10 Ways A Massage Helps The Elderly
By Lea Johnson [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lea_Johnson]
When I massaged my seventy-three year old father's feet he said, "I need this everyday for the rest of my life!" Seniors everywhere can benefit greatly from Geriatric Massage Therapy. The upsides to seniors getting massage are endless but below are many of the more commonly known and observed benefits.
Elderly Massage Therapy:
1. Increased circulation of Blood and Lymph. Massage therapy already has the wonderful benefit of increasing the circulation of blood and lymph on a regular person, imagine how it can help a senior who may be less active or physically limited.
2. Stronger Immune System. Massage therapy has been shown to improve and strengthen the immune system. Many seniors can be vulnerable due to weaker immune systems and therapeutic touch has been shown to be very effective.
3. Muscle Stiffness. As you age, the muscles become stiffer and need to constantly be stretched out. Massage therapy helps with stiffness and painful conditions due to aging. Keeping muscles more limber helps to prevent injury
4. Less Inflammation in Joints. Massage therapy helps to reduce the inflammation in joints due to the increased circulation of lymph. Lymph fluid carries away the products of inflammation and other toxic debris out of the body.
5. Reduces Anxiety and Depression. Seniors respond very well to massage as it helps to fulfill the need for caring human touch. Getting massage on a regular basis can greatly reduce and get symptoms of anxiety and depression under control.
6. Improved Range of Motion. Seniors can improve their range of motion when getting Massage therapy that incorporates passive stretching and range of motion. The passive movements help seniors to get a better stretch than they can get on their own.
7. Better Attitude. There's nothing like healing touch to perk up someone that needs a little lift. Seniors who get massage therapy on a regular basis have a better outlook on life than those who have no physical contact with others.
8. Improved Alzheimer's and Dementia Symptoms. Therapeutic massage has been shown to improve symptoms of both Alzheimer's and Dementia by reducing agitation and quieting some the symptoms related to both.
9. Greatly Improved Balance and Agility. Therapeutic massage helps to bring awareness to the body of the elderly helping to improve balance, coordination and agility.
10. Controls Blood Pressure and Heart Rate. Since massage therapy helps to lower blood pressure through accessing the Autonomic Nervous System, It's a great alternate way to control the heart rate. Regular massage helps with this by reducing stress levels in seniors.
Elderly Massage Therapy:
Seniors love to be touched and many are starved for regular caring touch. If you've ever considered giving geriatric massage, I can tell you that you'll have a very enthusiastic audience. Anyone still in massage school should consider giving senior massages as a wonderful and rewarding student project. Also, this would be a very special and unique area of focus for someone to practice in.
Lea Johnson has been a practicing licensed massage therapist for almost two decades. She is now thrilled to share her no-nonsense advice to other licensed massage practitioners to help them find their own way into their practice or improve the one they have. http://www.greatmassagetips.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?10-Ways-A-Massage-Helps-The-Elderly&id=6779551] 10 Ways A Massage Helps The Elderly
Showing posts with label Geriatric massage therapy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Geriatric massage therapy. Show all posts
Geriatric Massage Therapy - Physical and Emotional Well Being For the Elderly
Geriatric Massage - Physical and Emotional Well Being For the Elderly
By John Barret [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Barret]
Geriatric massage, which utilizes the same basic techniques as traditional massage therapy, was especially designed for the elderly and their unique needs. This type of massage includes the gentle massage of soft tissues (and sometimes passive or active manipulation of the joints), proven to improve circulation and increase flexibility. Massage therapy for the elderly addresses the same health conditions as other techniques and utilizes the same methods, but with a much gentler touch.
Elderly Massage Therapy:
While the main goal of this type of massage is basic relaxation and stress relief, it has also proven to be beneficial in fighting the symptoms of aging. The session usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes and includes gentle stretching of legs, feet and shoulders as well as gentle massaging of the hands and feet to relieve pain and prevent stiffness. Stronger movements are sometimes incorporated into massage therapy - particularly in the shoulders - to improve flexibility.
Geriatric massage also helps to:
- Increases blood circulation to reduce the effects of diabetes and other diseases;
-Improves lymphatic flow to aid in the elimination of toxic substances from the body;
-Combats the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression;
- Improves balance, posture and flexibility;
- Reduces arthritic pain and increases joint mobility;
- Improves quality of sleep.
As we age, we become more susceptible to such illnesses as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Many elderly people also tend to feel anxiety, loneliness and/or depression. Massages for the elderly can lessen the symptoms of such conditions and in doing so, improve blood circulation, increase one's level of physical activity and provide an overall greater sense of well-being.
