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Advise for Hot Stone Massage
Hello all, getting ready to add hot stones to my practice. I am looking for info on things you liked, things you didn't like about hot stone massage. Stones you liked best, size of warmer you liked best and brand name, any tips you developed along the way in regards to keeping the area and stones sanitary, are you glad you added hot stone or is it a pain? I'll take any and all suggestions. Thanks so much!! Be blessed!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Therese Schwartz on
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Hi Amy, I don't do the usual hot stone massage because for me it's a mess - all that water, and clean up is difficult! I use Body Rocks (and heated bamboo sticks) and use them for just about every massage. I heat them with a large moist-heat heating pad. Clean up is easy - a wash cloth with whatever cleaner you prefer and they are ready to go for the next person. If you are interested in more details, I will gladly provide them.
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Permalink Reply by Amy Marks on
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Thank you Therese, I am checking the Body Rocks out now. How many do you have and do you have a favorite? I appreciate this tip!! They look wonderful!
Therese Schwartz said:Hi Amy, I don't do the usual hot stone massage because for me it's a mess - all that water, and clean up is difficult! I use Body Rocks (and heated bamboo sticks) and use them for just about every massage. I heat them with a large moist-heat heating pad. Clean up is easy - a wash cloth with whatever cleaner you prefer and they are ready to go for the next person. If you are interested in more details, I will gladly provide them.
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You're welcome! I have 6 of them but I don't use all of them. I did for a while but found that I was missing using the bamboo sticks I was so familiar with. I have all one kind of Body Rock - the design of them allows for a long list of uses. This is what I have: http://www.bodyrocks.com/
You have to be a bit careful with them because they can get really slippery with oil. I've found though, now that I think about it, since I switched to fractionated coconut oil about a month ago I haven't had as much trouble (I think because with coconut oil you don't have to use as much oil). If it does happen it's easily handled by just wiping your hands on the sheets. As with any hot stone, I'm extremely cautious about how hot they get.
The combo of Body Rocks and the short half-round sticks from my Bamboo Fusion set is wonderful! I heat them both in the same heating pad but I have folded wash cloths between the heating pad and the stones. It's a bit fiddly but I got used to it quickly. And it adds so much to the massage experience for my clients, as well as saving my hands and arms.
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I have been watching all the videos on the Body Rocks on you tube. They look wonderful. I still have to check into the bamboo sticks. I so appreciate your input and opening up this avenue to me! Definitely will have to order a body rock to play with and see how it feels!!
Therese Schwartz said:You're welcome! I have 6 of them but I don't use all of them. I did for a while but found that I was missing using the bamboo sticks I was so familiar with. I have all one kind of Body Rock - the design of them allows for a long list of uses. This is what I have: http://www.bodyrocks.com/
You have to be a bit careful with them because they can get really slippery with oil. I've found though, now that I think about it, since I switched to fractionated coconut oil about a month ago I haven't had as much trouble (I think because with coconut oil you don't have to use as much oil). If it does happen it's easily handled by just wiping your hands on the sheets. As with any hot stone, I'm extremely cautious about how hot they get.
The combo of Body Rocks and the short half-round sticks from my Bamboo Fusion set is wonderful! I heat them both in the same heating pad but I have folded wash cloths between the heating pad and the stones. It's a bit fiddly but I got used to it quickly. And it adds so much to the massage experience for my clients, as well as saving my hands and arms.
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Permalink Reply by Gordon J. Wallis on
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I personally don't like giving or recieving a hot stone massage. It disrupts the flow of the massage. It's like 25% of the time the therapist is digging for rocks instead of massaging. Then yea, you gotta keep them clean and sanitary. For me, the only time they have value is if you have been doing some specific trigger point work, say on the shoulder. Its theraputic to rub a hot stone over the area in order to increase blood flow. But then hydroculators work much better. I know therapists that love using hot stones. But I notice from working in a spa for 18 years, there are not too many repeat clients for hot stone massage. Unless its the only massage they have experienced. However, after everything I've said. This is just my opinion.
