A massage is a relaxing and healing process, but it can get even better. With the addition of a hot towel, a massage becomes comforting and has even more physical benefits. Use hot towels…

…before the massage! Use hot towels before a massage to soothe your client. This option is especially beneficial right after a workout. You want to give the muscles a chance to relax before a massage, and the hot towels allow that to happen.

…during the massage! Offer clients a warm towel to keep on their face or neck as they enjoy their treatment, depending of course on the position they must sit or lay in during their massage.

…after the massage! As your client relaxes after a massage, offer a hot towel. They can relax with it on their face or use it on any areas that are still sore or require extra attention.

You can also try a combination of the three options above. Just be sure to allow enough time between applications on the same area. 

As a massage therapist I appreciate using a hot towel for heat’s ability to:

Ease sinus pressure: A hot towel on your face or chest can help reduce congestion associated with illness or allergies. You’ll feel comfortable and soothed as the pressure fades.

Reduce soreness: Back pain and stiff muscles can result from any number of activities, from work to exercise. Heat helps reduce that pain no matter its cause, making it ideal to use after workouts, a physically demanding job or simply waking up with a sore back.

Soothe joint pain: Similar to providing relief from muscle soreness, heat can help reduce joint pain. If you or a client have arthritis or other issues that affect your joints, a hot towel treatment may ease pain associated with those problems.

Speed healing processes: After an injury, many use heat to aid recovery. Be sure to determine the type and severity of the injury first, though. Some injuries, such as cuts, benefit from a cold compress first, and others are more severe and require medical attention first. After that, depending on the injury, you may be able to use heat to soothe the area and speed the recovery process.

Promote circulation: Heat applications often promote blood flow, which leads to the above benefits. Your body can repair damaged tissues that cause soreness or are a result of injury if a heat source increases your circulation.

Encourage relaxation: Even without physical benefits, a hot towel would still be soothing. A hot towel often enhances any spa or salon experience, so incorporate it into your massage treatments for the ultimate luxury.

BONUS TIP: add DoTerra essential oils to the towel as a comforting bonus. 

Source: https://www.towelsupercenter.com/Blog/hot-towels-massage-therapy.html