A hot stone massage is a relaxation massage in which the therapist uses smooth, heated basalt stones: they place them on the body and use them to massage the skin with oil. The warmth of the stones helps you relax and gives a pleasant, enveloping feeling. It is a wellness service, not a medical treatment. At the clinic in Rydułtowy a hot stone massage costs PLN 220.
In this article we describe what the massage looks like step by step, which stones are used, who might enjoy it and in which situations it is better to skip it.
In brief
- Price at the clinic in Rydułtowy: PLN 220; a relaxation massage without stones costs PLN 200.
- Smooth basalt stones are used, heated in water to approx. 50–60°C.
- The massage combines 2 elements: the warmth of the stones and the smooth techniques of relaxation massage.
- Hot stone massage is not recommended with reduced sensation, varicose veins, a recent injury, fever or during pregnancy.
- The clinic is open Mon–Fri 7:00–20:00; the massage can also be given as a gift voucher.
Contents
What does a hot stone massage look like?
The massage starts with a short conversation about how you feel and any contraindications. The therapist then applies oil and performs the smooth movements of a relaxation massage, holding the heated stones in their hands and gliding them over the skin. Some stones are placed on the back or hands, where they stay for a while, giving off heat. The therapist constantly controls the temperature of the stones.
Before placing a stone on the body, the therapist checks its temperature on their own skin and asks whether the warmth feels pleasant. Stones that have cooled down are replaced with warmer ones, so the pleasant feeling of warmth lasts throughout the massage. The room has a calm atmosphere, and the parts of the body not being massaged are covered with a towel or blanket. After the massage, it is good to lie still for a moment, get up slowly and drink some water.
Hot stone massagefor people looking for relaxation and pleasant warmth220 PLNPrices valid from 08.2026.
Which stones are used for the massage?
Basalt stones, i.e. rocks of volcanic origin, are most often used for the massage. They are dark, heavy and very smooth, and above all they store heat well and release it gradually. The stones come in different sizes: larger ones are placed on the back, smaller ones are held in the hand or placed between the fingers. They are heated in a special water heater.
After each massage the stones are washed and disinfected, and the heater keeps the water at a constant temperature. Some variants of the massage also use cool marble stones, but warmth dominates in the classic hot stone massage. The stones have no healing properties – their role is to provide warmth and make the smooth massage movements easier.
Who is hot stone massage for?
Hot stone massage is an option for healthy adults who like warmth and want to relax, e.g. after a busy period at work or in the colder months. It is often chosen by people who find a relaxation massage alone too light. It is a wellness service, so it does not replace physiotherapy for pain, injury or illness.
It is also a popular gift idea – the clinic offers a gift voucher, and we write about how to choose one in our post on a gift voucher for a massage or physiotherapy. If you are not sure whether to choose the stones or a classic relaxing massage, you will find a comparison in our post classic or relaxation massage.
If you have a specific complaint, e.g. back pain radiating into the leg, heat and massage are not the right first step. It is better to start with a physiotherapy consultation, which costs PLN 180.
Good to know: when booking, let us know about diabetes, varicose veins, heart disease, pregnancy and any medication you take. This allows the therapist to judge whether a heat-based massage is suitable for you.
Who should not have a hot stone massage?
Hot stone massage is not suitable for people with reduced sensation, e.g. diabetic neuropathy, varicose veins or thrombosis, a recent injury, inflammation or fever, skin conditions or lesions, uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease. During pregnancy and with cancer, heat-based massage is usually advised against or requires a doctor’s approval.
Reduced sensation is particularly important, because a person who cannot feel temperature well may not notice that a stone is too hot. Caution is also needed for people taking anticoagulants, people straight after sunbathing or with sunburn, and after recent cosmetic skin treatments. If you feel unwell, have an infection or a fever on the day of your visit, it is better to reschedule.
Summary
A hot stone massage is a relaxation massage using heated basalt stones, which costs PLN 220 at the clinic in Rydułtowy. It is meant for relaxation and is not a medical treatment; with reduced sensation, varicose veins, a recent injury, fever or during pregnancy it is better to skip it.
Frequently asked questions
Can the stones burn?
When the massage is done properly, the risk of burns is low, because the therapist controls the water temperature and checks each stone before placing it on the skin. The stones are kept moving or rest on a towel. If the heat becomes unpleasant or stings, tell the therapist straight away and they will remove the stone.
Can I have a hot stone massage during pregnancy?
Hot stone massage is usually not done during pregnancy, because heat-based massage avoids overheating the body of a pregnant woman. Pregnant women can be offered gentler forms of massage, but it is worth discussing the decision with the doctor looking after the pregnancy. Mention the pregnancy and which week you are in when booking.
How is a hot stone massage different from a relaxation massage?
Both massages are relaxing and are based on smooth, gentle movements. A hot stone massage adds the warmth of heated basalt stones, which the therapist places on the body and uses to massage the skin. At the clinic in Rydułtowy a relaxation massage costs PLN 200 and a hot stone massage PLN 220.
How should I prepare for a hot stone massage?
Before the massage, have a light meal rather than a large lunch, and do not put lotion on your skin. Do not come straight after sunbathing, a sauna or exfoliating skin treatments. Take off your jewellery and wear comfortable clothes that are easy to take off. When booking, let us know about any illnesses, medication, pregnancy and reduced sensation.
Is a hot stone massage a good gift?
Hot stone massage is a popular gift, as it is associated with rest and pleasant warmth. A gift voucher is available at the “W zdrowym ciele” clinic. Bear in mind that not everyone can have a heat-based massage, so the person receiving the gift should tell us about their health when booking.
How much does a hot stone massage cost?
A hot stone massage at the “W zdrowym ciele” clinic in Rydułtowy costs PLN 220. For comparison, a relaxation massage costs PLN 200 and a Breuss massage PLN 300. It is worth checking the current price list before your visit. You can book an appointment via Booksy or by phone on 505 417 624, Monday to Friday.
Sources
- Field T., Massage therapy research review, Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2016.
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About the author: Tatiana Grabowska, MSc – master’s degree in physiotherapy, licence to practise number PWZFz 11646 (Polish physiotherapist licence). Since 2013 she has run the “W zdrowym ciele” physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinic in Rydułtowy; she has about 12 years of professional experience. Physiotherapist’s profile
- Consultation180 PLN
- Referralnot needed
- ReceptionMon–Fri: 7.00–20.00
