Registered Massage Therapist, Katie Karl, offers paraffin wax treatment in conjunction with her massage services. Adding a paraffin treatment to your massage can have multiple benefits!
What is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a natural emollient that helps make the skin supple and soft while also delivering a deep, moist heat to muscles and joints.
The treatment involved dipping hands or feet into bags of paraffin wax or having your RMT “paint” the wax onto an area of the body that would benefit from the wax treatment.
While exposing the area of the body to be treated by paraffin wax, the layers of the wax solidify. Once the moisturizing warm wax has had its effect for several minutes, it’s peeled off and the area is then ready to be massaged, stretched, exercised, or treated with any additional therapeutic measures.
Once liquified, paraffin retains, absorbs, and efficiently transfers heat to the affected part of the body.
Isn't Paraffin wax usually used in a spa setting?
Yes, a lot of spas use this modality especially in foot or hand care. This is because when it’s applied to the skin, it delivers a deep moisturizing effect and even boosts moisture levels after the wax has been removed. It can also help open pores and remove dead skin cells that may help make the skin look revitalized and feel smoother.
Does paraffin only help with arthritis?
No, paraffin can be used to help relieve pain in clients that are living with fibromyalgia, bursitis, joint mobility issues, pregnancy pain, sports injuries, or even regular muscle tension.
It can also minimize muscle spasms and inflammation, treat sprains and strains, reduce eczema and psoriasis flare-ups, treat scar tissue, aid in treating fibrositis and tendinopathies as well.
It acts as a form of alternative heat therapy and provides a more direct treatment than heat packs usually used by RMTs in treatment.
Is it safe?
Paraffin wax is lab tested to make sure it’s safe and hygienic to use on the body. It’s completely natural and has a low melting point, so it can be easily applied to the skin at a temperature low enough to not harm the skin.
However, if you have very sensitive skin, paraffin wax may cause heat rash (small red bumps on the skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable).
One other thing to be aware of is it is a derivative of petroleum. Therefore, some clients that have chemical sensitivity may develop minor swelling or breakouts from the wax treatment.
You should not use paraffin wax if you have poor blood circulation, numbness in the hands or feet, diabetes, rashes, or open sores.
If you think you would benefit from paraffin wax therapy, contact the clinic to book a massage with Katie and add a paraffin treatment!
