How to Prepare the Limbs for Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a popular massage technique that uses hot volcanic stones during the massage. Heated stones are put in specific spots along the spine. The therapist massages the limbs while the stones are in place.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Place the heated stones on their appropriate areas of the person's back. How long the stones stay in place depends on how long they hold their heat. Stones are usually placed along or parallel to the clients spine and up to their shoulders.

2. Apply lotion to the limb you are going to massage. Make sure that the lotion is warm before applying it to the person receiving the massage.

3. Start massaging the limb with petrasage. This is the spreading of the muscles. Use the fingers and balls of the thumb. Start with your thumbs together and move them apart. This is a massage movement commonly used for muscles that are above a bone, as in the arms and legs.

4. Use compression techniques next. Compression is just as it sounds. Work up the limb, compressing the muscle for a few moments and then move to the next spot.

5. Continue massaging the limb using various techniques. Stretching, compression and effleurage are all used. Effleurage is using long gliding strokes or stretching.

6. Apply the same lotion and massage technique to the other limbs.

Tips & Warnings

• Some massage therapists use the hot stones in their hands while massaging the limbs. This is an alternative way to perform a hot stone massage.
• Keep the person receiving the massage comfortable. Monitor how they are reacting and note any signs of discomfort.