, improve circulation, and increase range of motion and flexibility.
Therapeutic/Deep Tissue Massage
Therapeutic/Deep Tissue Massage focuses on stretching fascia, a three dimensional web of connective tissue that surrounds, supports and penetrates all of the muscles, bones, nerves and organs. This massage works layer by layer through connective tissue and muscles down to the deepest layers to change posture and create freedom of movement by releasing fascial adhesion and chronic muscle shortening. I tailor each session to your specific needs, and am trained in a variety of modalities including (but not limited to): Myofascial Release (MFR) (including John Barnes Technique), Reciprocal Inhibition (RI), Neuromuscular Therapy Trigger Point Therapy, Strain/Counter Strain techniques, along with active and passive stretching. The goals of this type of massage are to relieve severe tension, reduce scar tissue, reduce chronic pain and inflammation, improve posture and range of motion, and improve circulation.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal Massage is a natural, safe, and drug-free approach to pain relief that focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as your body goes through the many changes of pregnancy. Pregnancy often causes additional stress and strain on your back, neck, shoulders, hips, and abdominal muscles. The many benefits of prenatal massage affect both you and your baby. Some benefits include: reduces stress on weight-bearing joints; improves over-all muscular discomforts like lower-back pain, upper-back pain, neck pain, headaches, leg cramps, sciatica, stiffness, tension and knots, headaches, heartburn and acid reflux, fatigue and sleep, varicose veins, edema (swelling) of the lower extremities, sacroiliac and hip joint pain and can improve constipation; increases lymphatic flow and blood circulation which provides more oxygen to your baby; relieves anxiety and depression caused by hormonal changes, and helps prepare the pelvic muscles for the birthing process.
Geriatric Massage
Geriatric Massage is designed to address the specific needs of the elderly population. This type of massage uses gentle techniques with passive and active stretching, improving balance and flexibility, enhanced circulation, an increase in joint mobility, and improved posture. Post massage, the elderly often report an overall improved sense of well-being, with a reduction in anxiety and depression. Massage in the elderly has been shown to improve symptoms of arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, as well as improving circulation in patients with diabetes.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone Massage is the application of round, smooth stones heated to luxurious warmth, oiled and used in the palm of the hands to massage the body. Heat penetrates deeply, prompting profound relaxation, increased detoxification, and relief of long-standing muscular tension, stress and fatigue. You should not have hot stone massage if you have cancer, lymphedema, high blood pressure, or a recent injury.
Reflexology
Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points and areas on the feet. These areas and reflex points correspond to different body organs and systems, and pressing them has a beneficial effect on the organs and person’s general health. Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure health disorders, millions of people around the world use it to complement other treatments when addressing conditions like anxiety, asthma, cancer treatment, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, and sinusitis.