Massage Spotlight: Hot Stone
In honor of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, we’re highlighting some of our favorite massage styles to help you discover the best massage modality for your needs.
Our first feature of the week is Hot Stone, a practice that has been around for over 5,000 years. More than just an occasional indulgence, a Hot Stone massage can decrease muscle spasm and tension, increase joint flexibility and circulation, and help massage therapists soothe hard-to-reach muscle aches.
We asked our Tampa Hot Stone specialists, Bruno and Marlene, a few questions to help breakdown Hot Stone massage therapy and get you ready for your next visit:
What do you love most about Hot Stone as a form of massage therapy?
Bruno:
The heat! It’s super relaxing, and it helps us as therapists to get a little deeper into the muscles to relieve tension.
Marlene:
Hot Stone massage efficiently cuts down the time needed to warm up an area. People may think this isn't a big deal, but once an area is properly warmed up, as therapists, we can work out the kinks better at a deeper level.
This, in turn, leads to lasting effects of a therapy session. Furthermore, the guest feels less soreness afterward and recovers at a faster rate. I love being able to use the stones to work out the tightness in the neck and upper back, or hamstrings after a strenuous run.
What are the physical benefits of Hot Stone as a massage specialty?
Bruno:
When it comes to the physical benefits, guests will experience decreased muscle tension, and will walk out feeling relaxed and ready to take on anything!
Marlene:
You'll feel any tightness, quite literally, melt away. The heat of the stones increases blood flow allowing therapists to work at a deeper level. For example, if a guest comes in with pain on the right side of their neck, I'm able to use the stones to loosen and release any tightness.
“The stones are an extension of my hands and it’s exciting to challenge myself in innovative ways during a session. Working with the stones melts away tension, dissipates stress, promotes a deeper sense of relief and relaxation for the guest.”
What should guests expect from their massage?
Bruno:
Guests should expect to fall asleep! The hot stones will melt you into a blissful state.
Marlene:
This form of massage therapy isn't that much different from other forms. There's a lot of starting and stopping with Hot Stone therapy because therapists have to replace working stones with fresh hot stones. This doesn't take away from the relaxing ambiance; transitions are smooth, and the heat is incredible.
How can a guest prepare for their massage?
Bruno:
I recommend that guests prepare for their Hot Stone massage by drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to a massage. It’s also best for a guest to arrive with ample time to get settled in, so they are not rushed or stressed.
What would you say to someone who has never gotten a massage?
Bruno:
Get one A.S.A.P.! Massages aren’t just great for releasing muscle tension, stress, anxiety and relaxation. They are also great at the biological level by boosting the immune system!
Marlene:
You should at least try it once; it's a very relaxing experience. I'd also opt for a 90-minute Hot Stone session because you'll feel the stones all over as opposed to a 60-minute session, where the stones would be used in a more targeted way.
How has massage therapy changed your life?
Bruno:
Massage has changed my life because I have found something that allows me to help my fellow humans! I get to see guests come in with ailments and discomfort and walk out in better spirits than before. It gives me a great sense of fulfillment and purpose to know I am helping them in that way.
Marlene:
I'm able to help people every day. Someone could come in feeling stressed or anxious at the beginning of a session and by the end, feel calmer, more grounded, and rejuvenated. I've experienced this myself and feel I can operate life better because decisions are coming from a calmer state.
On a personal level, massage therapy has given me a work-life balance. I always look forward to my workdays and the guests I'll encounter. I've been massaging for six years now and I'm still in love with the work I do.
Treat yourself during National Massage Therapy Week and enjoy the relaxing benefits of a Hot Stone massage during your next visit.
“Hot Stone is the ultimate relaxer! I enjoy it because I find that it gives the clients a big sense of relief and they leave the studio happy.”