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I am pleased to be able to offer Hot stone therapy, I will be incorporating it into my regular treatments, with individual consent from the patient.

 

A brief history of heated stones

Many cultures around the world have been using stones for therapeutic reasons for centuries. They have been used by the Scandinavians in saunas and stem baths, by the North American Natives in sweat lodges and rituals for healing disease and by the Japanese to relieve pain. They have also be used as a source of heat, to calm the nervous system and improve function of the internal organs.

 

Here are some frequently asked questions:

 

What is a hot stone massage?

When someone first thinks of hot stone massage, they may think of a spa treatment, where the stones are placed and balanced on the body, this is a common misconception. In my therapeutic stone massage, the stones are used as an addition to my hands to apply the strokes like a traditional treatment. I will use heated stones and oil to create a relaxing sensation while warming the tissues and joints, increasing the circulation and releasing muscle tension. 

 

What? You use cool stones too??

In addition to the heated stones, I can also use cooled stones, I will only use them for a short time and at the same time as the hot stones, so you might not even notice the temperature difference. This is called contrast therapy and can be useful for reducing inflammation, muscle spasm or residual muscle tension. 

 

How hot are the stones?

Even though they are called “hot” stones, they are warm enough for me to hold comfortably, I will use them faster at first and when some of the heat is scrubbed off, I will be able to slow down for more specific and deeper treatment. Communication is very important, so please let me know if they are too hot for you and I can quickly cool them down. It's better to be as safe as possible.

 

Are there risks with hot/cold stone therapy?

Just like using other forms of heat therapy and massage, there are always risks but generally it is safe. 

I will not use hot stones on any condition that Massage therapy is contraindicated, any disease with nerve damage or neuropathy, including diabetes. Any autoimmune or inflammatory disease or broken skin and some acute injuries. Heart disease or any condition that temp changes can challenge the circulatory system.

Your appointment includes a health history and intake to make sure it is safe for you to have hot stone therapy included in your session. Please indicate if you have any of these conditions and I will be happy to modify if indicated.

 

Some benefits of using hot stones

• Relief of stress

• Reduce muscle tension 

• Deeper relaxation

• Decrease in pain

• Anxiety & depression relief

 

Some benefits of using contrast therapy or cool stones

• Decrease swelling/edema following trauma

• Reduce muscle spasm

• Decrease in pain

• Treat sun burn

 

Is this treatment covered by my insurance?

If you have coverage for Registered Massage Therapy, you will be covered by this style of treatment. It is similar to other hydrotherapy uses in treatment by an RMT.  I will be incorporating it into my regular  treatment and still using other modalities within my scope of practice.