Frequently Asked Questions
What is hot stone massage?
Hot stone massage involves the use of smooth, flat and heated stones that are placed on specific parts of the body and also used to massage out tight tense muscles. This technique is designed to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.
How does hot stone massage work?
The weighted stones provide pressure to certain parts of the body that require attention. The heat from the stones penetrates into the deeper layers of skin and fascia, providing a unique relaxation experience. The heat is able to soothe stress and tension, encouraging your body to relax elementally. Heat is a form of natural pain relief and essentially unwinds tight muscle fibres to ensure muscular relief.
What should I look for in a hot stone massage therapist?
Hot stone massage is a specialised form of massage that requires a trained professional to perform.
All massage therapists on the Blys platform are qualified and have a minimum Certificate III qualification or ann equivelant international qualification.
Who would benefit from a hot stone massage?
Hot stone massage is an excellent form of muscular relief. It is especially good for anyone who experiences lower back pain, back pain, shoulder and neck pain.
Hot stone massage is a preferred modality from those who suffer from chronic pain afflictions like fibromyalgia, arthritis and scoliosis-related pain. The heat of the stones is ideal for muscle pain, back spasms and cramps.
As hot stone massage is deeply relaxing, it is also an excellent therapy for those who experience intense stress, or even insomnia.
Who should not get a hot stone massage?
Hot stone massage may not be suitable for individuals who are highly sensitive to heat, as each person’s tolerance can vary. Your therapist will always ensure the stones are at a comfortable temperature, but it’s important to communicate your sensitivity.
Additionally, those with open wounds, inflamed skin, or certain medical conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes should consult their healthcare professional before booking a hot stone massage. If you have recently undergone surgery or suffered an injury, it’s best to get medical advice before engaging in any new therapies.
What is included in a hot stone massage?
A hot stone massage includes a full body oil massage with the use of smooth, flat and heated stones that are placed on specific parts of the body and also used to massage out tight tense muscles.
Can you get a hot stone massage while pregnant?
A full-body hot stone massage or placement of hot stones over the abdomen is not recommended during pregnancy, however, a massage therapist trained in prenatal massage may be able to use hot stones to perform a spot treatment on certain areas where there is muscle tension such as the neck and shoulders.
If you are pregnant, it’s always best to check with your doctor before you book any type of massage.
Does hot stone massage hurt?
Not at all. The stones used in a hot stone massage are not heavy and are only warmed to a comfortable temperature.
How much is a hot stone massage?
With Blys, prices for a hot stone massage start at $149 for a 60 minute session.
What should you do after a hot stone massage?
Relax! Drink plenty of water and do something calming like having a bath, getting cosy on the couch or even have a nap.
What is a hot stone massage good for?
A hot stone massage is beneficial for promoting relaxation and reducing stress due to the soothing heat and gentle pressure of the heated stones on the body.
Additionally, it can help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and provide relief from chronic pain conditions when combined with traditional massage techniques.
What does hot stone massage do?
A hot stone massage uses heated stones placed on specific points of the body and incorporated into the massage strokes to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. The heat from the stones helps muscles relax more deeply, making it an effective therapy for stress reduction, pain relief, and enhancing overall well-being.
Does hot stone massage release knots?
A hot stone massage can help relax muscle knots and tension, but it may not be as effective as deep tissue massage specifically designed to target and release knots.
While the heat from the stones can help loosen muscles, deep tissue techniques provide more direct and focused pressure to alleviate stubborn knots and adhesions.
When should hot stones be avoided?
Hot stone massages should be avoided if you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or skin conditions like sunburn, as the heat can exacerbate these issues. It’s also not recommended if you’re pregnant, as the heat from the stones can potentially be harmful during pregnancy.
Always consult with a healthcare professional or your massage therapist to determine if a hot stone massage is safe and suitable for your specific circumstances.
How should I prepare for my hot stone massage?
Please ensure that your hot stone massage therapist has access to a supply of hot water and an electrical outlet. Ideally, have a full kettle boiled and ready prior to your massage therapist arrival as this will reduce set-up time and ensure you get the most from your hot stone massage.
As this therapy uses heat, ensure that you are well hydrated, and continue to drink water after your massage. We recommend eating something small no less than two hours prior to your massage.
What can I expect from a hot stone massage?
Your therapist will always strive to make you feel as secure, safe and comfortable as possible while they are in your home. Feel free to communicate openly with them – they are a professional! Your massage therapist will likely ask for a history of your health conditions to ascertain how best to address them. A massage table is used during hot stone massage and you will generally be lying prone (face-down).
Hot stones are generally heated to between 40-60 degrees Celcius. Your hot stone massage therapist will always ensure that the stones are an adequate, safe temperature to use on your body. A hot stone massage should never burn you or cause pain of any kind; there should be just enough heat to affect the deep muscle layers and provide ultimate relaxation.
How shall I feel after a hot stone massage?
The effects of a hot stone massage are generally felt straight away as heat is retained in the muscles for some time. Tension, stiffness and pain are melted away by the luxurious heat.
Hot stone massage is incredibly relaxing, so expect to excuse yourself quickly to slide straight into a hot bath or even into bed.
Can I get a hot stone massage near me?
You sure can! To book your next hot stone massage at home, head to the Blys website or download the app and have a professional therapist delivered directly to you. Blys operates all around Australia, so check out which locations we serve near you.
What should I wear for a hot stone massage treatment?
Anything you feel comfortable laying down in. If you’re getting a full body massage with oil, your hot stone massage therapist will give you a moment of privacy before the treatment starts to get dressed down to your underwear and hop onto the massage table underneath the towels. If you’d prefer to keep leggings or other items of clothing on, just let your massage therapist know and they will be able to accommodate you.
How long does a hot stone massage last?
With Blys you can book a hot stone massage that lasts 60 minutes, 75 minutes, 90 minutes or 120 minutes.
What should I not do before a hot stone massage?
Before a hot stone massage, it’s advisable not to consume a heavy meal or alcohol, as it can make you feel uncomfortable during the treatment.
Additionally, avoid excessive caffeine intake. This will allow you to fully enjoy the relaxation and therapeutic benefits of the massage.
What should I expect from a hot stone massage at home?
First things first. your hot stone massage therapist will ask you some questions to understand your needs and concerns and then discuss the treatment plan with you. The treatment will take place on a massage table that your therapist will bring with them and will be set up in a 2×2 metre spot in your home or hotel.
After your consultation, your massage therapist will give you a moment of privacy to hop onto the massage table underneath the towels.
During your massage, your massage therapist will incorporate the use of heated stones placed on specific areas of your body, along with traditional massage techniques such as gliding strokes, kneading, and gentle pressure. If you’d like to request modifications at any point during the treatment simply speak up and your therapist will be able to accommodate you.
After your massage, your massage therapist will chat through any recommendations they may have for ongoing treatments or other self-care practices you could benefit from.
The best part? Once your massage therapist leaves you can keep the relaxation going by taking a bath, chilling on the couch or heading to bed for a nap!
What is the difference between a Swedish massage and a hot stone massage?
The main difference between a Swedish massage and a hot stone massage is the use of heated stones in the latter. While both aim to promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension, a hot stone massage incorporates the warmth and weight of heated stones to provide additional comfort and help muscles relax more deeply, whereas a Swedish massage relies on a variety of traditional massage techniques without the use of hot stones.