Hot Stone Massage?

I've enjoyed it when I've had it done. THe heat makes it easier for them to 'dig in' and work the knots out. ANd it feels wonderful.

One time though, the therapist seemed like she spent as much time fiddling with the stones as she did rubbing me. Maybe she was new? That irked me. I could hear her rummaging around, the stones rattling and whatnot, while I just lay there, not being rubbed.

ETA Re Annabella's observation-- my experience has been with them using the stones throughout the entire massage.

Right! "WORTH IT" is subjective, eh?

I didn't like it. I find the hardness of the rocks almost painful, but I do like a very relaxing, soothing massage vs. a deeper tissue massage. Ymmv.

LOVE hot stone! It's my fave. Definitely worth the money.

A Swedish massage is a lighter touch massage. We always suggested those for beginners when I worked at a spa. People who want to really be worked over should ask for deep tissue.

Well I've only had one Swedish massage and that was in Sweden. The massage therapist was really rough. lol

But you're right. I was thinking of deep tissue massages.

I've had several at a few different spas, all have been done differently.  Some use the stones the whole time, some only sparingly.  When they are done well, with lots of stone use, it's well worth the money to me.  I have arthritis, and it makes a huge difference for me.  

That's an interesting thought! Maybe they're just trying to clarify for lay people so the therapist knows what we expect.

My poor dad had only ONE massage-- using a gift cert I got him for Father's Day. The woman was hurting him, but he never said a word. Some people won't communicate with the therapist, so it's good to discuss in simple terms at the front desk, I suppose.

My guess is it's to make more money-- 'deep tissue' usually costs more.

I've been a massage therapist for ten years and it's my opinion that the onus is on the therapist to make sure they are doing right by their client. The first way to do that is to have them fill out an intake form and then discuss anything that may have been highlighted, say, someone indicates they have vertigo or whatever. That's also the time to talk about what the client is looking for, what kind of pressure they like, etc., etc. Then, during the massage, the therapist would do well to ask if the pressure is ok. I have a certain time that I do it-- early enough that they haven't quite gone noodly yet, but far enough along that they've had a chance to feel how I'm working. I adjust my pressure if needed.

I get massages all the time and I'm a straightforward kind of person and sometimes I don't say anything when I would prefer a change of pressure or someone's hurting me, so how can I expect someone who hardly knows me and is naked under a sheet to feel comfortable speaking up? I don't-- I make it as easy on them as I can to let me know. I'm sorry your dad had that experience. Shame on the therapist for not taking the initiative and checking in with him.

I've had a hot stone massage a couple of times. I too found it underwhelming. It is relaxing but not has relaxing for me as a traditional massage is.

I don't think you'll actually feel any "weight" from the stones. I've had several and the stones have always stayed in the therapists hands and they change them out as they cool or for smaller sizes. The first time I ever had it done, I didn't realize there were stones being used (DH had bought the package and I didn't see the details). It was only afterwards that I mentioned it to DH and he said "those were the stones." There was definitely a noticeable difference that I thought was well worth it.

That said, unless I'm trying to deal with an injury or pain, I prefer a very gentle relaxing massage. Unless it's a foot massage - then give me the one with the strongest hands and go for it.

Pure heaven!  I'd get them more often if I could afford it!  

I find them overrated.  Now they are being used when I get my pedicures.  Nice touch but I'm not going to pay extra.

I like them, but I also like a traditional massage. I don't like all over deep tissue at all, and I don't like the mud massages.