We have been offering resort/spa-quality massage therapy since January of 2011. I used to ASK clients if they wanted hot stone therapy. At some point, I made the decision to include hot stone therapy in EVERY SINGLE SESSION that we do…
My Introduction to Hot Stone Massage
I worked for Marengo Spa in the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Cleveland for a year and a half and during my first week there, I got to experience my very first hot stone massage. The head therapist placed stones on my body and then sort of massaged around them. She did this both when I was laying on my back and when I was laying face down. I found the massage INTERESTING but not very therapeutic.
Let me clarify – I get a LOT of massage and have for over 15 years. I have a pet peeve though – I HAVE to feel much better or different leaving than when I came in or I will not go back. Period. When the massage therapist did that “spa” hot stone massage on me – I DID NOT FEEL ANY DIFFERENT afterwards. I recall thinking that I never want to do that again in life. And that is very unusual for me because I love getting massage.
However, we were REQUIRED (as an employee) to deliver hot stone massage at the spa and I learned the “spa” way but then one day, something happened. I just got fed up with doing something I did not believe in. So, I CHANGED how I was delivering hot stone massage. I simply realized, hmmm, the door is closed. A light bulb went on for me and I started asking my clients if they would mind if I did hot stone massage MY WAY (explained below). Every single client was more than happy to let me do things my way and every single client LOVED it!
What is Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. How therapeutic the session is will depend on HOW the therapist is using the stones. Traditionally, smooth, round basalt stones (volcanic type stones that retain heat well) are used after being heated in water to a temperature between 120 to 145 degrees. The stones are then either sat on the body or used during the massage in a massage therapist’s hands.
The Old Way
For years, spas and massage facilities around the world have offered hot stone massage where therapists place warmed, round stones on various key points on the body and then a massage therapist massages around the stones. In some places, the massage therapists will even lightly rub a few stones on the body with only the flat surface of the stone.
I have purposely (over the last 8 years) asked clients who have experienced this type session what they thought of it and every single time they say it was just OK. Not ONE person has ever said to me that it was awesome or wonderful. Many have even said that the stones burned them because they were just left sitting on the body.
Our Way
In our sessions, we WORK with the stones. We are very different in that we never just sit stones on a client and leave them there. We keep the stones in our hands and use all sides of the stones to do real bodywork. We also utilize stone TOOLS (odd shaped stones) which is very rare in our industry. Most places only have the rounded, smaller stones. Not only do we have larger and heavier stones but we have unusual, shaped stones that allow us to do hot stone, deep tissue work on various areas of the body. We still do a LOT of massage with our hands, probably just as much as any other massage, but the stones ENHANCE our work.
The Profound Benefits
“One stroke with a warmed stone is equal to 10 strokes with a massage therapist’s hands.”
Pain relief – The heat from the stones really help muscles to relax QUICKER and can bring about a lot of pain relief. In fact, with clients who are in so much pain that they can barely take any pressure, I have been able to use hot stone therapy to really get into those tender areas WITHOUT them feeling a lot of discomfort.
The ultimate in relaxation – There is NOTHING that is more relaxing than hot stone therapy. The warmed stones produce an effect that DIRECTLY affects the parasympathetic nervous system. Clients report feeling SUPER relaxed.
Reduces anxiety and stress – Hot stone therapy, especially when done on a regular basis, can greatly reduce chronic stress, tension and anxiety.
Relief for certain conditions – Clients who are experiencing arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions can often find really good pain relief.
Super recovery – Hot stone enhanced massage can really speed up muscle recovery following sports or strenuous exercise. The heat of the stones combined with deep tissue and relaxation massage helps to flush out lactic acid, speed up healing of overworked muscles, and greatly reduce post-exercise soreness.
Incredibly soothing – Clients love the warmed stones during their massage. It is the thing that we are known for because clients find it ridiculously soothing and comforting. It just takes the massage to a whole new level.
Better sleep – Regular hot stone massage can help you enjoy a deeper, more restorative sleep at night.
Our Reviews Prove Our Way Is Best
Don’t take our word for it. You can see our reviews:
On Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HeavenlyHealingHandsMassageTherapy/
Our main website – https://ohiosbestmassage.com/reviews
Google Business Page – Simply go to Google Maps and type in HEAVENLY HEALING HANDS MASSAGE THERAPY CLEVELAND, OHIO and you can see our rating and reviews.
To Schedule Your Session
Call or text Donna at 216-640-6851. We offer daytime, evening and some weekend appointments. All of our sessions are enhanced with hot stone therapy – even our sports and prenatal massages. By appointment only – no walk-ins.
Donna Agrinsonis
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