Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Hot Stone Massage is an alternative treatment.  Elise uses smooth, flat heated stones as an extension of her own hands or she applies them at key locations on your body.  The heat can be both deeply relaxing.  It helps warm up tight muscles so she can work more deeply.

The basalt stones are placed into an electric slow cooker which is filled with the water.  The water temperature is approximately 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the stones have been heated, some are placed onto specific points on your body, and others are held by Elise and used to work deeply into the muscles.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage:

• Poor Circulation
• Osteoarthritis
• Stress, anxiety, and tension
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Back Pain and Sore Muscles

What Can I Expect During My Hot Stone Massage?

Elise begins by applying oil to your body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly over the muscles.  You are lying face down first,  so Elise can apply the hot stones to your back, neck, and shoulders.  She then moves on to your legs feet, arms and hands.  She may put down the stones and use her hands to directly massage your skin.  She may use the stones as extensions of her hands.

When the stones are placed on your body they are left for a short period of time.

She may place small stones between your fingers and toes or in the palm of your hand.

A typical treatment is 60 or 90 minutes.

Hot Stone massage is NOT recommended for some people:

• People with infectious skin disease, rash, neuropathy or open wounds
• People who are prone to blood clots.  There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged
• Immediately after surgery
• Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation unless recommended by your doctor
• Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting an hot stone massage.  A full-body or hot stone massage or placement of hot stones over the abdomen is not recommended during pregnancy
• People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid hot stone massage as the heat of the stones may trigger a flare-up
• Hot stone massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumours, abdominal hernia or areas of recent fracture

Additional Tips:

Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage.