Hot Stone Massage
Carrie Koplin, MT

What is Hot Stone Massage and why should I choose to have this service?”  People ask this question all the time when they are looking at our brochures.  Hot Stone Massage is a moist heat therapy, but some therapists like to incorporate a combination of hot and cold stones when performing rock therapies.  This can help to stimulate a quicker trigger point release.

There are several great benefits to rock therapy.  It can help to increase circulation throughout the body, which can help to repair muscle tissue if there is damage.  A persons circulation increases with massage, which helps bring more oxygen through the bloodstream and that promotes an increase in healing. The heat from the rocks will also help make the muscle tissue more pliable, allowing a greater range of motion.  For women this treatment can also help reduce the pain associated with cramps during menstruation.  If the therapist uses the stones in long strokes it will help to lengthen and broaden the muscle tissue and fascia.  However one of the main reason that clients choose Hot Stone Massage is for complete relaxation. 

In rock therapy Basalt stones are used to give the massage.  Basalt stones are not as porous and remain smoother longer.  The stones are between the temperatures of 125 ۫ and 135 ۫ .  The stones are tested on the clients arm to see if the temperature is going to be too hot, allowing the client the freedom to choose the intensity of the heat.  If the stones are too hot they are dipped in cold water to bring the temperature down.  The therapist uses oils to create the sliding affect of the rock over the body.  The client is draped at all times only exposing whatever limb or body part that is being worked on at that time.

Hot Stone Massage really can be adapted to best suite the clients preferences by adding some deep tissue strokes if the client wants some correct manipulations done to certain areas of the body.

If this sounds like a therapy that you can use, please call Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy Inc. (218-641-7725) to schedule a Hot Stone Massage with Carrie Koplin.  We offer a 60 minute massage that will incorporate upper body and feet and there is also a recommended 90 minute massage that incorporates the whole body.  Please feel free to check out our other services at www.ospti.net.