Manual Therapy
Pain? Restriction?
Get targeted results with detailed orthopedic and functional testing combined with focused hands-on manual therapy.
myofascial trigger point therapy
This comprehensive rehabilitative manual therapy treatment approach is designed to treat myofascial pain, addressing sensory disturbances, postural distortions and movement dysfunctions.
After conducting a thorough patient history, pain patterns are charted, movement assessments and structural evaluations are conducted. Restrictions and dysfunction within muscles and connective tissues are treated, in order to restore optimal neuromuscular function and tissue hydration to the superficial & deep fascia layers, ligaments, joint capsules, & scar tissue.
Soft tissue restrictions in muscle and/or fascial layers are released utilizing compression on the area during static, passive or active movement. Other forms of mechanoreceptor sensory input are effectively incorporated into the treatment, such as shear stretch, vibration, percussion, light touch, and more. Vapocoolant spray & stretch, muscle energy techniques, strain/counterstrain, and positional release, combined with passive, active and PNF stretches help to encourage the joints to return to their optimal position, and the soft tissues to return to their normal resting length and function. Precipitating and perpetuating factors are addressed, and appropriate corrective home exercises are recommended.
Since this form of treatment requires movement during evaluation and treatment, it's recommended that you wear clothing you can stretch and move in, such as athletic shorts, tank top or sports bra. Please, no restrictive, thick or denim clothing!
cranial sacral therapy
Cranial sacral therapy is a deeply relaxing and extremely effective treatment approach, assessing and gently balancing the hydraulic cranial-sacral system which generates our cranial rhythmic impulse. Our cranial-sacral system expands and contracts, similar to when we breathe, and is often referred to as our "primary respiratory mechanism".
Cerebrospinal fluid bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord, carrying nutrients from the blood, and eliminating waste products from the brain. Improving cranial motion allows this pumping mechanism to circulate cerebrospinal fluid efficiently.
The occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when we bite), can have a powerful structural and neural impact on the cranial vault. Treatment of the face & jaw can be very beneficial.
The muscle function in the head, neck and jaw can dramatically impact the cranio-facial-cervical system and the overall functions of the body. Oral rest posture (where the tongue, lips & jaw are positioned at rest), how we breathe & the way we swallow can make a dramatic difference. Incorporating rehabilitative exercises to repattern these muscles can be helpful.
Balancing the structure and function of the cranial sacral system restores homeostasis to the nervous system, and allows an opportunity to experience the world in a much more enjoyable way. As a result, there can be a reduction and/or elimination in headaches, migraines, neck pain, jaw pain, sinus issues, low back pain, SI joint pain & more!
Manual Therapy - 30 min - $65.00, 60 min - $125.00, 90 min - $185.00
All in-person visits are accepted on a referral basis only. Please contact 505-306-4403 to schedule.
PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL NOT TREAT ANYONE FOR A WORKERS COMP CLAIM, MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CLAIM OR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“Melissa is a truly gifted therapist. She is warm, very professional and extremely well-trained. Her understanding of anatomy is extensive. I have been seeing her regularly for about 6 years now. She eradicated my 4-year chronic sciatica in mere months. She has taught me techniques for proper positioning and alignment, seemingly small things that make a huge difference in maintaining the wellness of my older (55+) body. Simply stated, Melissa’s incredible skills, breadth of knowledge and innate wisdom of the workings of the human body offers any client a high-level therapeutic experience.”
India S.
“I love Full Circle Wellness, Melissa is very knowledgeable and professional. I have been struggling with craniofacial pain, and TMJ. Hands down this is the best, and most helpful treatment I have received. I would highly recommend this place.”
