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Have you had excessive pain or trouble when trying to lift your arm? Have you recently undergone a shoulder injury that you can’t seem to shake off? It is possible that you may be suffering from frozen shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis).
Frozen shoulder is the thickening, scarring and shrinkage of the joint capsule that can lead to the loss of motion in your shoulders. Symptoms like stiffness and pain can also come about from a frozen shoulders. The longer the shoulder goes untreated, the longer the symptoms will remain. Symptoms can last up to about 2 years if left untreated – thus it is very important to seek treatment if you find yourself struggling with shoulder pain.
Massages are a great way to alleviate the pain that you may go through with a frozen shoulder and they can even begin to alleviate symptoms if the correct massages are done professionally. The massages may be uncomfortable at first and it’s important to know that one massage will not treat frozen shoulder for good. Regular massages and muscle therapy are required to regain motion without pain from frozen shoulder.
Certain massages are better for some compared to others. It is important to know which massage is best for you and your pain. The following are examples of massages that you can undergo with a frozen shoulder to help treat the pain:
Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage consists of soft strokes on delicate areas of the body and rough strokes on tougher areas of the body. This kind of massage is popular for those suffering from frozen shoulder because it is known for easing muscle strain. A Swedish massage normally lasts anywhere between 60-90 minutes. While there will be pain during the massage due to your shoulder, it is important to relax and not tense up for the benefit of both you and the masseuse. The masseuse will most likely use oils and lotions to help make the massage more comfortable and relaxing or even play soothing music for ambiance.
Deep Tissue Massage
Frozen shoulder can result in intense pain and what is better than to combat intense pain with a deeper, more intense tissue massage. A deep tissue massage applies far more pressure than a Swedish massage and those with more severe conditions of the frozen shoulder should seek this massage for best results. Deep massages can leave healthy muscles feeling sore, so it is important to note that you may be in more intense pain in this type of massage. You may want to agree on pain tolerance and what amount of pain is bearable for you when seeking a masseuse for this kind of massage when undergoing a frozen shoulder.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger point therapy is known as a remedial massage that can reach tender muscles and trigger points throughout your body. This kind of massage therapy can reduce inflammation and serve as a great solution for muscle stiffness. When searching for a masseuse for this kind of massage therapy it is important to search for a well-experienced therapist who understands this kind of therapy and how to use it to best treat frozen shoulders.
Heat Therapy Along with massage therapy, heat therapy—like that implemented with a Hot Stone Massage—is a great aid used to enhance recovery time. Heat therapy, also known as thermotherapy, uses the application of heat to encourage circulation within your blood vessels. Heat therapy is an excellent way to relieve the pain from frozen shoulder post-massage therapy of any of the massages listed above. Heating packs or steamed towels are the most common material used when undergoing heat therapy, your masseuse will understand which is best for you for treatment of your frozen shoulder.
There is nothing softer than your hair right after a salon visit for a cut and style. How do they do it? It’s so soft, shiny, and even has the right amount of volume and shapes your face just perfectly—why can’t you ever get it to do that yourself?
While getting that salon look and feel may seem out of reach, here are a few tips to help you get your hair just the way you want it every time.
Styling your own hair is usually your only option between salon visits—going every day to the hair salon isn’t typically an available option for most. Achieving the salon-perfect look is possible—just takes time, practice, patience, and the right products to get the finalized look.
The Facts About Men’s Spa Usage:
Many spas offer treatments such as massage, facials, and manicure/pedicures designed specifically for men; so, the men are not receiving the same spa services as women.
So, you’ve decided to try a men’s spa service for the first time, what next?
For most men, a first-time visit to a spa is more intimidating than it should be. After all, the purpose of the spa visit is to help you relax, relieve stress, and care for yourself. Many men are intimidated simply because they do not know what to expect or how they should act during a spa visit. This guide will help ensure you are completely prepared for your first visit to a spa, and that it surely will not be your last visit.
First, let’s cover the DON’TS:
Here are some of the DO’S:
DO unplug. In today’s world, it may seem more stressful to turn your phone, computer, or tablet off and unplug. But you want to be able to fully focus on your experience and not be worried about any external stresses that could arise. Use this time as your time to escape!
