What is Hot Stone Fusion & why is it so effective?
Hot Stone Fusion is a relaxing and very effective treatment which combines a deep massage using basalt stones and remedial massage. The stones are an extension of the therapists hands and are actively used rather than just placed onto the body.
Basalt stones are formed from volcanic rock and polished until they are smooth. They have the ability to retain heat for long periods of time but also if they are chilled, they can be used as cold therapy or sometimes both hot and cold stones used alternately to ease congested puffy areas.
What does the remedial massage target?
Fascia responds to heat & movement, so the application of hot stones during fascial work is very useful and the tissues soften much quicker when they are warm. Warmth also provides comfort and often areas that are painful will tolerate pressure applied with a warm stone rather than just using the hands.
Trigger Points are small areas of tightly contracted muscle which feel like a “knot” and are painful when compressed. Trigger points have a characteristic referred pain pattern. This means that when the trigger point is worked on the pain is felt some distance away from the actual trigger point. An example of this would be trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle which runs along the side of the neck and can cause headaches, migraine and jaw pain (see diagram below)
Contracted sore muscles will respond much quicker when they are warm, allowing deeper tissue work to be carried out and a return to the muscle being in a lengthened state.
Stretching the muscles becomes easier as they are warm and relaxed and there will be a greater range of movement after stretches have been carried out.
A hot stone fusion massage is a million miles away from the usual spa treatment that hot stones is associated with and probably one of the most effective ways to bring change to muscular aches & pains and postural restrictions.
Caroline Hearn MICHT, IIHHT Dip.ICAT
www.backinmotion.org.uk
