Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is a type of massage in which the therapist places smooth, hot stones on your back. These stones provide heat therapy to the muscles, which can help reduce tension and paina type of therapy that uses smooth, heated stones, usually made of basalt, to provide warmth and relax the muscles.

During the treatment, the therapist places the hot stones on specific points along your body, known as acupressure points, to promote relaxation and relieve tension. Additionally, the stones  may also be used as an extension of the therapists hands, applying gentle pressure and gliding the stones along your muscles; this combination of heat and pressure helps to ease muscle stiffness, improve circulation, and calm the mind. 

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Hot stone massages are suitable for a wide range of conditions, and can be helpful for those needing relaxation and relief from various medical issues. Some of the most common reasons people turn to hot stone massages include: 
 

• Stress relief: The heat from the stones combined with light and gentle pressure, is applied by the therapist to help melt away stress, leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. 

• Muscle relaxation: The heat from the stones helps to warm, soothe and relax tight muscles, allowing the therapist to work more deeply and most effectively on targeted problem areas. 

• Improved circulation: By applying hot stones on the skin, it helps the blood vessels to dialate, thereby improving blood flow and promoting overall circulation. 

• Pain relief: People frequently find that the heat from the stones provides them with relief from chronic pain, such as backaches, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. 

• Enhanced mental well-being: The hot stone treatment provides a calming and centering effect and can help to alleviate anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. 

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Its worth considering a hot stone massages, it has a lot to offer in terms of physical and mental health benefits. Here are some of the most common advantages of this therapy: 

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Deep relaxation

The combination of heat and pressure in a hot stone massage helps to deeply relax the muscles, making it easier for the therapist to work on problem areas and provide relief from tension and stiffness.

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Enhanced sleep

As a result of the deep relaxation experienced during a hot stone massage, many people report improved sleep quality and duration. For those with insomnia or who struggle to achieve deep sleep, regular massages with hot stones can be beneficial.

Boosted immune system

Improved circulation and lymphatic flow can help to strengthen the immune system, making you more resilient against illness and infection. That being said, hot stone massage isn;t always recommended for those who yyhave weakened or suppressed immune systems - but we’ll get onto that further in the article.

Increased flexibility

By easing muscle tension and stiffness, hot stone massages can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, which can be helpful for those who are older, as well as those who participate in competitive sport or vigorous exercise on a regular basis.

Reduced inflammation

The heat and pressure applied during a hot stone massage can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from conditions such as arthritis. 

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Cautions to keep in mind

While hot stone massage can be beneficial for some, it’s important to be aware of some associated risks with this form of massage therapy. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Medications

If you’re on blood-thinners or any form of medication that induces heat-related side-effects, it might not be the best idea to opt for a hot stone massage. Consult with your doctor before booking your appointment, or simply avoid the therapy altogether (or until you stop taking the medication and are cleared by your doctor.)

Lack of sensation

If you have any medical condition that provokes a lack of sensation in the body - such as MS, neuropathy, diabetes, or high blood pressure (amongst others) you’ll want to steer clear of hot stone therapy. This is because it’s important for you to be able to feel the stones on your body; a lack of sensation can lead to unintended burns.

Suppressed immune system

If you have a condition that impacts your immune system, it’s a good idea to avoid hot stone massage. Conditions that impact your immune system include Epstein Barr disease, cancer, MS, and lupus.

Pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, we’d typically discourage you from having a hot stone massage. While this form of massage therapy might be innocuous during the early weeks of your pregnancy, it can provoke discomfort for pregnant women during the later stages. 

Skin conditions

Finally, if you have any skin conditions, such as eczema, existing burns, or psoriasis, it might be a good idea to opt for a traditional massage rather than a hot stone massage. The heat factor can end up irritating skin conditions, causing discomfort or prolonging symptoms. 

Ultimately, make sure to consult with a medical professional if you have any ongoing medical conditions described above. You should also check in with your doctor for advice if you have any cardiovascular conditions, and make sure to get the all clear before booking your appointment. 

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Contraindications

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One of the most relaxing massages to enjoy at our in-cabin spas in Broken Bow is the hot stone massage. During a hot stone treatment, your massage therapist will strategically position smooth, flat, heated stones along your body to help you relax.

When deciding whether a hot stone massage OKC is right for you, it is important to know more than the benefits of getting one. By learning the contraindications for hot stone massage, you can determine if it is the best choice or if you should select a different massage style.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massages at Spas in Broken Bow

During a hot stone massage, the localized weight and heat of the stones will help your muscles fully relax. This relaxation allows your massage therapist to apply deep pressure. When your massage therapist uses their hands in harmony with hot stones, they can help you by:

• Relaxing tensed muscles.

• Relieving pain.

• Alleviating mental stress.

• Improving sleep.

• Boosting circulation.

Hot stone massages are especially helpful if you experience:

• Stress, depression, or anxiety.

• Back or muscular pain.

• Fibromyalgia.

• Poor Circulation.

• Sleep issues

Before scheduling, you should also know the contraindications for hot stone massage.

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If you are considered an elderly person, let your massage therapist know before so they can set the stones to the correct temperature.

Contraindications

Having a hot stone massage can be very beneficial, however there are some instances when you should not have one.

Children, pregnant women, and cardiac (heart) patients should not have one.
 

In addition to these situations, do not get a hot stone massage if you:

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High Blood Pressure

Its not reccomended to have a hot stone massage if you suffer from high blood pressure or uncontrolled hypertension.

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Diabetes

It's not advisable to have a hot stone massage, if you have diabetes.

Fever

Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage

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Contagious Diseases

It's not advisable to have a hot stone massage, if you have and contagious diseases or skin conditions such as impetigo.

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Blood Clots or DVT

It's not advisable to have a hot stone massage, if you have Blood clots or Deep vien thrombossis (DVT)

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Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions

It's not advisable to have a hot stone massage, if you have a kidney or liver condition.

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Cancer

It's not advisable to have a hot stone massage, if you have Cancer and are udergoing treatment.

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Inflammation

It's not advisable to have a hot stone massage, if you have inflammation.

Experience Loss of Sensation

If you have a condition that causes a loss of sensation, such as neuropathy, diabetes, high blood pressure, and peripheral vascular disorder. This also applies to the post-surgery, injury, or trauma, if nerves were affected.

Take Certain Medications

Before having a hot stone massage, think about the medications that you regularly use.

Avoid these treatments if you are taking blood thinners and if any of your medications have heat-related side effects.

Have a lowered Immune System

Hot stone massage is not recommended if you have a depressed/lowered immune system. If you have lupus, mononucleosis, Epstein Barr, or cancer, consult with your doctor before making a booking.

Have a Skin Condition

The added heat of a hot stone treatment can irritate many skin conditions. These include burns, skin cancer, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, eczema, and shingles. This also applies if you have any areas of weakened or inflamed skin.

Recently Had Surgery or Treatments

Of course hot stone massages can relieve pain, and the are very relaxing, however, you should not get one if you have recently undergone surgery. This also applies if you recently undergone chemotherapy or any other radiation treatment.

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If you have any other medical conditions and are unsure if a hot stone treatment is safe for you, it is best to consult with your G.P or healthcare provider.

While there are many wonderful benefits of having a hot stone massage, it is only worth doing so if you can enjoy it safely. If you do experience any of these contraindications, please consider having one of our other relaxing massages, or disscus with me further.

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