hot stone therapy

[cuddles (:]

hi guys. I've been a LMT for 5 yrs. however, I just began using hot stones as part of my small practice. I took a weekend seminar in Philly but it wasn't thorough..does anyone have advice as whether to use the medium or larger stones (Hawaiian lava rocks; smooth) for back effleurage and  is client feedback for hot stones positive? I'd hate to use my clients as guinea pigs. thanks for any advice..

 

[Daisy Blaahhh]

hot stone therapy

Hi Irishgrl and welcome.You might want to try posting to the techniques/ modalities area for a question like this. There are lots of people here and a wealth of knowedge.Top o' the day to ya!

 

[rachel(:]

hot stone therapy

I just recently started to offer stone massage.  

Over the winter there were more clients interested than currently now in the summer.

I prefer to use the larger stones for placement on the stomach and lumbar and I tend to work with the medium stones.

I offered sessions with free stone add-ons once I was comfortable working with the stones.  This gave the clients a free trial and gave me a little more practice before charging for stone.

I ordered some colored stones from California and I like them.  I just don't like the black stones.

http://www.naturesmassagestones.com/stones.htm  

Some of the stones hold their heat differently, but all in all it is a great set.

 

[Sunshine!]

when trying new product or modality I keep a willing victims list...I usually pick 3 people of different shapes and sizes...those 3 get a free session knowing I am learning...it has always paid me back 10 fold...I have to admit it turns out to be a lot of fun too  ...

 

[TerminallyPretty]

I have done lots of hot stone massg.  I like to have the larger stones for using along the back and on larger people.  I use the stones to lightly massage and not just place them on the particular areas.  My clients love to be soothed with hot oiled stones.  I do not use much pressure b/c of poor body mechanics.  So I offer a combo of stone and massg.  I heat up the area with stones and then will go in and do massg.Hope that helps.

 

[staff6]

hot stone therapy

Hi,

If you do a search for "hot stones" and check off spa & tools of the trade as the searchable places, you should find some great info.

Here is a link to how our search function works on this board system:

How to use the search funtion
http://www.massageplanet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=441

 

[Jovita]

I prefer to use a medium to large stone on the back.  The smaller the surface is that Im working on, the smaller rock I use

 

[Junie]

Would you be using the whole of your hand on the area?  A large stone can work well.  Would you be using the heel of your hand or fingers?  Something smaller would probably be better. As you get more used to working with them and feeling the muscles through the stones, you'll get more comfortable using bigger stones.  The advaneforum.xxxe to bigger stones is they stay warmer longer so you can do more work before you have to change them, and they do have the extra weight.  (by big I mean about 3-4inches across, not 6inches across, THOSE big stones are more for placement)  I do use the edge of a BIG 6" one getting into the glutes around the greater trochanter, and I will use it on the back of the thighs going up into the glutes.