The Hottest New Couple: 6 Reasons To Add Hot Stones to your Deep Tissue Massage

Hot stone massage was a service I was thinking about offering since I was in massage school. Nothing like an October blizzard to motivate me to launch this crazy cozy massage service!

Hot stone massage is commonly found in a spa setting; however, its benefits complement deep tissue massage.

From creating a more relaxing experience to increased muscle function, here are just a few ways you should add on hot stones to your next service.

1. Get more out of your time on the table

In order to work deeper muscle layers, you first need to warm up the layers above it. Applying hot stones to muscles warms up the muscles faster.

This means more time working deep muscles, and less time of me just putting lotion on your skin.

2. Hot stone massage gets the blood flowing

Massage in general increases circulation, but hot stone does it better! Heat dilates blood vessels, so it increases the rate of blood flow without raising your blood pressure.

Increased blood flow helps with a few things. It helps flush out metabolic waste and lactic acid in blood. It also brings in fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.

This can help reduce muscle soreness and increase muscle function.

3. Hot stone makes deep tissue a little more enjoyable/tolerable/suck less

Deep tissue massages can be uncomfortable. (Don’t believe me, just ask some of my clients.)

They tend to be the most uncomfortable when you have really tight muscles and/or are sore.

Well, we already learned that hot stones will help loosen tight muscles by just applying them. So that takes away some of the discomfort.

We also learned that it increases circulation, so painful lactic acid is already being flushed away before the area has even been worked.

Sounds like a win-win to me!

4. Hot stone promotes relaxation

A lowered pain output means less stress for you body. Add in a cozy massage table and a toasty warm table warmer, and your body’s “relaxation mode” kicks in.

Serotonin and dopamine are released, helping boost your mood. Stress-causing hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine are lowered.

Didn’t realize massage had so much nerdery, did you?

5. Hot stone helps with chronic pain conditions

Many with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic pain diseases turn to massage to help manage pain symptoms. However, most of those clients aren’t able to handle deep pressure.

Heat helps loosen tight muscles, soften trigger points, and increase flexibility. People with chronic pains can receive the benefits of a deep tissue massage at a pressure they can handle.

6. It’s flippin cold out!

We live in Fargo, North Dakota. It is one of the coldest cities in the country. Hot stone massages are a warm escape from the harsh tundra that is our homeland.