Hot Stone Therapy
by Dennis Gibbons, LMT
In April’s newsletter article I wrote about soreness and stiffness when going out and performing Spring time activities. During this month of May we will be actively going out and doing even more as we shake the winter dust off of ourselves. At Chagrin Valley Wellness Center that normally brings in more of the beginning of the season sprains, strains and more of the overuse syndrome problems. At Chagrin Valley Wellness Center we pride ourselves in Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® and its many benefits. The balancing of the postural structure is still the most effective means of maintaining efficient, pain free movement but I would like to introduce you to another very effective therapy that addresses the connective tissue system of the body. That therapy is Hot Stone Massage, and when applied correctly has a tremendous effect on the connective tissue or Fascia system of the body.
Recently I presented a continuing education class on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome to a group of Massage Therapists and Massage Therapy students at the Northcoast Medical Training Academy. One of the visualizations that I presented to them was to picture the body with a series of tubes within. Inside of these tubes are your nerves, blood vessels, tendons, muscles, and all other organs and tissues of the body. When these tubes become obstructed or reduced in size they hinder the free movement that is required and restrict the body’s ability to efficiently function. These tubes are the Fascia and/or connective tissues of the body. These tubes are avascular, which means that they have no direct blood flow to them. These tubes are nourished by the cellular fluid which is a thick, clear substance that feeds the cells. Although they do not have a good blood flow, they do have many nerve endings which make them even more susceptible to sensation. The connective tissue is made up of collagen click here for a picture of the collagen matrix and forms an organized asymmetrical pattern that allows proper movement of all of the structures. Over the winter, because of our inactivity, this connective tissue fluid has thickened and becomes somewhat sluggish. When the weather warms up and the sun begins to shine, we move forward without really preparing our body to do so; the result is soreness and we blame our muscles. This is really not the case, it is the strain placed on these connective tissue tubes because we have over extended them and created microscopic tears. These microscopic tears create a disorganized pattern of development of the collagen fibers that make up the connective tissue tubes. It is this disorganization that we experience as the stiffness and soreness.
Why Hot Stone Therapy to relieve this? The special stones that are used (go to the following link to learn more about them. http://www.musclereleasetherapy.com/cvwc.html and watch the video) are heated to a temperature of 140° and strategically placed on the body. The stones are actually used in the massage themselves. This heat will penetrate the connective tissue tubes and allow the fluid to become more liquid, therefore permitting the tube to expand and contract properly. This expansion and contraction is what permits the vessels enclosed to move freely without restriction. When properly applied by our Licensed Massage Therapists, the stones become an extension of their hands and all the specific areas of the connective and soft tissue are opened to allow a free flow of the body’s fluids. It is not just the application of the Hot Stones that creates this phenomenon, but the actual knowledge of the connective, soft and skeletal tissue systems of the body that creates the therapeutic effect by using the Hot Stones.
This therapy was originally created and used by the American Indians prior to the Ice Age and was brought with them as they migrated to North America. It was used for many purposes as a healing modality; one such malady was scoliosis. When applied properly, it effects the connection of the soft tissue to the attachment at the periosteum (the connective tissue that covers the bone) and releases any unusual tension at those points. It is normally these specific points that cause that stiffness because of their lack of flexibility in movement. The periosteum does not extend down into the joint as it only covers the bony structure. This so-called break in the connective tissue will restrict the joints ability to open and allow movement. The heat from the Hot Stones will penetrate that region as well and allow the joint to properly respond to the body’s desire to move. That is why when standing in a hot shower or sitting in a hot tub of water, the body is better able to respond to movement and have less discomfort.
I know that this has become a major Spa treatment, but I do question that its application is being performed correctly. As this connective tissue starts to soften, it is imperative that the therapist has the knowledge to restructure and balance this tissue so there is no binding on the soft tissue or other organs that it comes into contact with. If not, the sliding mechanism that is intended will not function completely or efficiently and could cause collateral damage. A true knowledge of the skeletal and muscular system should be a prerequisite when someone is looking to make use of this modality. Many uneducated practitioners are incorporating this Hot Stone modality, and due to this lack of knowledge, are not permitting the recipient its full and useful benefit.
The Licensed Massage Therapist has received the proper education in Anatomy and Physiology to perform this modality correctly. Requesting a Licensed Massage Therapist when making your appointment should be a priority. Further I would recommend someone that has knowledge and awareness in proper body movement so any discrepancies can be addressed for your full benefit. It is how the body eventually moves that will lessen the discomfort you are experiencing.
At Chagrin Valley Wellness Center the therapist is educated (Chagrin Valley Wellness Institute) in fundamental movement and the biomechanics of how this movement takes place. In practicing Muscle Release Therapy, MRTh® the practitioner is constantly aware of the many deficiencies of how the connective and soft tissue is prohibited in its movement capabilities. By incorporating the Hot Stone Therapy on these areas of discomfort, the reshaping and the re-patterning of the neurological pathways will enhance the individuals’ journey to wellness.
When would Hot Stone Therapy be most beneficial to me? As we progress through these upcoming months there will be those of you walking the three day walk for Breast Cancer. As your training progresses many will be overextending themselves, so prior to and following the walk treat your own body to a little TLC. There are many charity walks and runs coming up, and it is always good to take care of that connective tissue. Spreading topsoil or mulch is something we don’t train for, another great opportunity. A day of walking and riding rides at your local amusement park, a lot of twists and turns there that needs to be undone. What about that fall off of the bike as you ride the trails or that ankle that was twisted during your casual walk? As you can see there are many different opportunities where we strain that connective tissue.
Don’t delay, call 216-364-0152 or 877-349-0120 and schedule your appointment for your Hot Stone Therapy. This will allow you to enjoy the Spring and Summer months more and still do all the activities that this time of the year permits. If you are not in the Cleveland area and want Hot Stone Therapy, please call and question the therapist or spa that provides this service. You can also go to www.abmp.com or www.amtamassage.org and use their referral lists for approved providers. Enjoy and let us know how you did, appointments@chagrinvalleywellness.com.
Enjoy Spring!
Many Blessings,
Dennis