Many people feel that touch is beneficial, on the basis of their own personal experience. Several studies have also supported the idea that touch can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Elderly people often feel very isolated and alone, so focused touch from a skilled massage therapist or nurse can help ease depression, stress, and other emotions related to perceived isolation. Touch can also stimulate circulation, boost the immune system, and ease the aches and pains which plague many elderly bodies.
Several issues must be considered when working with the elderly. The first is that elderly bodies tend to be more delicate. Deep tissue work and penetrating massage techniques are not suitable for many geriatric clients, because these styles of massage can cause pain and bruise. Elderly bodies also experience more stiffness and joint problems, and this issue must be taken into account when working with the elderly. The skin of older people is also very fragile, requiring the use of massage oil or cream and gentle massage techniques to avoid tearing or irritation.
The goal of geriatric massage is to increase Flexibility.
The goal of a geriatric massage session is usually to help the client relax and to increase flexibility and ease joint pain. The massage tends to be very light and gentle, and the massage therapist or nurse stays very attuned to signs that the client might be experiencing discomfort. Sometimes, lightly brushing the skin is enough, while in other cases, slow circular massage moves may be used. Some patients also benefit from the gentle stimulation of pressure points.
Because elderly people tend to get colder more easily than young people, geriatric massage is usually done on a warmed massage table with a thick pad that reduces pressure on protruding bones or healing surgical sites. The client is covered in a lightweight sheet and a blanket by request, and only the portion of the body which is actively being worked on will be exposed. More modest clients may prefer to wear undergarments or even clothes, in which case the message will be adjusted to the patient’s comfort level. Geriatric massage can take place by arrangement in the home, at a massage studio, or in a hospital or long-term care facility.
How Geriatric Massage Is Different.
The health needs of the elderly are often different from those of younger populations, and this is also true when it comes to massage therapy. For this reason, 500 hours of massage training is required to obtain geriatric massage therapy certification. Geriatric massage therapy from Total Health Systems can promote better health of both body and mind.
Because the elderly population has specific health needs due to age-related conditions, senior massage is based on the principle of tailoring basic massage techniques to meet the needs of seniors. 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 the leg, foot, and shoulder joints
- Gentle massage of uninflamed joints of the feet and hands
- Occasional use of stronger movements
Overall Improvement in Quality of Life
By promoting better health and well-being, both mentally and physically, geriatric massage promotes a better quality of life overall. If you or a loved one are interested in senior massage, contact Total Health Systems today by calling 9604318997 to schedule an appointment.
A well-done massage can be an incredibly relaxing experience, one that can wash away the tensions of a long day. It is easy to assume that the elderly don’t have the same tensions as the young, but that isn’t true. Senior citizens face a wide variety of mental and emotional problems ranging from loneliness, depression, and isolation. Also, their bodies often carry the ill effects of a lifetime of work and stress.
As massage therapy evolves and becomes more specific, a recent advancement in the field is geriatric massage therapy. This kind of massage is targeted especially at senior citizens. It usually includes 30-minute to hour-long sessions in a facility, a senior citizens’ home, or a residence. The geriatric massage therapist starts by helping the patient to passively stretch his or her shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. Soft massage strokes are then applied to various parts of the body. And the therapist is careful not to press too hard. The therapist may often focus on the back, and the aim is to improve cardiovascular health and circulation.
The benefits of geriatric massage therapy.
the benefits of geriatric massage therapy can be many for a senior citizen. The most immediate benefit is decreasing the stiffness of the body and reducing inflammation. Like all massages, this one too helps with improving blood circulation and posture. This in itself has many related health benefits. And because of this a geriatric massage once a week is an effective preventive therapy. For those citizens who suffer from age-related ailments like arthritis, diabetes, or Parkinson, massage can improve the circulation of lymphatic fluid, providing some relief from these problems.
