Hot Stone Massage Therapy in Highland Park, IL
Whether you’re feeling tense and overwhelmed or just need some pampering, hot stone massage therapy is one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to unwind. At Therapeutic Kneads, our massage therapists specialize in revitalizing hot stone massage techniques, and we know you’ll love the results as much as we do.
Why Hot Stone?
Hot stone massage has existed for centuries worldwide. Ancient civilizations in North America, China, and the South Pacific all used heated stones to relax the body and mind, and we’re proud to continue that tradition today.
Modern hot stone massage became widely popular in the United States in 1993 when Mary Nelson established LaStone Therapy. This technique emphasizes using stones as an extension of the massage therapist’s hands and incorporates both hot and cold stones. It also focuses on the client’s spiritual healing by placing stones around relevant chakra zones.
Benefits of the Stones
Why are stones used in massage instead of metal, plastic, or other materials? Natural stones are skin-friendly, while metal and artificial materials can cause sensitivities. Another reason we use stone is its ability to retain heat and apply it where specifically needed to release tight areas.
Basalt, a volcanic rock, is the most common stone used in hot stone massage because of its high iron content, which allows it to absorb and store heat effectively.
These stones are naturally smooth, a result of years of erosion in rivers and oceans. Their texture is relaxing during the massage and provides a smooth, weighted pressure that is evenly distributed over the tissue without using excessive force.
Our Expertise in Hot Stone
At Therapeutic Kneads, hot stone massage therapy is one of our most popular treatments. Like all of our massage options, hot stone is rooted in principles of relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. We strive to help clients detach from the chaos of everyday life, power down, and get the treatment they need.
With nearly 40 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, our founder, Sandy Saldano, understands the complexities of the human body and how it can benefit from hot stone massage. Schedule a virtual tour and book your hot stone massage today.
FAQs
Does a hot stone massage hurt?
When done correctly, a hot stone massage should not be physically painful. Stones are heated in water that is 130-145°F. Massage therapists handle the stones before using them to ensure they’re skin-safe. They also adjust the temperature based on the individual’s preferences. For example, fair-skinned clients are often more sensitive to heat.
How to give a hot stone massage
Professional massage therapists perform hot stone massage by heating basalt stones in water, then removing them and using them on various parts of the client’s body. They may use the stones to dig into muscle tissue, and we do not leave stones sitting on the skin. The hot stones are constantly moving to prevent burning the skin.
What do hot stones do in massage?
Hot stones are often used in massage because they provide temperature therapy, weighted relaxation, and smooth, natural pressure. Basalt stones, formed from volcanic rock, have a high iron content, which allows them to retain heat. and enables the tissue to yield more readily without using more invasive deep tissue techniques, thereby reducing soreness and decreasing muscle tension with less force.
Is hot stone massage worth it?
Hot stone massage therapy is one of the best ways to loosen up tight muscles, relax, and connect with your inner self. The smooth pressure, heat, and weight of the stones stimulate blood flow and elevate the typical massage experience.