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Pair of hands massage someone's back with black basalt stones

Which is better, Deep Tissue or Hot Stone?

April Heath

07/18/2024

Image Credit: Photo 178148006 © RemusM | Dreamstime.com

Some things in life are either/or. In the case of choosing between Deep Tissue and Hot Stone, I want you to have a third option: BOTH. 

As you know from following my blog, deep tissue has a lot of benefits when it’s performed safely. But what if you also like heat therapy?

Let’s quickly recap the benefits of Swedish, Deep, and Hot Stone (We Will Rock You on my menu).

  • Swedish – light to moderate pressure. Ideal for gentle relaxation. Boosts blood flow, stimulates lymphatic flow, promotes deep sleep.
  • Deep Tissue – firm to deep pressure. Ideal for reducing chronic pain, flushes cellular waste.
  • We Will Rock You – heat from the stones infuses deep into muscle tissue, stimulating blood flow to the target area, and helping muscles relax even more.

Generally speaking, hot stone massage is a Swedish massage enhanced with the warmed stones. But what if you want deep pressure with the heat enhancement?

Most times, you’d have to make a choice. One or the other. As a therapist on a strict schedule, I understand why, but now I’m in private practice. I’d rather solve a problem and create alternatives.

Photo 22601706 © Revensis | Dreamstime.com

If you want deep tissue AND stones, for starters, book with me. The best way is to book a Deep Tissue and add the Hot-Stone-on-a-target-area customization option. Most people want the heat on their back and shoulders, but your target area might be hips and hamstrings. You get to choose.

“Hold on a minute, April,” you might say. “What if I want deep tissue and stones full body?”

“I got your back,” I say. “Book 75 minutes deep. You get two customization options with 75 minutes, so double up on the stones. That way, I have the time needed to incorporate stones full body and apply the pressure.”

To answer the question, which is better, deep tissue or hot stone? Both have healing benefits. Which benefits are higher in priority depends on your body’s needs and tolerance for pressure. If they’re equal in priority, you don’t have to say NO to one to get the other.


BONUS: What are the disadvantages of Hot Stone massage?

Not so funny story: One day spa I used to work at hired a nurse to perform massages. Massage is within the scope of practice for nurses in Florida, so that was cool. However, a young man came for hot stone massage and the nurse took the stones straight from the crock pot and put them on his back. She never checked the temperature, and placed them directly on his back.

The man wound up with giant blisters. Not a great vacation experience.

The disadvantages of stones are potential burns. Burns are likely when the therapist isn’t properly educated on safe handling. They’re also more likely when spa owners are cheap bast*rds and use crock pots or turkey basters instead of professional stone warmers.

My stones have temperature gauges. I set the temperature within the safe legal range, and I always test the stones with my bare hands before placing them on your skin. Nobody is getting burned on my watch.

Conclusion:

When you want deep tissue and hot stones, you have the option when booking with me. Experience makes a difference when it comes to your safety and enjoyment. I’ve been licensed since 2009 and I’ve seen a thing or two.

So go ahead, and book with me —> www.joyfulrisingspa.com/#services


How much do you love hot stone massage? Post your answer in the comments.

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