Hot Stone Massage

My hot stone massage is a calming mix of hands-on massage and warm basalt stones. It can help ease muscle tension, improve circulation, lower stress, and give your body and mind a chance to fully relax. I can target areas of the body you want specified focus to or do general full body.

Sometimes your body just needs warmth. The heated stones are used along with Swedish Massage techniques to help your muscles soften and relax. As the stones glide over the skin, the heat can sink into areas that feel tight, sore, or overworked.

If you are feeling stressed, tense, or like your body is holding onto everything from everyday life, this treatment can be a really nice way to slow down. The warmth helps calm the nervous system, ease physical discomfort, and create that “I can finally breathe” feeling.

For 45, 60, 75, or 90 minutes, there is nothing you need to do. Just lay there, relax, and let the combination of heat and massage help you feel refreshed, balanced, and taken care of.

Why get hot stone massage ?

Isn't hot stone just for relaxation?

No.

Hot stone can be used for the same reasons you would use just hands on massage for. These are reasons to get hot stone massage, but not limited to helping you with:

Hot stone massage uses smooth, heated basalt stones as part of the treatment. The stones can be used to gently glide over the body, warm up tight tissue, or work alongside Swedish and deeper massage techniques depending on what your body needs that day.

The heat from the stones can help your muscles soften and relax, making it easier to work into areas that feel tense, stiff, or overworked. It is a great option if you want the benefits of massage, but prefer something that feels a little gentler than deep tissue.

This treatment can be helpful for stress, muscle stiffness, chronic tension, and general aches from everyday life. The warmth can also help calm your nervous system, increase circulation, and give your body a chance to slow down.

Some research has shown that hot stone massage may help reduce chronic back pain and support better sleep, especially for people dealing with stress or ongoing discomfort. Results can vary from person to person, but many people find the combination of heat and massage very relaxing and restorative.

Study showing hot stones reduces chronic back pain
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Study showing hot stones improving sleep quality

Sometimes you do not need anything complicated. You just need warmth, quiet, and someone helping your body let go for a little while.

Benefits + Safety  

Benefits

Hot stone massage can offer both physical and mental health benefits. The warmth from the stones helps soften tight muscles, ease stiffness, and encourage the body to relax without needing heavy pressure.

It may be helpful for:

‍Muscle tension and soreness
The heat can reach deeper layers of muscle, helping to relieve tightness, aches, and chronic areas of discomfort.

‍Stress and anxiety relief
Warm stones combined with calming massage techniques can help settle the nervous system and create a deep sense of relaxation.

‍Improved circulation
The heat and movement of the stones can encourage better blood flow, helping oxygen and nutrients move through the body more easily.

‍Mobility and flexibility
When muscles and connective tissues are warmed and relaxed, the body may feel less stiff and easier to move.

‍Restful sleep
Because hot stone massage helps calm the body and mind, it may support better sleep and help you feel more restored.

‍Lymphatic support
When appropriate, gentle techniques may help support lymphatic flow and reduce feelings of heaviness or swelling.Hot stone massage can be a good option for people dealing with stress-related tension, back pain, muscle stiffness, anxiety, or general fatigue. It is a deeply relaxing treatment that gives your body a chance to slow down, release tension, and feel more balanced.

Contraindications

Hot stone massage is generally safe when provided by a trained RMT, but it may not be the right treatment for everyone.

This treatment may not be recommended if you have:

‍Circulatory or cardiovascular conditions
Including heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, or if you are taking blood thinners.

‍Diabetes, neuropathy, or reduced heat sensitivity
If it is harder for you to feel heat, there may be a higher risk of discomfort or burns.

‍Skin concerns
Including burns, open wounds, irritated skin, or certain skin conditions.

‍Pregnancy
Full body hot stone massage should only be considered during pregnancy if cleared by your healthcare provider. Targeted areas can be treated with heat but not recommended for the full body. 

‍Recent surgery, acute inflammation, or recent injury
In these cases, heat and massage may not be appropriate until your body has had time to heal.Your safety and comfort always come first. Your session can be adjusted based on your health history, comfort level, and what your body needs that day.After a hot stone massage, you may feel very relaxed or a little sleepy, so it is a good idea to take your time getting up and use extra care as you head back into your day. During treatment, the stones are usually kept moving rather than left in one place for too long.

Possible Side Effects

Some people may notice mild, temporary effects after a hot stone massage, such as:

‍Warmth or redness in the areas that were treated.

‍Mild soreness, similar to what you might feel after a deeper massage.

‍Lightheadedness or dizziness, which can happen occasionally when the body becomes very relaxed.These effects are usually short-lived. Take your time getting up after your treatment and drink water afterward.

What would the treatment look like?

Here’s a general overview of what will happen during your session:

1) I will talk about what you are looking for goal wise for today's treatment. We will go over any areas of concern and preferences.

2) I will have heated smooth basalt stones (volcanic rocks that retain heat well) to a safe, therapeutic temperature. I will be able to hold these in my bare hadn the entire treatment. I will ask you to lie comfortably on the massage table as you would with a regular massage. You will either be laying on your back or your stomach.

3) We will only work on the areas discussed beforehand. ( All areas can be treated unless otherwise indicated during your intake ).

4) Massage Techniques: I will use the hot stones to massage your body, employing gliding, circular, and kneading strokes. The heat helps to relax tight muscles, making it easier to release deep-seated tension and stiffness. I will also use a combination of hot stones, Swedish massage techniques and hot towels.

Hot Stone VS Deep Tissue

Hot stones can be a really helpful part of deeper massage work. The warmth helps soften tight muscles and warm up the body’s tissues, which can make it easier to work into areas of tension without needing to force anything.

Because the heat sinks into the muscles, hot stone massage can sometimes feel similar to deep tissue massage, but with less pressure. The warmth is soothing, helps the body relax, and can encourage the nervous system to shift into a calmer “rest and digest” state.

This means your muscles often let go more naturally, allowing for deeper relief in a way that still feels comfortable and relaxing.

Hot Stones and Lymph

Hot stone massage may help support healthy circulation and lymphatic flow when gentle pressure and lymphatic drainage techniques are used. The warmth and massage strokes can encourage movement of blood back toward the heart, and because the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems work closely together, this may offer some additional support for the lymphatic system.

That said, hot stone massage is not recommended for everyone. It is not suitable for people currently receiving cancer treatment, anyone who has had lymph nodes removed, or those who are immunocompromised.

When in doubt, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider before booking.

Aftercare Tips for Hot Stone Massage

To help your body get the most from your hot stone massage, a little aftercare can go a long way.

‍Drink water
Hydrate after your treatment to support your body and help you feel your best.

‍Take it easy
Give yourself some time to rest. Try to avoid intense exercise or heavy activity for the rest of the day.

‍Avoid extra heat
Your body has already been warmed during the treatment, so it is best to skip hot baths, saunas, or hot tubs for about 24 hours.

‍Move gently
Light stretching can help keep your muscles feeling loose and comfortable.

‍Eat something light
A simple, nourishing meal can support your body without making you feel too heavy or sluggish.

‍Use a cold compress if needed
If you feel a little sore afterward, a cold compress may help calm the area.