I recently read a blog on a hot stone massage that went wrong that completely shocked me. The article was on a man that got burned during a hot stone massage in a spa. The stones had been heated in a microwave and placed on his back, shoulders and legs without any protection on the skin. This caused the man third degree burns and in turn resulting in scarring.

The reason i decided to write about this article is to emphasise now important it is to have a good experienced massage therapist on board in a spa.

A hot stone massage is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable of massage treatments and it is essential a highly qualified therapist carries them out. The stones must be maintained at 120-130 F. If the stones are ever too hot for the therapist to hold then they are too hot for the client!!

All the movements must be explained to a first time client, that they will feel therapists hand first and then the heat of the stones to ensure the client does not get a shock. Feedback regarding the temperature and the pressure is essential during this massage. Only when the stones have cooled slightly may they be tucked in strategic areas such as behind the shoulders, on the back or legs.

It is so important to have a good experienced massage therapist in the spa to provide a relaxing, enjoyable, and a high standard of treatment for the client. Many things combine to make a good massage therapist whether it is their ability to create a rapport with their clients, or the little touches they add to their treatments, ultimately each persons style and energy is unique.

A good masseur is fully trained and qualified. Attention to hygiene and cleanliness is a critical aspect of their role. They need to understand what pressure is required based on the physicality of the client. The massage therapists intention is to make the client feel better, relaxed and at ease. Caring for the client is expected and is the minimum requirement.

A masseur also needs to be a brilliant communicator, building rapport and trust, has genuine interest in the client’s wellbeing and understanding what they need. They leave their own personal issues at the door and YOU are their main priority. Every massage therapist must have a high qualification in anatomy and physiology, this is so important as the client may have areas of concern that need work or areas that are contra-indicated, therefore the therapist must have the knowledge of how to handle these situations and giving the correct treatment and highest quality of client care. The power of touch is an amazing thing and is a critical part of being a good massage therapist.

Here at our Day Spa we pride ourselves on our highly qualified massage therapists, who give exceptional treatments and client care, each therapist will tailor a perfect massage to suit every clients needs.

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.