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Permalink Reply by Caroline Comer on
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I have been using hot stones for a little over a year. I enjoy it because it gives my hands a little break and the heat feels good for me as well as my client. Not very many people in my area are interested in them, but not many ppl around here get massage anyway.. but the clients that do want them love them! When using them though be careful not to over extend your wrist. I got the smaller size warmer(8 qt I think..) Spa Pro brand. I like it ok but don't have anything to compare it with. I prefer to use palm sized stones and larger. I probably should have gone for the larger warmer bc of this, as when you are doing the massage you don't want to have to dig to get a stone you want it set up in the order you will need them so you can get them out. As far as sanitation, it helps alot to get silicone tipped tongs to retrieve the stones, almost soundlessly, instead of reaching your hand in. Much easier clean up bc the basin isn't as oily. They only take 10min to heat up and about 5 min to wash at the end, I use dawn to get the oil off and then follow with disinfectant. I have several towels I use, one for dirty stones, one to dry the stones when I get them out, and one to put the clean stones to dry. Hope this helped!
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Hey Therese, I have ordered a Body Rock to try. I wondered, when you said you have 6, are they all the same? all the info I found looked to be just one basic stone. Also, what kind of heating pad do you use? I really like this idea!! Thanks again!! Be blessed.
Therese Schwartz said:You're welcome! I have 6 of them but I don't use all of them. I did for a while but found that I was missing using the bamboo sticks I was so familiar with. I have all one kind of Body Rock - the design of them allows for a long list of uses. This is what I have: http://www.bodyrocks.com/
You have to be a bit careful with them because they can get really slippery with oil. I've found though, now that I think about it, since I switched to fractionated coconut oil about a month ago I haven't had as much trouble (I think because with coconut oil you don't have to use as much oil). If it does happen it's easily handled by just wiping your hands on the sheets. As with any hot stone, I'm extremely cautious about how hot they get.
The combo of Body Rocks and the short half-round sticks from my Bamboo Fusion set is wonderful! I heat them both in the same heating pad but I have folded wash cloths between the heating pad and the stones. It's a bit fiddly but I got used to it quickly. And it adds so much to the massage experience for my clients, as well as saving my hands and arms.
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Hey Gordon, Well, as I was looking for opinions, yours is appreciated. I myself love the heat from a hot stone massage. I'm really looking for another modality or tool than my hand for certain areas. I agree in a whole body hot stone massage the therapist does seem to be fidgeting with their stones a lot. I'm not sure how I will even feel about them myself. My hands are in such good tandem that I'm afraid to add a hot stone in the mix for fear it will feel clumsy. Guess I'll find out. Family first...lol. Thanks for the input! Blessings. Amy
Gordon J. Wallis said:I personally don't like giving or recieving a hot stone massage. It disrupts the flow of the massage. It's like 25% of the time the therapist is digging for rocks instead of massaging. Then yea, you gotta keep them clean and sanitary. For me, the only time they have value is if you have been doing some specific trigger point work, say on the shoulder. Its theraputic to rub a hot stone over the area in order to increase blood flow. But then hydroculators work much better. I know therapists that love using hot stones. But I notice from working in a spa for 18 years, there are not too many repeat clients for hot stone massage. Unless its the only massage they have experienced. However, after everything I've said. This is just my opinion.
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Thanks Mark, That's awesome that you had this modality from the get go. I just know I like the heat from the stone massage and I have many clients asking if I'm going to get them. I didn't have room in a previous office but I do now. I did order one of the Body Rocks along with my set of stones. I'm really looking to have another tool or modality other than my hands for certain areas of the body. I'm very concerned about it feeling clumsy. Hopefully I'll get the hang of it quickly. What do you use to cleanse your stones? I'm very concerned about this. What like of stones do you like best? Thanks again Mark. Be blessed.
Mark Evans said:Hi Amy, Great questions! Stones are my thing… I am a new Therapist, nine months in practice. I was trained in massage by a school that specializes in Native American Healing, Stone Medicine. We used hot (and cold) stones from day one of class. I can’t imagine doing a session without them! There is more prep time and clean-up using stones, but I think it’s more than worth it! The power of hot and cold stones just can’t be matched, that’s my opinion. Using stones saves your hands and can help prolong your career too. I would be glad to answer any questions you have. I’m pullin’ for the stones!
