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Stone massage therapy sues smooth stones such as basalt river stones to relax patients and increase the therapeutic effect.
Stones can be placed in some strategic locations or incorporated into massage techniques.
Also, both hot and cold stones can be used.
Usually, this type of massage is very popular in spa settings but it is also used in wellness clinics.
Popular Programs
In fact, this type of massage is well-known for numerous health benefits.
For example, it is used to relax muscles as much as possible to lower pressure during deep tissue massage.
Also, it is used to enhance circulation.
There are numerous articles about this type of massage in Massage Today which is one of the most authoritative magazines in the sphere.
It should be mentioned that this type of massage has pretty diverse origins and is widely used in various cultures.
Speaking of its modern variation, it appeared in the USA.
It is known as a Western technique but it can be incorporated in various Eastern techniques such as reflexology, shiatsu, or reiki.
There are numerous techniques of this massage as well as theories.
Stone Therapist Credentialing
You need to have a state license to be able to work in this sphere.
There are no specific training programs dedicated to stone massage and you need to work in those spheres you have training at.
Usually, specialists that work in this sphere start their training as other types of massage therapists so they can obtain their state license.
You need to complete about 500-1000 of training to get your license as a massage therapist.
Most programs include such disciplines as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, massage theory, and techniques.
You need to know that most standard programs include only some basics of massage therapy.
After obtaining some experience, you can apply for a stone massage certificate program.
Usually, this course has about 20 hours of training and covers benefits and contraindications, basic protocols, and care and use of materials.
If you want to pursue this type of massage in-depth, there are numerous advanced programs including master programs.
Also, you can learn this massage technique through some on-the-job training.
There are numerous training programs that are known as certification programs.
To get your certification, you need to address the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
However, it has the most severe requirements for completed training hours.
You can get your hot stone massage training while getting extra hours when pursuing the Board certification.
If you apply for this program after obtaining some college or university training, your completed program should be NCBTMB-approved.
Additional Considerations
Of course, liability risk is an essential part of any massage therapy but there are some massage types that involve higher risks.
The hot stone massage is one of them as it involves hot stones that are very powerful tools.
To be able to work in this sphere, you need to make sure that hot stone massage is included in your insurance policy.
It may require some additional paperwork and/or fees.
The American Massage Therapy Council requires applicants to pay $25 fees and a modality-specific informed consent form.
If you meet all the requirements, you can get your insurance that includes hot stone massage through Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals.