A Bend woman is suing her massage therapist for $125,000 for allegedly burning her during a hot- stone massage.

Suzanne Lind visited Oasis Spa in Bend in April 2006, according to the lawsuit filed Oct. 31 in Deschutes County Circuit Court. Lind had a gift certificate and received a massage from Aria Hanson, an independent contractor working at the spa, which has since changed owners and is not named in the suit.

Hanson applied hot, smooth river stones to Lind’s back as part of the treatment, according to the lawsuit. After Lind complained that the stones were too hot, Hanson removed them, placed a sheet over Lind’s back and then placed the rocks over the sheet, the suit said.

Afterward, when Lind looked at her back in a mirror, she saw that the rocks had blistered her back and burned her abdomen, according to the suit. She has suffered scarring on her back and abdomen, tenderness, nerve damage and discoloration, according to the suit. Additionally, the suit says that she will need further medical services, but doesn’t say what care she has already received.

The suit also says she will suffer physical pain and mental suffering.

The lawsuit alleges that Hanson’s negligence led to the incident, and Lind requests a jury trial.

Lind will incur medical expenses not to exceed $25,000 and noneconomic damages estimated at $100,000, the suit says.

Hanson did not return two calls for comment, and Lind could not be reached for comment.

Stone-massage burns are rare, according to a massage therapist and instructor The Bulletin interviewed about the suit.

Jessica Layton, who has practiced massage therapy more than 27 years and has been an instructor in Central Oregon Community College’s massage program for 10 years, said she’s only heard of two stone-massage-related burns.

“Hot stone is really popular in spas, especially in the winter,” Layton said, “and … it’s one of the most relaxing, incredible experiences.”

When Layton does a hot-stone massage, she heats the stones to 110 degrees in a roaster filled with some water for steam. When the client is getting the massage, Layton uses oil to glide the stones over the client’s bare back.

After using the stones to massage, Layton places them in the client’s palms and over a sheet on their abdomen and back. She’ll put extra sheets or towels between the rocks and skin if the client has extra-sensitive skin, but Layton says some clients like the stones warmer and don’t need the protection.

“The stones shouldn’t really be hot,” she said.

Layton says massage therapists should take into account their client’s age, overall health and sensitivity before the therapy. She tests the stones on the inside of her wrist, as if she were testing the warmth of milk in a baby bottle, she said.

“I’m sure this (suit) will cause spas to be more aware,” she said.