P. Weix
“I cannot say enough good things about Melissa at Full Circle Wellness. I’ve been seeing her for a few years now for a wide array of issues. Anything from knees, shoulders, ribs, scarring, hips, even jaw pain. Every single time she amazes me with her skill, intuition, and care. There have been days I’ve walked into her office practically doubled over, and I’ve walked out feeling like a normal human again. That alone says everything about the quality of her work. She truly listens, understands how the body connects, and meets you exactly where you are. Melissa is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in helping people feel better. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, old injuries, or just want to feel more at home in your body, I cannot recommend her enough. I’m so grateful for her and the difference she’s made for me.”
Christa C.
“I’ve known Melissa for many years and her depth of skill has always stood out. Her myofascial work is truly exceptional — precise, intuitive, and profoundly effective for chronic pain, tension patterns, and long-standing structural issues. She has a rare ability to listen to the body and work with it rather than against it, creating lasting change rather than temporary relief. Full Circle Wellness reflects Melissa’s decades of experience, integrity, and genuine care. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone seeking high-level myofascial therapy and holistic healing!”
Kris P.
“Melissa is an amazingly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate practitioner. She has been instrumental in managing my widespread chronic pain and hypermobility issues for over 5 years, and I truly don't know where I would be without her. I highly recommend Melissa at Full Circle Wellness to anyone looking for meaningful and effective holistic care.”
Sarah M.
“Ms. Alverson is a gifted therapist. If you are looking for the best, you need look no further. She truly has healing hands and knows where your areas of pain are without even having to tell her. She goes above and beyond trying to speak your language to help you understand how you can help yourself. She is truly a master of her craft.”
Janice M.
“Melissa has helped me with so many limitations and the pain my body had. I am now functioning beautifully physically and mentally due to the ease and balance I have now. I highly recommend Melissa. Her therapeutic skills, along with learning more about how my body works, and suggestions for stretching and exercise have been invaluable.”
B. Hennigan
“Melissa is amazing! I lived with pain for years that I attributed to biking, climbing, life, exercises, etc. Then post injury I found Melissa and not only did she help the injury, she helped me become pain free. Even better, I learned how to care for my body day to day and maintain my physical wellness. She is wonderful and I 100% recommend her healing touch!!!”
Chelsi W.
“Melissa is amazing. I believed I would have chronic pain forever, but now it is so manageable that I often forget about it for weeks at a time. I still need to go in for tune-ups but she is so delightful, warm and funny that its something I look forward to, knowing I will leave feeling so much better and with a huge smile!”
Cynthia M.
“I’ve been seeing Melissa at Full Circle Wellness on and off for nearly 10 years, and I honestly can’t imagine navigating my health without her. Whenever I’ve had intense sciatic and low back pain—especially the kind that feels complex, layered, and not “just muscular”—she has an incredible ability to decode what my body is actually saying.
Melissa doesn’t just treat symptoms. She listens deeply, works intuitively and skillfully, and consistently finds the root cause of the pain. Every session feels like a reset—physically, energetically, and emotionally. Her manual therapy is precise and effective, and her understanding of how the body, nervous system, and energy field interact is rare.
What sets her apart is that she approaches healing as a whole-person process. I’ve experienced profound relief, increased mobility, and lasting shifts that go far beyond temporary pain management. Each time I return, even after long gaps, she meets exactly what’s happening in my body with clarity and care.
If you’re dealing with chronic or complex pain and feel like you’ve tried everything, Full Circle Wellness is truly a gem in Albuquerque. Melissa is deeply skilled, compassionate, and genuinely gifted at what she does. I recommend her without hesitation.”
Cameron P.
“Melissa is an amazing , caring practitioner and healer. I have been going to her on a regular basis and she helps me figure out what could be the trigger when I get myself twisted from my activities 😂. She has an eclectic approach and offers creative treatments and I learn something new every time. She is committed to helping me feel better each time and always amazed at the tools and skills she literally brings to the table. Highly recommend her !”
Kalena C.
“Melissa is very knowledgeable in her field. She is extremely kind and always looks for the best path to help my body feel better. Melissa is honest and will not work on you if she doesn’t think she can help you. She gives great advice and ways to help yourself at home. I highly recommend Melissa with Full Circle Wellness.”
