Geriatric massage is a useful way to aid aging patients in recent scientific research. The Alzheimer's Association suggests that patients with Alzheimer's disease become calmer and more relaxed by using massage.
However, What Is A Geriatric Massage? In this guide, resTORbio will discuss geriatric massaging and how to find a geriatric therapist.
What type of Massage is Geriatric?
Massages can be used as a complementary or alternative therapy. Although they are not part of traditional medicine, massages can be used to manage your health.
Geriatric massages are designed for people of advanced age. When getting a massage, older people need to be aware of certain considerations. When tailoring a massage, a therapist will consider all aspects of aging and individual health conditions.
Geriatric massage is not something that can be done singly. Everybody is unique with different health and fitness.
Geriatric Massage Benefits
Benefits for Physical Health
The elderly are more likely to have blood conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Geriatric massage can reduce the complications of these conditions by increasing blood circulation to the extremities. Massage therapy may partially restore mobility lost from Parkinson's or arthritis. There are also potential physical benefits to senior massage:
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Accelerated healing
- Reduced headache pain
- Better quality and length of sleep
Geriatric massage has mental health benefits.
Beyond physical ailments, advanced age can lead to mental health problems. Depression, anxiety, loneliness are all common mental health problems in the elderly.
Geriatric massage can be a comforting and relaxing experience for elderly patients. It can also help with stress relief and self-esteem. You can request an appointment online or call one of our five convenient locations.
Read more: https://www.judsonsmartliving.org/blog/top-10-health-benefits-of-massage-therapy-for-seniors/
Considerations for Geriatric Massage
To ensure that people over 50 have a safe and enjoyable massage, a therapist will consider several factors.
Health status
When performing a geriatric massage, a therapist will first take into account your overall health. This could include observing your movements and asking questions about your activity level and health.
Remember that as we age, our bodies experience changes in many systems. Your body might be more sensitive to pressure. Your joints may function differently, and your bones and muscles may be more susceptible.
Conditions of health
Before you have a massage, it is important to inform your massage therapist about any medical conditions. This could include chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and circulatory conditions.
This is particularly important if you are advocating for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Before performing a massage, a therapist must be informed of any health conditions.
Medications
Let your massage therapist know if you are taking any medications for health reasons. You can have the massage modified according to the medication.
Skin condition
Your skin's thickness and durability change with age. Your massage therapist will decide how much pressure they can safely apply to your skin. Exercising too much pressure can cause skin irritation or even damage.
Pain threshold
A reduced blood flow, a medical condition, or medication may cause pain experienced differently in older adults.
If you feel unable to feel pain or have increased sensitivity to it, tell your massage therapist. This will help to avoid discomfort or injury.
Temperature regulation
As you age, your tolerance to heat and cold may increase. You may find it difficult to regulate your temperature. Your massage therapist should be aware of your temperature sensitivity so that they can adjust accordingly.
How Do You Find A Geriatric Massage Therapist?
It is crucial to find the right massage therapist for your geriatric massage.
These are just a few ways to find a qualified geriatric massage therapy therapist.
For a recommendation, ask your doctor or the local health center.
Check to see if your long-term residence health facility offers massage services.
You can search the Internet to find massage therapists in your area. To find out if they offer geriatric massages, contact them.
Massage therapists must be licensed in most states. Before you get a massage, confirm the credentials of the therapist.
FAQs
How Often Should Seniors Receive Massages?
Eight weeks of massage therapy was compared to a waiting-list control for 68 people aged 55-75 with radiographically confirmed OA. For the first four weeks, participants received an hour-long massage once per week. Then, they were given a second weekly massage for the fourth and final four weeks.
What Are The Benefits of Drinking Water After A Massage Treatment?
After a massage, it is recommended to drink water. Water will aid the kidneys and other organs in processing the different substances that move throughout the body regularly. Many toxins are released, so it is important to flush them out.
Read more: https://www.painscience.com/articles/drinking-water-after-massage.php
Why Is Body Massage So Good?
A full-body massage can help release tightness and pain from the body. It also makes your body more flexible. It can also help relieve tiredness, and pain and rejuvenate your body. Deep tissue massage is a great choice. It increases blood flow, reduces joint swelling, and loosens torn tissues.
Related posts:
Conclusion
It is important to find ways to help our elderly maintain their health, vitality, and well-being. To improve quality of life and reduce stress, massage for seniors is becoming more popular.
Many massage therapists have been trained to be able to help this growing population. You might consider adding geriatric massages to your existing massage offerings or recommending geriatric treatments to a loved one.
Video:
