Massage therapy has helped people of all age groups since ancient times. Not only has it provided relief to individuals, but it has also tackled various illnesses. Before the advancements in medical science, people used to seek masseuses. Recent and modern scientific research has emphasized the need for massage therapy, too.
Older adults, specifically, face numerous physical problems. Pain, stiffness, inflammation, and fatigue are common issues in old age.
Most of the time, older adults avoid physical exercise and accept their problems as they are. You will be shocked to know how massage benefits adults can turn their lives around. Who doesn’t want a healthy and pain-free lifestyle?
According to a study by the American Massage Therapy Association, an estimated nine million adults over 55 received 39 million massages and showed incredible positive results. Let’s look at the massage benefits for adults that can help you!
1. Improved Blood Circulation
As people age, their circulatory system is significantly affected due to decreased physical movement. Massage therapy helps a lot because it can increase blood flow to all parts of the human body. This can help older adults feel better and maintain a healthy body.
The limbs are the most affected, so elders have trouble walking. Massage therapy can also increase blood flow to the limbs.
2. Strengthening Balance and Improving Gair
Many seniors fear falling due to losing grip and balance in old age. It becomes hard to walk properly and maintain a gait, which is why many old adults frequently fall, further injuring themselves.
Proprioception is vital to a steady gait. Massage therapy can achieve it in older adults. It helps enhance and recover the sense of relative position, which eventually helps avoid falling. Indeed, it is one of the best massage benefits for older adults.
3. Decreases Stiff stiffness is extremely common among older people. It hinders their movement and hardens their muscles. As the Mayo Clinic agrees, massage works actively to loosen the tightened tissues and release tension. This can help older adults multi-fold in physical movement.
4. Benefits The Nervous System
Apart from the bodily advantages, massage therapy can significantly help older adults’ minds. It stimulates the release of hormones, endorphins, and neurotransmitters. The best part is that it releases happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine. This is bound to make the seniors happy, especially when old age can become boring!
5. Speeds Up Stroke Recovery
Strokes can be frightening and terrible. Before authentic medical studies were done on strokes in older adults, they were advised to stay on bed rest for a few days. However, it has now been proved that movement is essential in stroke recovery.
Massage therapy can, hence, help heavily in stroke rehabilitation. It eases and improves blood flow to all the tissues and muscles, stimulating concerned areas. Paralyzed parts significantly regain motor control in this way, too. The American Medical Association claims the same affirmation in many of its publications.
6. Flexibility
When people get old, their muscles tighten due to a lack of physical activity. This is why it is vital to get massage therapy frequently in adults. Just a one-hour session every day can help elders get the physical stimulation they need to improve their health. Massage softens the joints and muscles, helping elders regain flexibility and strength.
7. Arthritic Pain Relief
Arthritis is one of the most common illnesses among older adults. It involves the inflammation and sensitization of joints that can cause significant pain. It also hinders movement and can cause discomfort.
Massage therapy cannot entirely cure arthritis but can help relieve the symptoms. It helps release the built-up muscle tension. Massage also acts as a convenient alternative for stimulation.
8. Better Sleep
Older people often experience insomnia, which can be very uncomfortable. Deep and healthy sleep is vital in relieving stress and restoring health. It gives the human mind some time to take a break and rest.
Many older people who receive massage therapy claim to sleep better. It also helps them achieve general well-being and composure.
9. Alleviation In Alzheimer
Back massage therapy can provide instant pain relief in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. Agitation expressions are common in Alzheimer’s patients and include wandering restlessly. Massage therapy can help release the good hormones in the patient’s body that make them feel better.
10. Stimulation Of The Digestive System
Constipation is a common issue faced by seniors. Massage therapy can ease defecation remarkably. It stimulates muscle movement that eventually enhances the digestive system. Elders who receive massage sessions weekly claim to have a better stomach.
Massage therapy is essential, but only a few people know its importance. It can help older people live better lives. It helps regain strength and flexibility, making it easier to move again.
Conclusion
Most of the elders who started receiving massage therapy have claimed to feel much better. It has helped them tackle their various physical illnesses. The hormonal release it causes is a reward because it helps older adults feel so much better. Massage therapy can do wonders in an age of minimal activity.
When accompanied by other measures and activities like Tai Chi and meditation, massage therapy can prove to be exceptionally effective. The awareness of massage benefits for older adults has helped millions of individuals reap the advantages!
