Hi
I am new to this forum and also to doing Hot Stone Massage. One of the contraindications for hot stone massage is high blood pressure. Would you never offer hot stone massage to people with high blood pressure or will it depend on how well managed the condition is with medication? Does anyone know what the complication may be?
Thanks
High Bood Pressure
Controlled hypertension is okay, but if the client is not being treated for his/her high blood pressure it is best not to proceed. Always instruct the client to let you know if a stone is too hot or too heavy and during the massage keep an eye on the skin as you massage the stones over the client and note any changes that occur,. Erythema is normal when hot stones are applied, look for any facial expressions or non-verbal signals that may indicate the client is uncomfortable.
High blood pressure x hot stones therapy
Just wondering if someone know why hot stones massage is contra indicated to someone with high blood pressure ? Phisiologically what happens ? that can be bad to the system ?
Someone may correct me, but I think the theory is that the heat created means that the heart has to 'work harder' to pump the blood and rid the body of the increased temperature.
However, Infra red saunas work by increasing internal body temperature and can be good for cardiac conditioning - increasing the heart rate without the oxygen deficit caused by doing so during traditional exercise, when muscles demand more oxygen, and they can generally be used by those with high blood pressure, so the above theory may not be correct!
I give hot stone massage to clients with high blood pressure - for most people if they know their blood pressure is high it will be controlled by drugs. If it's high but not controlled I'd get them to check with their GP, for insurance purposes if nothing else. I always say to any client to let me know if they are not comfortable with anything, or getting too warm.
For most clients, hot stone is wonderfully relaxing and if stress / anxiety / tension is playing a part in the cause of the high blood pressure, then the hot stone massage may help them emotionally as well as physically.
Hot Stone Massage
The [url]Hot Stone Massages[/url] therapist may also put down the stones and use his or her hand to directly massage the skin. Massage oil/creams are usually incorporated into the massage treatment.