When humans have been doing something since the beginning of recorded history, you know it has to be good. Early Chinese texts suggest we’ve kneaded out those stiff muscles since at least 2700 BCE. It’s easy to see why; benefits include reducing muscle tension, providing stress relief, improving posture, and much more.
There are lots of options to choose from, and multiple massage types can often treat the same issue. Suppose for example you want to tackle muscle pain. You get hung up on two options: hot stone massage vs. deep tissue massage.
Which is ideal for you? Read on as we discuss what these two massages work best for.
What Is a Hot Stone Massage?
A hot stone massage is exactly what you are imagining. The masseuse uses hot stones as an implement during the session. Take a look at just about any massage advert and you’ll see a smiling patron with smooth, black stones along their spine.
The stones are great because they retain heat for a long time and provide firm pressure. They’re an effective, natural way to transfer that heat to your body. If the stones are too hot, you can ask for a lower temperature.
How Does It Work?
The masseuse “cooks” the stones at a high temperature and then applies them to the affected areas. In particular, along your back for pain relief.
They may also use them as tools. They’ll roll and rub the stones over your body in lieu of their hands. These typically include Swedish massage techniques, which rely on gentle-pressure movements.
At the end, they lay freshly heated stones along pressure points or areas of tension. Warmth radiates out from the rock, melting away your aches like magic. It’s an excellent natural treatment for back pain.
On average, a hot stone massage lasts about 90 minutes. You will be naked or wearing underwear beneath a sheet during the process.
Who Is It Best For?
Most people will love a hot stone massage just for a weekend of R&R. However, it does excel at helping people in a handful of specific situations:
- Relieving overall stress
- Promoting deep relaxation
- Alleviating generalized pain
- Boosting blood flow
- Easing tense muscles
It’s very similar to a Swedish massage, albeit with heated stones. If you like, you can ask for cold stones. If the stones feel like they’re burning you, or you’re not enjoying yourself, then cold stones can provide some of the same benefits.
What Is a Deep Tissue Massage?
A deep tissue massage makes you think of more intense pressure to reach muscles deep below the skin. And, well, that’s exactly what it does. It’s a step above your standard Swedish low-pressure massage.
The masseuse attempts to relax your deep tissue by kneading it and “lengthening” it. They work to improve your overall range of motion. Think of this as the sort of massage to “unkink” that sore area that’s stayed rigid and painful for some time.
How Does It Work?
Like most massages, you’re usually lying on your front. Depending on the target area, the masseuse may ask you to roll onto your side.
First, they’ll warm up your muscles by applying light pressure. Then, they get into those deeper, targeted areas. Pressure increases and they employ slower strokes.
To knead those pesky sore muscles, they may use their elbows, too. They do so until the contracted muscles or tissues in question surrender. To be clear, this is not a painful massage, just more intense.
Same as with the hot stone massage, you’ll be naked or in your underwear beneath a sheet. Expected it to take between 60 and 90 minutes.
Who Is It Best For?
Many of the people who get deep tissue massages have suffered sports injuries. They are trying to both ease pain and open back up their range of motion in the recovery process. Even if you don’t have a sports injury, you may benefit if you struggle with the following:
- Chronic muscle or back pain
- Tightness
- Imbalance in the muscles
- Soreness
- Recovery from other non-sport injuries
That said, this is not the silver bullet for every person. You may experience adverse side effects, though nothing too severe. We recommend that you check with your doctor first, as you might not be ready for it.
Certain individuals, regardless of health, may wish to avoid this massage type. For example, if you have nerve injuries, a blood clotting disorder, or are of an advanced age.
Hot Stone Massage vs. Deep Tissue Massage: Which Is Best?
Both the hot stone massage and deep tissue massage have similar effects. They focus on pain relief compared to other massages that are relaxation-first. You’ll have to judge for yourself which is ideal for your situation, but here are a few pointers.
Use Hot Stone Massages for General Pain and Relaxation
Some people get a hot stone massage just for the fun of it. It’s a very easygoing, light massage type that won’t cause discomfort or pain to achieve its effects.
For this reason, it succeeds at tackling generalized pain. Say you have a kink in your neck, or you slept wrong and now have a sore back. The hot stone massage nabs those non-chronic aches with minimal pressure.
Use Deep Tissue Massages for More Specific Issues
You likely won’t find many people on the massage table doing a deep tissue massage for a weekend out with their friends. Most of them will have injuries or chronic pain.
If you have above-average, everyday pain, then a deep tissue massage is likely for you. Those with consistent lower back pain or neck pain usually need it most. If you have an injury, consult with your doctor first before pursuing this treatment.
Massage Your Troubles away at Masahista
Hot stone massage vs. deep tissue massage: Which is best? A hot stone massage is excellent for everyday aches and pains, and is wonderful if you just want to relax. A deep tissue massage, on the other hand, is preferable for those with frequent pain or in the process of injury recovery.
Masahista Healing Hands takes the old, achy you and turns it into a refreshed, happy you. Book an appointment today and massage away your troubles.
