Hot Stones Massage
Hot stones massage uses smooth, heated basalt stones combined with hands-on massage technique to ease tension and encourage deep relaxation. The warmth from the stones helps muscles soften, allowing Ema to work more effectively into tight or tender areas with less of the natural bracing the body does against pressure alone.
As the muscle warms, blood flow increases and tissue becomes more pliable. Because Ema is trained in advanced clinical massage, the heat can simply aid relaxation, or be blended with techniques like myofascial release and trigger point work where it's appropriate for what you need.
Sessions can be tailored from a full body relaxation treatment through to a more focused treatment on the areas holding the most tension, such as the back, neck and shoulders.
We can help with:
Why Heat Makes a Difference
A simple addition that changes how your muscles respond to treatment
The basalt stones used in hot stones massage retain heat well and are used both to massage with directly and to rest on areas holding tension. As the muscle warms, blood flow increases and tissue becomes more pliable, allowing Ema to work more deeply and effectively, often with less discomfort than the same depth of work without heat. Read more about Ema's qualifications →
🔥 Eases Muscle Guarding
Heat helps muscles relax before deeper work begins, reducing the body's natural urge to tense against pressure.
🩸 Improves Circulation
Warmth increases blood flow to the treated area, helping to ease built-up tension and deliver oxygen to tired muscles.
😌 Deepens Relaxation
Combined with massage, the steady warmth of the stones encourages the nervous system to properly switch off.
💪 Eases Stiffness
Targeted heat loosens tight, stiff areas, particularly useful for ongoing back, neck and shoulder tension.
❄️ Welcome in Colder Months
Many clients notice tension and stiffness worsen in cold weather. Heat treatment offers welcome relief.
🤲 Combines With Clinical Technique
Because Ema is trained in advanced clinical massage, heat work can be blended with myofascial release or trigger point therapy where appropriate.
Benefits of Hot Stones Massage
😌 Deep muscle relaxation
The combination of heat and massage technique relaxes muscle in a way that's hard to achieve with massage alone, particularly for clients who find standard massage pressure too much.
🧠 Reduces stress and anxiety
A review in the International Journal of Neuroscience found massage reduced cortisol levels by an average of 31% and increased serotonin and dopamine by 28% and 31% respectively.
🩸 Improves circulation
Warmth encourages blood flow to areas holding tension, helping muscles recover and feel less tight in the days that follow.
💪 Eases tension and stiffness
Particularly effective for ongoing tightness in the back, neck and shoulders built up from desk work, driving or stress.
😴 Improves sleep
Tension and stress disrupt sleep. A deeply relaxing treatment like this can help you switch off and rest better.
🎯 Tailored to you
Choose a full body relaxation treatment, or ask Ema to focus the heat and pressure on the areas troubling you most.
What to Expect
Every treatment begins with a brief consultation so Ema knows how you're feeling and whether anything needs adjusting before the stones are used. No two treatments are the same.
⏱ Durations
60 or 90 minutes, from £50 and £70. Choose what suits you best.
🛏 Position and comfort
You will be comfortably positioned on the massage table and well covered with towels throughout, with only the area being worked on exposed.
👗 What to wear
Most clients undress to their underwear for this treatment. Loose, comfortable clothing to change into afterwards is a good idea.
🌿 The environment
Our clinic sits on the edge of a woodland park, with natural bird song. The perfect calming setting for your treatment. You can also choose to have music played digitally during your session.
📋 After your treatment
Your care does not end when you leave. You will receive simple advice on hydration and rest to help the relaxation benefits last longer.
🚗 Parking and facilities
We advise you to avoid a heavy meal and use the toilet before you arrive. Toilet facilities are available on site. If you have any special requirements please get in touch and we will accommodate you.
⚠️ Health conditions to mention. Hot stones massage isn't suitable for everyone. Please let Ema know about any skin conditions, circulatory issues, diabetes, pregnancy or other health conditions at consultation, so heat and pressure can be adjusted or the treatment avoided if needed. Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hot stones massage suitable for everyone?
It isn't suitable for everyone. Please let Ema know about any skin conditions, circulatory issues, diabetes, pregnancy or other health conditions at consultation, so she can advise whether it's right for you and adjust heat and pressure accordingly.
How hot are the stones?
The stones are warm rather than scalding. Ema checks the temperature with you throughout the treatment to make sure it always feels comfortable.
Can it be combined with clinical massage techniques?
Yes. Because Ema is trained in advanced clinical massage, heat work can be blended with myofascial release or trigger point therapy where it's appropriate for what you need, or kept purely as a relaxation treatment, the choice is yours.
What should I wear and what do I need to bring?
Most clients undress to their underwear for this treatment and are kept comfortably covered with towels throughout, with only the area being worked on exposed. Loose, comfortable clothing to change into afterwards is a good idea. You do not need to bring anything else as Ema provides everything needed.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online. If anything comes up at consultation that needs medical attention, Ema will advise you accordingly.
Is there a consultation form I need to complete?
Yes. All new clients are asked to complete a consultation form before their first appointment. This helps Ema prepare for your session and ensures your treatment is safe and appropriate. Complete the consultation form here.
Do you offer gift vouchers for hot stones massage?
Yes. Gift vouchers are available for all treatments and are valid for 12 months. They make a thoughtful gift for anyone in need of some relaxation. View gift vouchers.
Meet Your Therapist
Ema Gregory-Scott has over 25 years of hands-on clinical experience. She holds a BTEC Level 6 with Distinction in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage – the highest massage qualification in the UK – and has completed over 24 specialist courses.
Hot stones massage is one of Ema’s most requested treatments, combining gentle heat with her clinical training to help clients unwind, ease muscle tension and enjoy some genuine, well deserved downtime.
Flexible Booking — No Risk to You
We completely understand that life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule for any reason, we will always rearrange your appointment or provide a full refund — no quibbles, no fuss.
Just give us as much notice as you can and we will take care of the rest. Your comfort and peace of mind matter to us as much as your treatment.