“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.“
~Anne Lamont
Benefits of Massage for Everyone
While massage is a great way to combat stress, depression, and anxiety, it has many more positive impacts on the body and mind.
- Stress Reduction: Massage can help relax the body and mind, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm.
- Pain Relief: It can alleviate muscle pain and tension, making it beneficial for those with chronic pain conditions or injuries.
- Improved Circulation: Massage can enhance blood flow, which can aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove waste products from the body.
- Flexibility and Range of Motion: Regular massages can increase joint flexibility and improve your range of motion, making it easier to perform daily activities.
- Better Sleep: Many people find that massage helps them sleep more soundly and wake up feeling refreshed.
- Immune System Support: Some studies suggest that massage may boost the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and lymphocytes.
- Relief from Headaches: It can reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches and migraines.
- Mood Enhancement: Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, helping combat anxiety and depression.
- Improved Posture: By releasing muscle tension, massage can help correct postural imbalances, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
- Enhanced Skin Health: Certain massage techniques can improve skin tone and promote a healthy glow by increasing blood flow to the skin.
- Injury Prevention: Athletes often use massage to prevent injuries by keeping muscles and joints in optimal condition.
- Emotional Well-Being: Massage provides a nurturing and comforting experience, promoting emotional well-being and a sense of connection.
- Relief from Chronic Conditions: Some individuals with conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis find relief from their symptoms through regular massage therapy.
“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.”
~Audre Lorde
Benefits of Geriatric Massage
Massages are a type of complementary or alternative therapy. They’re not considered part of conventional medicine, but they may be an additional type of intervention that helps manage your health symptoms. Geriatric massage is specifically geared toward a person of advanced age. Older people have special considerations to keep in mind when getting a massage. As your massage therapist, I will consider all the factors of aging along with your specific health conditions when tailoring the massage. Keep in mind that there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to geriatric massage. Everyone is different with unique health conditions and overall fitness.
There are many reasons geriatric massage may be beneficial for you or a loved one. Many older adults lack positive physical contact with others on a regular basis.
Other overall benefits to geriatric massage can include:
Stress reduction
Improved mental outlook
Pain management
Increased blood circulation
Better sleep
What the Research Says
There’s been a lot of research studying the benefits of geriatric massage. Here are a few notable studies:
One study in the International Journal of Older People Nursing looked at 14 studies related to aging adults living in residential care who received massages.
The study concluded that massage can enhance the health and well-being of adults in residential care.
Another study investigated the benefits of hand and foot massage in 12 older adults requiring long-term care. The study found that they experienced positive feelings after both types of massage.
A Japanese study included 36 participants who lived in geriatric facilities. The participants experienced relaxed feelings from 15-minute hand massages. Their skin temperature also increased.
A 6-week period of massage helped reduce stress and aggressive behavior in a clinical studyTrusted Source of those with dementia.
Overall Health Status
Part of my job is to first consider your overall health when providing a geriatric massage. This may involve observing your movements along with asking questions about your health status and activity level. Keep in mind that the aging body encounters changes to systems in the body. Your body may be more sensitive to pressure, your joints may work differently, and your muscles and bones may be more vulnerable.
I will consider several factors for people of advanced age to ensure their experience is safe and beneficial.
Health Conditions
It’s important to let me know about any health conditions you may have prior to your massage.
These can include chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer, circulatory conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, or heart conditions.
This is especially important if you’re advocating for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Medications
If you take one or several medications to treat health conditions, let me know. I can modify the massage based on the effects of the medications.
Skin condition
As you age, the thickness and durability of your skin changes. I will determine how much pressure I can apply safely to your skin.
Pain Threshold
You may experience pain differently as an older adult due to reduced blood flow, a health condition, or medication. Tell me if you have an increased sensitivity to pain or if you’re unable to feel pain until it’s extreme. This can avoid injury or discomfort.
Temperature Regulation
You may become more sensitive to heat or cold as you age. It may also be difficult for you to regulate your temperature. Make sure to mention any sensitivity to temperature so I can accommodate your individual needs.
Takeaway
Geriatric massage can help improve your mood, stress levels, pain, and more. As you age, your body requires different care, and I will factor in your health needs prior to your massage. A geriatric massage may or may not be shorter than a typical massage and use special manipulations specific to your health history and current needs.
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