Amber S.
“Melissa is a supremely gifted body worker. She has amazing knowledge of human anatomy at her fingertips and a very deep toolbox for addressing the many aches and pains our bodies can give us, and she is brilliantly intuitive about which tools to use on a given day. My knees were headed for major trouble when I first saw Melissa and now they are fine, and she keeps the rest of my body in good shape. On top of being a very skillful and knowledgeable professional, Melissa is just a joy of a person to work with.”
Qris C.
“I have been seeing Melissa for close to 5 years. She is the biggest part of my health and wellness routine. Melissa is kind and so very knowledgeable. She keeps me moving and confident in my body after years of chronic pain.”
Rebecca H.
“Melissa is an amazing therapist. I’ve seen her for years now, and the myofascial trigger point therapy sessions are extraordinarily helpful in reducing pain & stiffness. She has helpful advice for stretches & exercises to help with lingering problems as well. I can’t recommend her practice highly enough.”
Amanda O.
“Every time I go to see Melissa, I come out feeling 100% back to normal. She always knows what’s wrong or what’s out of whack, and she always fixes it. She is truly a miracle worker and I am so grateful for her!”
Erika D.
“I've lived for years having headaches, joint pain, fatigue and general aches and pain. Coming to Full Circle Wellness was my last resort and hopeful I might finally achieve some relief. It was exactly what I needed and after a year of seeing Melissa. I finally wake in the morning without headaches or pain getting out of bed. She's amazing and has a wonderful touch and compassion for her patients. She gave me exercises to work on, tools to help me achieve better breathing and sleep so I can stay pain free between appointments. It's been life changing since starting with Full Circle Wellness. I highly recommend her to anyone that is searching for better sleep, pain free days and overall improved health. Thank you for making my mornings better!!”
Lisa M.
“I love Full Circle Wellness, Melissa is very knowledgeable and professional. I have been struggling with craniofacial pain, and TMJ. Hands down this is the best, and most helpful treatment I have received. I would highly recommend this place.”
Petra W.
“I’ve dealt with chronic atlas subluxation for many years, resulting in neck and back pain that’s limited my quality of life at times. After trying massage, PT, working with a trainer, chiro, acupuncture, and seeing a pain doctor, I finally found relief through Myofascial therapy. My first phone conversation with Melissa gave me hope as she started figuring out contributing problems in my body just by hearing about my pain patterns. I’ve seen her for a few years now and am continually impressed by her knowledge, experience, assessments and professionalism. She has helped me with TMJ, hip alignment, neck tension, learning diaphragmatic breathing, proper ergonomics, and back release. Thank you so much Melissa!!! I would be a total mess without you. I highly recommend Full Circle!!”
M. Black
“This place is amazing! Melissa took me on post hip and neck injury and now, not only am I *finally* living pain free, she has helped me learn how to maintain my body while continuing my biking, climbing, running, etc. She has a great network. I have found Full Circle Wellness to be an excellent resource for my health! I can't recommend this place highly enough!”
C. Wieland
“Full Circle Wellness has been my lifesaver for over 8 years. Melissa Alverson loves to stay up to date on all latest practices that affect her clients so she can try new techniques/strategies to help them remain pain free. She can easily determine the root cause of my pain issue at the time and quickly resolve it. I see her monthly for tune-ups and it’s the best investment in my health I have ever made. She keeps me from having to take pain meds or go to the doctor!”
Diana H.
“Melissa is the queen of myofascial release. I've been her patient now for several years and she knows not only muscles but the mechanics of how everything in your body connects and works together. She has helped me work through a car accident that was over 30 years ago and get my body back working properly. I strongly recommend Full Circle Wellness to anyone wanting to feel better.”
Pat P.
