Health Routes
Hot Stone Massage
A treatment based on the qualities of hot stones which has its roots in Native American belief and traditions.
A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.
During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat, heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques such as long strokes, circular movements, vibration, tapping and kneading.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
- Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes sleep
- May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases
- May help decrease cancer symptoms
- May boost immunity
Quick Questions
What about stone massage in the summer?
Stone massage is suitable all year — warm stones can be used in focused areas for pain relief, and a combination of cool and warm stones placed on various parts of the body feels great for grounding and balance.
Who may benefit from a hot stone massage?
Anyone experiencing muscle tension and pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit. If you have a chronic condition that causes pain, talk to your doctor first.
What are the risks and warnings?
Generally safe when performed by a trained therapist. Consult your doctor first if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, have burns or open wounds, a history of blood clots, recent surgery, a fracture, severe osteoporosis, a low platelet count, or diabetes.
What other considerations are there?
Studies show hot stone massage may help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and ease pain and muscle tension. You may feel sore during or the day after — let your therapist know if you're uncomfortable.
More Services
Explore a few related therapies from Health Routes.
Corporate Wellbeing
Health Routes Corporate Wellbeing brings holistic wellness services to your workplace. We enhance employee physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Find Out More
Chair Massage
A seated chair massage created for emergency responders at 9/11 and specifically designed to address the areas of stress and tension — neck, back and shoulders.
Find Out More
Reiki
This is a gentle hands-on system of helping the body to heal and can be used to treat anything on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level and is an effective way of maintaining balance.
Find Out More