Having your hair relaxed is a treatment that cannot be done as well by your stylist if your hair is not properly prepped. With the advice provided by stylists, this article is a guide of some things you should do before attending your hair relaxing appointment.
The weeks before your appointment there are 3 things you must do to prepare your hair for your relaxing treatment.
A high protein conditioner will give your hair strength and stability for the relaxing treatment. This step is very important because the strength of your hair will enable your hair to hold that smooth and straight condition long after it has been relaxed. Clients are also suggested to use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner to help restore that protein and moisture balance in their hair.
If you have just removed extensions and have an appointment to get your hair relaxed this step is very important for you! Once hair extensions are taken out, your hair can begin to tangle and have a matt texture to it while being washed. IT is recommended that anyone who is getting their hair relaxed after having extensions braids their hair into 6 to 8 box braids the week before treatment.
The week before relaxing your hair it is suggested that you be fairly easy on your scalp to prepare for the chemicals in the relaxing formula. Refrain from scratching or itching your scalp the week before your appointment. Keep your hair in a simple and easy to manage style that is not going to require you to pull or comb through your hair. If hair does need to be combed make sure that it is combed into 4 sections with a wide-toothed comb. This form of combing does not irritate the scalp and keeps the skin calm. An irritated scalp during the relaxing process has a higher chance of being burned or damaged by the relaxing treatment.
The week before your appointment, it is suggested that throughout that week you seal and moisturize your hair multiple times. This provides for that strength and stability that your hair is going to need when being relaxed. This also allows for protein build up in the hair, so your hair is not left fragile after the relaxing treatment.
On the day of your appointment, there are also a few to do’s before you can get your hair relaxed. These few things you must do to your hair allow for your hair to take the relaxing formula to the best of its capability and provide an easier appointment for both you and your stylist.
This helps your stylist find new growth in hair that has already been relaxed before and also helps to keep your hair separated so you and your stylist are sure that all parts of your hair are receiving the treatment. You can use clips to keep hair separated before and during the treatment.
This step is ESSENTIAL to the treatment. Relaxer cannot be applied to knotted or tangled hair – the formula will cause larger tangles when the hair is being washed if they are not detangled beforehand. Your hands or a wide-toothed comb can be used to help detangle your hair. Salons may be on a time crunch due to other clients’ appointments and may not be able to detangle your hair as thoroughly before your treatment.
Pure olive oil, coconut oil and castor oil are all great options for protecting your scalp before using the relaxing formula.
Oil or hair grease should be applied to your hairline, perimeter of hair and ears to protect them from the chemicals.
If you have had your hair relaxed before, it is important that you protect that pre-relaxed hair. Do this by applying oil or condition to the previously relaxed parts of your hair. Are you interested in having your hair relaxed or finding out more information on hair relaxing? Essentials of Brandon: Full-Service Luxury Spa offer hair relaxing treatments to help you reach your hair goals!
Whether the holidays are approaching, a special date (like a birthday or anniversary) is coming up, or you want to give a special thank you—what do you give to the most important woman (or women) in your life? Be she your mother, sister, wife, or grown daughter, a spa day package is less cliché than you may think and more about giving her a gift she likely won’t provide for herself—“me time”.
Here are 5 reasons that make a spa day the best gift for the woman in your life:
Women, especially busy moms, deserve a little pampering now and then. When you are treating your mom or mother of your children with a spa day, you are making her experience pampering at its finest. It could be a mini facial, a 30-minute massage, body wrap, deep tissue massage, restorative facial, a simple pedicure, or a combination of some or all the above. With either of these treatments, she will feel rejuvenated.
If she has been complaining about neck or back pain or has a health condition that causes her pain, a spa could provide relief to her soreness. Massage therapy is one of the most effective and natural remedies for alleviating muscle pain, treating numbness and tingling, and joint inflammation.
A massage therapist at the spa will create a tailor-made therapy session for the gift receiver. The experts use a combination of light, moderate, and deep pressures to treat their aches.
Let your mom enjoy a youthful appearance with a facial. Like many other mothers, she likely reminds you that you are the cause of her grays and wrinkles. Give her the gift of an anti-aging facial to help her look and feel younger. You can choose from several treatments for your mother to restore a more youthful appearance including an ageless mani-pedi and cut and color salon service. She is definitely going to love you for this one.