Mark (aka "The Awesome Stone Guy")
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Wow Caroline, loaded with great info. I was just looking for something to get the stones out with last night. This is a great tip. I haven't gotten a warmer yet either bc I was waiting for my stones to come so I could see how big they are bc I don't have any idea either how big of a warmer I'll need. The Dawn dish soap is a great idea. And I love the towel idea. You could even color code our towels so you don't get them mixed up. lol. Thanks for all your awesome tips!! Blessings. ~Amy
Caroline Comer said:I have been using hot stones for a little over a year. I enjoy it because it gives my hands a little break and the heat feels good for me as well as my client. Not very many people in my area are interested in them, but not many ppl around here get massage anyway.. but the clients that do want them love them! When using them though be careful not to over extend your wrist. I got the smaller size warmer(8 qt I think..) Spa Pro brand. I like it ok but don't have anything to compare it with. I prefer to use palm sized stones and larger. I probably should have gone for the larger warmer bc of this, as when you are doing the massage you don't want to have to dig to get a stone you want it set up in the order you will need them so you can get them out. As far as sanitation, it helps alot to get silicone tipped tongs to retrieve the stones, almost soundlessly, instead of reaching your hand in. Much easier clean up bc the basin isn't as oily. They only take 10min to heat up and about 5 min to wash at the end, I use dawn to get the oil off and then follow with disinfectant. I have several towels I use, one for dirty stones, one to dry the stones when I get them out, and one to put the clean stones to dry. Hope this helped!
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Hi Amy!
I use this heating pad: http://www.amazon.com/Moist-Heating-Pads-TheraTherm-Rectangular/dp/... I've had it for 3 1/2 years and it is holding up well.
I'm glad you posted again; I had something else I wanted to add. I pre-heat the stones to just warm in water in the microwave before I put them in the heating pad. Otherwise it takes something like a couple of hours to get them hot. The recommended way of heating them is in water, just like regular stones. I don't like fishing around in water for the stones so I do it differently - although I love the idea of silicone tongs! If you want more details of how I set things up, let me know and tomorrow I should have a few minutes to take and post photos.
Mine are all the same. If you are using other stones as well, you may find that you only need the one. I bought a bunch when I thought I was going to move totally away from using bamboo, but then I found that for me and my clients a combo is best.
Amy Marks said:Hey Therese, I have ordered a Body Rock to try. I wondered, when you said you have 6, are they all the same? all the info I found looked to be just one basic stone. Also, what kind of heating pad do you use? I really like this idea!! Thanks again!! Be blessed.
Therese Schwartz said:You're welcome! I have 6 of them but I don't use all of them. I did for a while but found that I was missing using the bamboo sticks I was so familiar with. I have all one kind of Body Rock - the design of them allows for a long list of uses. This is what I have: http://www.bodyrocks.com/
You have to be a bit careful with them because they can get really slippery with oil. I've found though, now that I think about it, since I switched to fractionated coconut oil about a month ago I haven't had as much trouble (I think because with coconut oil you don't have to use as much oil). If it does happen it's easily handled by just wiping your hands on the sheets. As with any hot stone, I'm extremely cautious about how hot they get.
The combo of Body Rocks and the short half-round sticks from my Bamboo Fusion set is wonderful! I heat them both in the same heating pad but I have folded wash cloths between the heating pad and the stones. It's a bit fiddly but I got used to it quickly. And it adds so much to the massage experience for my clients, as well as saving my hands and arms.
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Permalink Reply by Marlene Mayman on
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I really have mixed feelings about hot stone massage. Some clients have loved it, some declared they preferred regular massage. If you use the traditional water bath to heat the stones, it can add up to 30 minutes before the massage to set up everything and properly heat the stones, and 15 minutes after to clean up and put everything away. One can rarely charge enough to make up for the difference in the time required and they're a hassle, at least in my opinion. I stopped offering this service, even though I have a really nice set of basalt stones from a woman who hand-collects them from the Pacific Coast. OTOH, a therapist acquaintance uses a hot plate (smooth top) to heat a small number of dry stones that she incorporates into her sessions. I think that might be an easier way to *include* stones (not a full-stone session) without the water bath hassle, but there's still heating time and clean-up. Of course, YMMV.
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