Hot Stone Massage and It Effective Treatments
A massage is a relaxing and stress-relieving experience that does not require invasiveness. Through touch and pressure, massage therapists help reduce their clients’ pain while providing a rejuvenating sensory experience. Although all types of massage have impressive benefits, hot stone massage has many proven advantages.
What’s the Difference Between a Hot Stone Massage and a Traditional Massage?
Stones may be used alone or in combination with other massage modalities for enhanced efficacy. Best hot stone massage near me therapists can use their hands to massage the body using traditional methods such as kneading, long strokes, and vibration or hold them during a Thai massage session.
Advantages Of Getting A Hot Stone Massage
Relaxation is achieved with heated stones. Therapists utilize stones that have been heated to the correct temperature on specific areas of the body, causing calm and relaxing muscles for the following bodywork. Heat promotes blood flow and improves the quality of the therapy session.
For those with lower back pain, a massage therapist will place a row of stones along the spine from the base of the neck down to the top of the pelvis.
They might also use stones on areas such as the tops and soles of feet to improve energy flow. Common spots for stone placement are forehead headaches, abdomen, chest, face, and palms.
A water bath is used to heat stones by hot stone massage therapists. Some people prefer professional massage stone heaters because they have greater temperature control. Because there is no fire and much slower heating, using water and slow heat ensures that the stones arrive at the same temperature throughout without being overcooked.
Heating stones in a microwave can cause them to become hotter inside than outside, leading to burns. If overheated, hot stones might shatter suddenly if dropped.
Similarly, heating stones on hot pads or pans are not the right choice since the warmth only reaches the surface and is unable to control.
Water helps stones conduct heat throughout a massage, so they continue to radiate heat for the duration. A thermometer lets the massage therapist know that their stones will be safe and functional.
Is Hot Stone Massage Better Than Deep Tissue Massage?
Different types of massages achieve other goals, so massage therapists should choose the style that best benefits their clients.
Heat and a moderate touch are part of Swedish massages to produce their hope-for benefits. Deep tissue massage necessitates a more forceful technique. Massage therapists apply their full upper body strength to stretching muscles down to the connective tissues for deep tissue massage.
Best hot stone massage near me may be better for you if you want to relax and not relieve pain. Deep tissue massages often have delayed effects; some say they can be uncomfortable. Blended approaches incorporating heat before deep tissue massage can help make it more relaxing. Stones are part of the ritual healing and can add extra benefits to most types of massage.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
People increasingly turn to natural pain relief options as the opioid epidemic gets worse. Massage therapy is a side-effect-free alternative gaining widespread acceptance in the medical community for its wellness effects and ability to treat many chronic disorders.
Benefit #1: Relieves Muscle Tension and Aches
According to doctors, heat can improve discomfort concerning stiff muscles or spasms. Conditions like arthritis can also benefit from warmth because it improves circulation and stimulates healing. Many fibromyalgia patients who get massages say they feel less discomfort and can exercise better.
Hot stone massage are excellent for removing trigger points, which are knots of muscle that form when tiny tears in the soft tissue do not heal. Before a standard massage, apply hot heat to the afflicted areas to make them more responsive to therapy.
Benefit #2: Tames Inflammation
Massage can help to enhance genetic responses to inflammation. Obviously, aches might be relieved by bodywork, but there was no scientific evidence. Massage reduces the body’s inflammatory response, allowing it to relieve pains.
Benefit #3: Improves Flexibility
Muscles aren’t only key in movement and maintaining tension around joints, which can become stiffer with age. This makes it difficult to move our limbs as we get older.
Massages relax muscles and ease joint discomfort while increasing flexibility, making them ideal for people who have arthritis. Hot stone massages may provide additional benefits.
Benefit #4: Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Feel-good chemicals made by the brain assist the body in reacting to stress and anxiety. Endorphins, which resemble opioids, form in the pituitary gland during physical and emotional strain. Massages enhance endorphin secretion, allowing muscles to relax.
After a massage, hormones linked with a sense of well-being, such as dopamine and serotonin, increase clients’ moods to handle pain better.
Who Wouldn’t Benefit from a Hot Stone Massage?
Although hot stone massages are primarily safe, there are a few risks. Consult your physician beforehand if you have any health conditions:
- diabetes
- bleeding or clotting disorders
- osteoporosis
- bone fractures
- infections
- open wounds
- rashes on your skin
Pregnant women or anyone who’s had surgery in the last six weeks should get approval from their doctor before getting a hot stone massage.
Every client should be aware of the safety precautions massage therapists follow to ensure their safety, including checking for medical contraindications, avoiding burns, and providing adequately clean equipment between uses to prevent infection transmission.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt that hot stone massage is a tried-and-true therapy. Because it works, it’s a billion-dollar industry.
As more Americans embrace a holistic approach to stress and chronic pain treatment, career prospects for students with a passion for wellness are increasing. There’s never been a better time to start a career as a massage therapist.