Don’t just schedule a spa day – schedule one for two! Together, you can relax and bond with each other. As she is being given special treatment, you can catch up on life, share some laughs, and reminisce the old times. This would make her forget about her day’s worries and focus on what matters the most – the love and bond that you share.
A spa day isn’t just meant to fix your appearance or alleviate the pain, it also helps you relax. In fact, there are a number of spa treatments that can release stress and anxiety. Whether it’s a facial, body massage, body wrap, or even a manicure, any such treatment would help her relax. Such treatments can even help her improve sleep and contribute to a strong cardiovascular health. Now think again, wouldn’t the women in your life love all these benefits? Give her the gift of a spa day then!
Women lead busy lives and if there is a way to multitask to help us stay healthy and have great hair—why not try it?
This is no trick—and not only will it save you 15-20 minutes in the shower (and help preserve some water), but it will also help you maximize your deep conditioning treatment! When our bodies are hot, we lose the heat through our pores, and the most amount of heat lost is from our heads. It's why we wear caps in the winter and always put a cap on a baby—to help moderate our body temperature.
So, what does that mean for deep conditioning your hair and working out? Well, when you work out, your body warms up and heat escapes through your scalp. This heat opens the pores of your scalp and the cuticles of your hair, which can allow for deeper penetration of your deep conditioner.
Before your next workout, apply your favorite deep conditioning mask to your (dry) hair after getting dressed in the appropriate workout gear. Using a wide-toothed comb, work the conditioner from your roots to your ends and then braid it or pull it back into a bun. This allows for more control of your hair over loose strands.
Head to the gym and take part in your usual routine for the day—with exception of any workout that may require you to lay on the floor. If you go to a gym, it would be poor gym etiquette to leave the conditioner on the floor, so bring along a towel to lay down for protection.
When your workout is complete, you can shower at home or the gym—just don’t shampoo your hard-earned deep conditioning. You’ll see improved results of shinier and healthier hair if you exercise while the conditioner sits.
Getting your hair relaxed but not sure which relaxer to use? Here’s a list of the pros and cons of both Lye-based and No-Lye based relaxers to help you decide!
The “healthy breakage” that Lye-based relaxing formula is definitely the biggest perk of this product. When your hair is relaxed, valuable proteins that allow your hair to have that strength and elasticity are taken from your hair. Lye-based formula is able to replenish that to leave your hair healthier through the relaxing process.
**All chemical relaxers can be potentially harmful y causing scalp burns or hair loss if not used correctly
The choice between the two types of relaxers is completely up to you! Your stylist can help you make a decision based on your hair type and scalp sensitivity, but the stylist will never choose your relaxer for you without informing you on the type of relaxer being used. Based off of the pro’s and con’s all in all, if you have sensitive skin No-Lye based relaxer is the right product for you. Although, if you do not suffer from sensitive skin or are not as easily burned, your stylist would most likely recommend Lye based relaxer because of the many benefits it offers your hair. Are you interested in having your hair relaxed or finding out more information on hair relaxing? Essentials of Brandon: Full-Service Luxury Spa offers hair relaxing treatments to help you reach your hair goals! Schedule your appointment by phone (813) 681 -1110 or request one online.
From a young age, we learn boys and girls begin to mature at a different rate, with girls becoming more mature much more quickly than boys do. But does the same thing apply to men and women aging and growing old? We took a look at how men age differently than women, and why they age differently.
Men’s Hormones Last Longer
It is well known that the primary hormone in women is estrogen and the primary hormone in men is testosterone, however both men and women do carry both hormones, with women simply carrying more estrogen and men carrying more testosterone. When it comes to aging, women’s levels of the estrogen hormone begin to decline much earlier and much more quickly than men’s levels of the testosterone hormone do. This quicker decline in hormone levels is the reason that men seem to age much more slowly than women do. Women’s estrogen levels begin to decline around age 40 or 50, whereas men’s testosterone levels do not begin to decline until around age 55 or 60.
Men Literally Have Thicker And Healthier Skin That Age Slower
Men have the clear advantage when it comes to signs of aging in their skin. A man’s higher testosterone levels help make their skin about 25% thicker than a woman’s skin is. These higher levels of testosterone and thicker skin also cause men to produce more collagen, elastin, and sebum (oil) – which means men have an advantage with the most important components of firm, glowing, healthy, and youthful looking skin. Testosterone also stimulates the growth of facial hair in men which can help protect their skin from the damaging effects of the sun and air pollutants.