“After experiencing visual migraines (among other issues), sometimes several times a week, I found Melissa. She was the first person who was able to diagnose the problem and help stop them. Her knowledge of anatomy and body function is amazing and she has a deep understanding of the many problems that arise. Her bodywork is the best I have experienced in many years of seeing a number of different providers. Full Circle Wellness is a lovely venue with a very inviting atmosphere. I highly recommend Melissa and Full Circle Wellness to anyone seeking holistic or alternative treatment for a wide range of health and body issues.”
Marlene S.
“Melissa has helped me with so many things. She has helped me with chronic neck pain, not only repair but rehab and strength for it. She has helped me to completely resolve heart burn. These two things are huge but in addition she has helped me trust my body again and not feel broken.”
R. Huston
“I’ve been a client of Melissa’s for years. I have been dealing with pain and structural misalignments along with other health issues. I’ve seen many doctors and didn’t like that their only option for me was one prescription after another. No one was interested in restoring my health. When I came to Full Circle I found that Melissa listened to me, she asked important questions and truly cared about helping me restore my health. She has been invaluable in helping me discover new resources and helpful tools. The body work she does for pain relief has been more helpful to me than massage, acupuncture, trigger point injections and other things I have tried. Melissa has helped me regain my quality of life and I would not hesitate to give her my highest recommendation.”
A. Torres
“I am grateful to have access to the myofascial therapy treatment I receive at Full Circle Wellness. Melissa is very knowledgeable and successful at getting clients out of pain and our bodies functioning properly. She is passionate about her profession and helping her clients. She helps me to lead an active life and continue to do the things I enjoy. It is with confidence that I recommend her services for anyone needing relief from pain and discomfort. “
Marianne F.
"What began as a single referral to Melissa Alverson for a bad hip has become a lifeline for active aging. After years trying chiropractic and acupuncture procedures, Melissa’s healing hands brought me the relief I sought. Melissa impresses me with her capacity to listen, ask probing questions, and creatively explore for root causes of discomfort and motion limitations. Her explanations about the pain, weakness, or tightness provide anatomical details that identify how my body coped with past injuries, often compensating in ways that led to my current problems. I always leave my myofascial treatments with less pain, increased mobility, and simple maintenance exercises to do at home."
S. Roberts
“Melissa Alverson has been helping me manage and live with a chronic pain condition for a few years. I find her to be a skilled professional who is caring, motivated, highly intelligent, energetic and deeply interested in working in partnership with her clients. This has made a difference in working towards solutions. After many years of difficult appointments with western medical doctors I found working with Melissa to be a refreshing and positive experience. I look forward to my treatments in large part due to Melissa's skills as a good listener and a good communicator. She has helped me to become better educated about my health needs, my healing and to take charge of my choices in a complex arena of health care options. I know I can look forward to significant pain relief after a treatment.”
A.R. Torres
“Melissa assisted me in the healing of my injured shoulder. Her expertise and gentleness allowed for the myofascial release work to be as pleasant as possible. She has since helped me with recovery from various sports injuries.”
J. Pentz
“I have been seeing Melissa Alverson for the last 5 years. She is tenacious with discovering the cause of pain or dysfunction in the body and making it better. I have made substantial strides in improving my overall health during this time because of her ability to figure out which muscle groups are not firing appropriately, what might be compensating for something else and fixing it like magic! I appreciate her wholistic approach to wellness and respect her commitment to continuous learning. When Melissa shares a product to aid in healing – I know she has researched it thoroughly, tried in on herself and can recommend it wholeheartedly. She is caring, curious, energetic and thoughtful. As someone who is late to everything, I look forward to my monthly maintenance appointment with Melissa. I hate to say it’s the only thing I am ever on time for, but it’s the truth - I would never miss it!”
D. Hunt
Melissa has helped me so much with my chronic pain issues. She knows more about the musculoskeletal system than anyone I know, and continuously updates her knowledge base with additional training and certifications. Her treatment is always provided in a kind and caring manner, and she supplements the treatment with home exercises which help accelerate the healing process. As a result of seeing her I have achieved an 80% improvement in my pain. I would highly recommend her to anyone suffering from acute or chronic pain!
S. Kroner