Hot stone massage is a specialty treatment that uses smooth, heated river rocks to promote relaxation and recovery. The stones are usually made of basalt, which retains heat. Once warm, the flat stones are placed on key points of the body. At Massage Therapy of Oak Park, we sometimes apply oil to the stones and use them to massage tight muscles. It’s truly serene! Another way in which our approach to hot stone massage is different from other massage therapists is the incorporation of cold—should you so desire.

Thermo/Cryo Therapy Speeds Recovery and Supports the Body’s Natural Healing Process

Thermo/cryo (hot/cold) therapy is an excellent means of reducing inflammation and decreasing levels of lactic acid in the muscle tissue. If you are an athlete, this type of treatment can aid in recovery.

Many injuries are typified by tight, inflamed muscle tissue. Using ice, we can narrow the blood vessels (i.e., vasoconstriction) in the area of concern and reduce inflammation. Narrowing the blood vessels dulls and reduces the sensation of pain, limits the amount of swelling, reduces muscle spasm and clears metabolites from superficial to deep tissue.

In turn, the heat from a hot stone can dilate the blood vessels (i.e., vasodilation) and increase blood flow, releasing tension. Increased blood flow has the beneficial effects of increasing oxygen and antibody supply, while reducing muscle spasm and clearing metabolites.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

Massage Therapy of Oak Park goes beyond relaxation and utilizes the hot stone as a healing tool, maximizing your massage experience, by:

• Releasing tight muscles
• Calming the nervous system
• Decreasing stress and anxiety
• Fostering deep relaxation
• Aiding recovery from sports injuries

Next Available Treatment Option: Myofascial (or Myofacial) Release »

Previous Available Treatment Option: Hospice Massage Therapy »

Return to Top