As we previously discussed, men’s hormone levels decrease later and at a slower rate than women’s hormone levels decrease, and this causes women’s collagen and elastin to break down more quickly, causing premature lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and discoloration.
Men Experience More Hair Loss And At A Faster Pace
When it comes to our hair, men lose hair much more than women do overall, and at a much quicker pace than women do. It is natural for both men and women to lose some amount of hair and thickness to their hair as they age, but men tend to experience pattern baldness whereas women simply experience a thinning of their hair on the top and crown of their heads. Women’s hair loss will rarely progress to total baldness, whereas complete baldness is not uncommon in men. Approximately half of all men will experience some level of hair loss by the time they reach age 50, and about 80% of men show signs of male pattern baldness by age 70.
Women Live Longer
Another advantage that women have over men in the aging process is that their lifespans tend to be longer than men’s. According to the CDC, the average life expectancy for men in the U.S. is 76.4 years of age, while the average life expectancy for women in the U.S. is 81.2 years of age. There are many different speculations as to why women live longer than men ranging from women being able to manage and handle stress better, to women getting more regular health checkups, to men experiencing higher rates of mortality from cancer – but no matter what the reason may be, the World Health Organization agrees that women outliving men is the trend worldwide.
Whether you are a man or a woman, Brandon Essentials is here to help you make the most of your skincare routine and preserve your youth. Contact us today for a consultation with a licensed professional esthetician and develop a personalized skincare routine to meet your needs!
Whether you’ve gotten hair waxed before or this is your first time, there are a few key things to routinely be aware of beforehand, to make the best out of your waxing service experience.
Observe your skin
Especially the areas you wish to have waxed.
Let it grow!
Wax is meant to grip hair so that it may release from the skin. When the hair is too short, the wax cannot get a good grip, and when the hair is too long, waxing may be painful. A good rule of thumb to ensure that the hair is at optimal length (about ¼ inch), is to grasp it between your fingers.
If you find that you’re grasping your skin as well, the hair is not long enough. Let the hair grow for some time (usually around 3-5 days) before your scheduled waxing session.
Time your exfoliation and moisturization.
Exfoliation is great for keeping dead skin cells away and preventing ingrown hairs; however, it is not a friend of waxing. Exfoliating too close to a waxing session takes off a protective layer of skin that will be removed by waxing. Avoid exfoliation for a week before the waxing session to avoid a painful experience.
Moisturizing, on the other hand, is more imperative to help relax the skin in the days leading up to waxing. Remember to skip the moisturizer on the day of the waxing appointment, as it could coat the area, making the hair too slippery for the wax to grip. Moisturizer could also clog the pores after waxing. It’s best to avoid applying moisturizer to the skin for about 24 hours surrounding your waxing appointment.
Cleanliness is always a good thing.
Keep your skin as clean as possible, especially the sensitive areas. Use a mild soap to cleanse the areas that are to be waxed, and after they dry you can follow up with wiping the areas with rubbing alcohol to ward off any excess bacteria or moisture. Waxing opens the pores of the skin and leaves them vulnerable to infection, especially in areas that stay warm or damp. Keeping these areas as clean as possible can help to avoid infection. Waxing doesn’t have to be painful! Keep these few key factors in mind when making an appointment to get waxed, and your experience will be the best it can be.
What do psychologists say about treating yourself? The answer: not only is it okay, but it’s also healthier.
If you were to spend money on a new dress, a spa day, or a fancy dinner, would you feel guilty? Are you embarrassed to admit you spent a couple of hours getting a facial and manicure instead of doing chores? Well, you shouldn’t be!
A 2020 study (published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin) says that permitting ourselves to indulge in short-term enjoyment is just as vital to our wellness as putting effort into bigger, long-term goals.
Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” What does this have to do with mental, physical, and spiritual wellness? It means that you cannot be effective as a worker, partner, friend, or parent if you fail to spend enough time maintaining the equipment you use. In this case, “maintenance” means keeping yourself healthy, happy, and energized enough to meet your goals.
