Hot Stone Fusion brings together the relaxing elements of a hot stone massage and the techniques of remedial and sports massage to effectively treat pain and injury.

The treatment does not consist of solely placing warm stones on the body; instead it is a dynamic, powerful treatment that lets the therapist work deep into the muscles by using the stones to actively massage the tissues, without causing pain.

Massage wax or lotion is applied directly to the body before the stones are used, so the stones can glide over the contours of the muscles. The effectiveness of the basalt stones lies in their high iron content, which helps them absorb and transmit the heat of the water.

Sometimes cold stones are used as well as hot, either to help with acute pain as cryotherapy or as “contrast-bathing” for injuries. Applying cold to an area flushes out the old blood and reduces swelling, and then hot stones are used to bring in fresh blood and oxygen to the area. This is particularly effective in conjunction with trigger point work.

The sensation of deep warmth and relaxation can stay long after the treatment is over. Drinking plenty of water is advised as the subsequent detoxifying effects can be quite intense.

THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF HOT STONE FUSION

• Decreased muscle tightness: Heat seems to have a direct effect on reducing tight muscles - often the primary cause of musculo-skeletal pain.
• Increased circulation and reduction of rehabilitation time: The local rush of blood, nutrients and oxygen helps maintain the optimum health of the tissues for injury repair.
• Increased pliability of connective tissues: Heat application help to improve the elasticity of connective tissue therefore therapeutic stretching procedures are much more effective.
• Increased pain threshold: Heat increases the pain threshold thereby decreasing the overall experience of pain. This can help to break the pain/spasm/pain cycle.
• Psychological effects: Heat makes us feel nurtured, relaxed and comforted.