No matter who we are or where we come from, our bodies go through certain changes over time.
Just as we slow down, massage therapists can adjust massage sessions with moderate goals to give the most benefit to an older adult. In fact, it is not about curing their condition but about being present and touching them with kindness and compassion.
Massage therapy is a treatment that should be sought after by everyone, but it turns out that there is a particular incentive or motivation for doing it for the elderly.
Why is massage therapy so beneficial for the elderly?
There’s a lot of benefits that can be obtained from massage therapy. This ranges from a great way to reduce stress and have a tangible impact on the way our bodies work.
Loss of balance. Balance is extremely important, especially in the elderly. Falls are a common cause of injury in the later years of life, so massage therapy is great for improving balance. As bodies age, postural problems worsen. This is because the muscles weaken, which decreases mobility and balance.
Arthritis pain. Arthritis, a disorder that affects the joints with pain and stiffness, is a disease that many people suffer from in old age, causing varying degrees of discomfort in the human body. Massage therapy is not considered a cure for arthritis, but it can help relieve its pain. Massage has the power to help relieve chronic pain caused by age-related issues. It works by boosting the immune system, encouraging fluids to move around the body, and stretching fascia and tissue, which increases joint mobility and also reduces stiffness.
Poor blood circulation. Perhaps the biggest benefit of massage therapy is its ability to improve blood circulation in the body as it helps with many daily activities. Increasing a person’s circulation is vital in old age, as poor circulation, unfortunately, becomes more and more common during this time of life. However, better circulation can be achieved through massage therapy as it helps the circulation of blood in the body’s limbs.
Tight muscles. It’s not surprising to be less mobile and less active in old age. As the human body stops functioning as before, people tend to stay home more often and exercise less. As a result, the muscles harden and become tenser, making it even more difficult to move around. What a massage can do is help soften the muscles and tissues.
The heart attack. Anyone who has had a stroke fully understands the negative impact on their quality of life. To aid recovery after stroke, massage therapy is now a recommended solution that is getting great results. By focusing on specific areas of the body and then stimulating areas that can become paralyzed due to a stroke, massage therapy can prove to be a valuable tool in a person’s recovery.
In other words, massage therapy for the elderly provides many physical and mental benefits, resulting in improved health and general well-being.
How often should elderly people receive therapeutic massages?
According to research findings, there is no definitive universal recommendation on how often elderly people should receive therapeutic massages for optimal results. However, we can draw some insights: 1. The frequency may vary depending on the health condition and goals of each individual. For elderly people suffering from chronic issues like arthritis, more frequent sessions may be beneficial. 2. Some studies have shown positive results with weekly massage sessions. For example, a study on arthritis had participants receive one-hour massages twice a week for the first four weeks, then once a week for the remaining four weeks. 3. Regular and consistent massage seems to be key to maintaining benefits. Elderly people who receive weekly massages report improved sleep quality and duration. 4. For general well-being and relaxation, even monthly massages can be beneficial. The important factor is to maintain a consistent schedule. 5. The session duration for elderly people is often shorter, usually around 30 minutes, but can be adjusted based on the individual’s needs and tolerance. 6. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting a massage program, especially for elderly people with specific health issues or those taking medications. In summary, although there is no universal recommendation, a general guideline could be weekly or bi-weekly sessions of 30 to 60 minutes for elderly people seeking therapeutic benefits. However, the optimal frequency should be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional and a qualified massage therapist, taking into account the individual’s health condition, goals, and response to treatment.
How can massage therapy improve the mobility of elderly people?
Massage therapy can significantly improve the mobility of elderly people through several mechanisms:
- Reduces muscle tension and stiffness: Massage helps to relax tense muscles and soft tissues, thereby increasing flexibility and range of motion. This allows elderly people to move more freely and comfortably.
- Improves circulation: By enhancing blood flow to the muscles and joints, massage therapy promotes better oxygenation and nutrient delivery, which can improve overall mobility.
- Relieves pain: Massage can help reduce pain associated with conditions like arthritis and chronic back pain, allowing elderly people to move with less discomfort.
- Improves balance and proprioception: Massage enhances proprioception (awareness of body position), which can lead to better balance and a reduced risk of falls in elderly people.
- Increases joint flexibility: By working on the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints, massage can improve joint mobility and function.
- Stimulates the nervous system: Massage releases beneficial neurotransmitters that support nervous system function, potentially improving overall mobility and coordination.
- Reduces inflammation: For elderly people suffering from inflammatory conditions affecting mobility, massage can help reduce inflammation and improve function.
- Promotes relaxation: By reducing stress and tension, massage allows for smoother and more relaxed movements.
- Improves sleep quality: Better sleep, often due to regular massage, can contribute to improved physical function and overall mobility.
To maximize mobility benefits, elderly people should consider regular massage sessions, lasting about 30 minutes. It is important to work with a massage therapist experienced in geriatric massage who can tailor techniques to individual needs and health conditions.
The condition of the skin of the elderly
As people get older, their subcutaneous fat layer and epidermis become thinner, and their skin takes longer to heal. Some health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, also cause dry skin, while some medications can cause itchiness and scars on the skin.
Older people with deteriorating health may develop more transparent skin. You can see through the veins and tendons below, and the skin can tear easily. Thus, it takes more lubrication and less massaging force into the tissues.
Understanding the elderly
A senior’s ability to move around can change from the start to the end of a massage therapy session. The person may lie down on the massage table but have difficulty getting off (or vice versa). Our massage therapists are thorough with the elderly and treat them with awareness of their particular condition.
Elderly guests can stay dressed, with a session in bed, in a chair or a wheelchair. The massage table is not used if the person is not comfortable.
Older people with more fragile health and serious problems benefit from shorter, gentler and less demanding sessions. Often a stretch can take twice as long as with younger people.
Our massage therapists are very compassionate, and during their home visit, they spend time talking with the elderly person to assess their condition and speak with their family if necessary. Check out our massage rates before making an appointment.
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Our in-home massage therapists are passionate and caring without making false promises. There are many massages to choose from for you and our booking process is quick, efficient and no deposit.
