We discuss the advantages of geriatric massage in this article for you or a loved one. Additionally, we offer advice on where to locate a licensed geriatric massage therapist in your area.

For those who are older, geriatric massage is a form of massage therapy. This kind of massage takes into account the various aspects of aging that affect the body, such as general health, underlying illnesses, and medication use.

What is Geriatric Massage?

A complementary or alternative therapy that includes massages. They’re not regarded as a part of conventional medicine, but they might be an additional type of intervention that aids in managing your health symptoms.

Geriatric massage is designed specifically for an older person. When getting a massage, older people need to take particular care. When customizing the massage, a massage therapist will take into account the person’s individual health conditions as well as all the effects of aging.

Remember that geriatric massage does not have a one-size-fits-all methodology. Everybody differs from one another, having different health issues and levels of overall fitness.

Benefits of a Geriatric Massage

There are a variety of factors that may make geriatric massage advantageous for you or a loved one.

Positive physical contact with others on a regular basis is lacking for many older adults. With the touch that a massage offers, a massage therapist can satisfy this need for you or a loved one.

Other overall benefits to geriatric massage can include:

• Stress reduction
• Improved mental outlook
• Pain management
• Increased blood circulation
• Better sleep

Physical Health Benefits

The elderly are prone to heart disease and diabetes, two conditions that can affect blood circulation. By increasing blood flow to the extremities, geriatric massage can reduce these conditions’ complications. Massage therapy may help to partially regain mobility lost to conditions like Parkinson’s or arthritis. Other potential physical benefits of senior massage include the following:

• Stress relief and relaxation
• Accelerated healing
• Decreased headache pain
• Improved length and quality of sleep

Mental Health Benefits

Age can affect mental health in addition to physical conditions. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are common mental health issues among elderly patients. Elderly patients can experience a great deal of comfort and stress relief from the geriatric massage therapist’s kind touch, which also boosts self-esteem. Request an appointment by filling out an online form or giving us a call at one of our five accessible locations.

Geriatric Massage Considerations

To make sure an elderly client’s massage is both safe and beneficial, a massage therapist will take into account a number of factors.

Overall Health Status

A massage therapist will put your general health first when giving you a geriatric massage. Along with asking you questions about your health and activity level, this may involve watching how you move.

Remember that as we age, certain bodily systems undergo changes. Your muscles and bones could be weaker, your joints could function differently, and your body could be more vulnerable to pressure.

Health Conditions

Prior to your massage, it’s critical to disclose to your massage therapist any potential medical issues you may have. Chronic illnesses like arthritis, cancer, circulatory problems, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and heart problems can be among them.

If you’re fighting for a loved one who has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, this is especially crucial. Prior to giving the massage, the massage therapist should be aware of all medical issues.

Medications

Inform your massage therapist if you take any prescription drugs to treat medical conditions. Depending on how the medications are acting, they can adjust the massage.

Skin Condition

Your skin’s tensile strength and thickness change with age. How much pressure can be safely applied to your skin will be decided by the massage therapist. Your skin may break or irritate if you apply too much pressure.

Pain Threshold

Due to decreased blood flow, a medical condition, or medication, you may feel pain differently as you age.

Inform your massage therapist if you are more sensitive to pain or if you don’t feel pain until it is severe. Injury or discomfort may be avoided in this way.

Temperature Regulation

As you age, you might become more sensitive to heat or cold. You might find it challenging to control your body’s temperature. Your massage therapist will be able to accommodate you if you let them know if you have any temperature sensitivities.

How Geriatric Massage is Different

Senior massage is based on the idea of customizing basic massage techniques to meet the needs of seniors, who have specific health needs as a result of age-related conditions. The following modifications have been made to traditional massage techniques to accommodate the specific needs of the elderly population:

• Gentler hand motions
• Shorter sessions
• Passive movement of leg, foot, and shoulder joints
• Gentle massage of uninflamed joints of the feet and hands
• Occasional use of stronger movements

Is Geriatric Massage Worth Trying?

In conclusion, geriatric massage can help with mood, stress, pain, and more. Your body needs different care as you get older, and a massage therapist will take your health needs into account before your massage.

Tags: Geriatric Massage