As adults, we are taught that we need to be unselfish and pay more attention to big goals than to our own enjoyment. While it’s okay for children to do fun things and ask for new toys, adults should be more serious. We’re told to focus on moving forward in our careers, or on affording a nicer home—not on the short-term pleasure of play or sensory enjoyment. Although responsibility is an important part of reaching happiness and fulfilment, recent research indicates that short-term pleasure is just as much a key to happiness.
The study, by Dr Katharina Bernecker and Dr Daniela Becker, found that a stronger ability to indulge in short-term pleasures (called a person’s “hedonic capacity”) is positively correlated to their overall satisfaction with life.
The first part of the study was conducted by interviewing subjects about how much and how well they allow themselves to participate in and enjoy short-term pleasures. They were asked questions about how effectively they’re able to do something fun while letting go of stress—and also about whether thoughts of what they “should” be doing manage to butt into their relaxation. For example, if they spend a few hours going to dinner with friends, how often will they have guilty thoughts about an unfinished work task?
Next, the researchers asked their participants to answer questions about their overall well-being and life satisfaction. Then, they used statistical models to compare the sets of variables, helping them to understand whether “high hedonic capacity” or “low hedonic capacity” is better for wellbeing. This data was analyzed in conjunction with each person’s scores for pursuing long-term, responsible goals (self-control, et cetera).
The study’s results were obvious: yes, people who put effort into their long-term goals are happier as a result. But the ability to let go and treat yourself to short-term enjoyment is just as critical to happiness.
What does this mean in terms of day-to-day decisions? The answer is different according to each person’s tastes and circumstances. Maybe one person would enjoy taking an extra few hours per week to exercise, while another person would think that’s punishment instead of a reward. Maybe indulging in food looks like “extra calories” for one person, or an “expensive restaurant” for another. Some people feel that a cheap rental property in a nearby city makes for a nice, low-key weekend vacation, while others would rather spend extra on upgrades. Most people would probably agree that spending a little time and money on a relaxing spa day or a trip to the clothing boutique is worthwhile, too. The amount of money spent isn’t the important thing; it’s more important to remind yourself, “My relaxation is worth investing in.” Whatever your self-indulgence looks like, don’t feel guilty. As long as you treat yourself in moderation, it’s good for you. So, take President Lincoln’s advice about good maintenance to heart, and treat yourself to something that will make you feel great—contact Brandon Essentials to book that massage, facial, or manicure appointment you have been putting off.
A massage makes the perfect gift for many reasons! When it comes time to present your gift, there are a few things you can do to make your massage gift certificate more presentable than just a printed paper or gift card and have a little extra meaning. Massage gift certificates are a versatile gift and how you present it to the receiver can increase the impact of the gift.
Get A Massage Certificate From A Professional
Aside from an exchange between spouses, massage certificates are best distributed by a professional. This helps to ensure that the receiver not only gets the ultimate relaxation from a proper massage, but also the experience and the atmosphere that help to further their relaxation. One of the main benefits of a massage gift certificate from a spa is the “permission” to indulge that a receiver often denies themselves.
Provide Some Background For The Gifting Reason
If the person you are gifting a massage to has had massages previously or goes routinely, they likely understand your connection between the massage certificate and themselves. If being gifted a massage is something new, accompany the gift with an explanation. Say something like, “I know you have been busy/under a lot of stress lately and thought being pampered would help alleviate that some.” Or whatever your reason for gifting a massage.
Spruce Up The Delivery/Gift Presentation
Gift cards and gift certificates may be excellent gifts; however, the unveiling is often not as glamorous as a wrapped present. You can make your gift card/certificate for a massage a little more special by creating a gift basket with other presents relating to pampering like essential oils, candles, bath bombs, wine, chocolates, etc. Another idea is to put your massage gift card in a small box that is wrapped or a seasonal appropriate greeting card.
About Essential Spa’s Gift Cards & Certificates
Essentials Spa of Brandon has gift cards available for purchase in any dollar amount and they can be applied towards any of our services, products, and gratuities. We also have certificates available for each type of massage we offer as well as certificates for full spa days. Paper gift certificates expire one year from the date of purchase. All gift cards and gift certificates are non-refundable and non-redeemable for cash.
