When there is chronic muscle tension or injury there are usually adhesions (bands of painful rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation. Massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
What Can Be Treated?
Research has shown that massage can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure and increase circulation and lymph flow. It also relaxes muscles and improves range of motion.
Massage can help treat many conditions, including:
- Anxiety, depression, fatigue
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle tension, back, shoulder and neck pain
- Repetitive stress injuries
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.
During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat.
Does it Hurt?
The massage itself can range from very gentle to very deep, depending on what your body requires and what you prefer. You may experience some soreness the day after a deep massage. This is normal, the muscles are rebuilding following treatment. Drinking a lot of water, using heat and taking an epsom salt bath can help.