Yet another, deeper benefit from this massage is immeasurable. The massage helps senior citizens with physical and emotional problems connect with other people. This helps them fight feelings of isolation, restlessness, and uselessness that many of the elderly have. Any good massage therapist develops a strong emotional and physical bond with the patient. And this can greatly benefit the elderly. This sort of physical activity provides older people with emotional and mental support. That can help them live the sunsets of their lives with strength and dignity.
Physical Health Benefits
Conditions that can affect blood circulation, such as heart disease and diabetes, are common in the elderly. Geriatric massage can help to decrease complications of these conditions by increasing blood flow to the extremities. Mobility lost due to arthritis or Parkinson’s may be partially restored as a result of massage therapy. 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
Massage therapy is particularly valuable for the aches and pains associated with growing older. Currently, with the drastic rise in the number of aging baby boomers, many massage therapists are opting to learn massage techniques that are specifically designed to help the elderly achieve mind-body harmony. This age-specific massage is either called senior’s massage or geriatric massage.
Mental Health Benefits of Geriatric Massage
In addition to physical conditions, advanced age can also contribute to mental health issues. Common mental health complaints in elderly patients include depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The gentle manual contact of the geriatric massage therapist can provide a great deal of comfort in elderly patients and help to relieve stress, as well as improve self-esteem. Complete an appointment request online or call us at one of our five convenient locations.
Senior massage doesn’t differ much in technique compared to a massage for regular adults. However, the techniques used must keep in mind that an aging body requires a little extra tender loving care. Specially trained geriatric massage therapists are aware that an elderly body must be positioned carefully on a massage table, compared to a healthy 30-year-old body. Great care is taken in the positioning of an elderly client, and once positioned on the massage table, a senior will rarely ever be asked to move, as is so typical with other types of massage.
Geriatric massage practice.
Senior massage sessions will typically range from 30-minutes to an hour. However, when mobility is an issue for example the client is wheelchair-bound the massage therapist will be forced to adapt. And the massage can take longer. For example, if the client is bound to a wheelchair. The massage therapist will administer massage to the client right in the chair.
Geriatric massage practitioners will often spend more time on the hands and feet of their clients. Especially if the client doesn’t walk or has full use of their hands. In cases such as these, a hand or foot massage can enhance body awareness, and sensation. And circulation in certain parts of an aging body.
The benefits of geriatric massage are numerous. Massage does the usual for seniors by encouraging circulation, and decreasing muscular stiffness. And helping to decrease inflammation that may rest in the joints. However, it also treats so many of the typical conditions that arise with age – such as muscular stiffness, arthritis, skin discoloration, muscle and bone deterioration, tendonitis, bursitis, and respiratory problems such as asthma and emphysema.
Furthermore, the benefits of enjoying the simple pleasure of human touch and company for just a brief period of time are priceless for many lonely and depressed seniors.
Careful massage can help provide the elderly with symptomatic relief.
Careful massage can help provide the elderly with symptomatic relief and enable seniors to extend the vitality in their lives.
Geriatric massage is a growing practice within the field of Massage Therapy. It focuses on the specific needs of the aging population in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of the joints and soft tissue systems of the body. In some cases the objective is to maintain or enhance optimal functioning in healthy soft tissues, at other times, pain relief and specific dysfunction and disease are addressed.
The need for physical touch and its benefits are another important reason why people are using geriatric massage. In general, the field of geriatrics is one of increasing focus as we have more people entering the older adult years than at any time in history. Many services are aimed at meeting the needs of this population with a focus on increasing quality of life.
Geriatric massage can be performed by most massage therapists by modifying their existing techniques and positioning to meet the needs of this population. As massage therapists, we do not diagnose medical conditions and therefore it is very important to work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure that a person is receiving medical care to diagnose any signs and symptoms that are occurring in the older adult years. If you are looking for such a team, you may contact Total Health Systems of Macomb County for a consultation today.
Where I can Get Geriatric Massage And Full Body Massage in Pune?
If you are not familiar with Geriatric Massage. Our Global reach wellness Spa and Panchkarma in Pune is always open for You and Your partner or Family members. You are always welcome.