Other massage techniques (such as the Swedish massage) can cause pain and bruising... therefore they are not recommended for the elderly. The massage therapist takes into account the fact that as we get older, we experience more stiffness in our joints and a lower threshold for pain, so the therapist pays special attention to any discomfort that the client may be experiencing so he/she can adjust their technique to make the client feel more comfortable. A lot of massage therapists choose to use creams, lotions or oils for this type of massage to nourish their clients' delicate skin and enhance the experience.
Elderly Massage Therapy:
More and more doctors everywhere are beginning to accept geriatric massage therapy... but as an addition to other required treatment...not as a substitute. Although geriatric massage has few known side effects and is a very gentle procedure, if you or someone you know is considering geriatric massage therapy, be sure to speak with your primary care physician before proceeding. And remember that as with any other type of medical procedure, continuity is key. The more you participate, the greater the benefits you'll enjoy.
Several studies have also supported the idea that touch therapy - such as that provided by geriatric massage therapy - can have a very positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of the elderly. And because elderly people often feel very isolated and alone, a geriatric massage program can help ease depression, stress, and other emotions related to their isolation. Touch - via geriatric massage therapy - can also stimulate circulation, boost the immune system, and ease the aches and pains which plague many elderly bodies.
For more information click on [http://alisoviejo.expertmassagetherapy.com/post/2010/03/11/Aliso-Viejo-CA-Geriatric-Massage.aspx]geriatric massage
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Geriatric-Massage---Physical-and-Emotional-Well-Being-For-the-Elderly&id=4043665] Geriatric Massage - Physical and Emotional Well Being For the Elderly
By John Barret [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Barret]
Geriatric massage, which utilizes the same basic techniques as traditional massage therapy, was especially designed for the elderly and their unique needs. This type of massage includes the gentle massage of soft tissues (and sometimes passive or active manipulation of the joints), proven to improve circulation and increase flexibility. Massage therapy for the elderly addresses the same health conditions as other techniques and utilizes the same methods, but with a much gentler touch.
Elderly Massage Therapy:
While the main goal of this type of massage is basic relaxation and stress relief, it has also proven to be beneficial in fighting the symptoms of aging. The session usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes and includes gentle stretching of legs, feet and shoulders as well as gentle massaging of the hands and feet to relieve pain and prevent stiffness. Stronger movements are sometimes incorporated into massage therapy - particularly in the shoulders - to improve flexibility.
Geriatric massage also helps to:
- Increases blood circulation to reduce the effects of diabetes and other diseases;
-Improves lymphatic flow to aid in the elimination of toxic substances from the body;
-Combats the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression;
- Improves balance, posture and flexibility;
- Reduces arthritic pain and increases joint mobility;
- Improves quality of sleep.
As we age, we become more susceptible to such illnesses as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and Parkinson's disease. Many elderly people also tend to feel anxiety, loneliness and/or depression. Massages for the elderly can lessen the symptoms of such conditions and in doing so, improve blood circulation, increase one's level of physical activity and provide an overall greater sense of well-being.
Other massage techniques (such as the Swedish massage) can cause pain and bruising... therefore they are not recommended for the elderly. The massage therapist takes into account the fact that as we get older, we experience more stiffness in our joints and a lower threshold for pain, so the therapist pays special attention to any discomfort that the client may be experiencing so he/she can adjust their technique to make the client feel more comfortable. A lot of massage therapists choose to use creams, lotions or oils for this type of massage to nourish their clients' delicate skin and enhance the experience.
Elderly Massage Therapy:
More and more doctors everywhere are beginning to accept geriatric massage therapy... but as an addition to other required treatment...not as a substitute. Although geriatric massage has few known side effects and is a very gentle procedure, if you or someone you know is considering geriatric massage therapy, be sure to speak with your primary care physician before proceeding. And remember that as with any other type of medical procedure, continuity is key. The more you participate, the greater the benefits you'll enjoy.
Several studies have also supported the idea that touch therapy - such as that provided by geriatric massage therapy - can have a very positive impact on the mental and physical well-being of the elderly. And because elderly people often feel very isolated and alone, a geriatric massage program can help ease depression, stress, and other emotions related to their isolation. Touch - via geriatric massage therapy - can also stimulate circulation, boost the immune system, and ease the aches and pains which plague many elderly bodies.
For more information click on [http://alisoviejo.expertmassagetherapy.com/post/2010/03/11/Aliso-Viejo-CA-Geriatric-Massage.aspx]geriatric massage
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Geriatric-Massage---Physical-and-Emotional-Well-Being-For-the-Elderly&id=4043665] Geriatric Massage - Physical and Emotional Well Being For the Elderly
What is Geriatric Massage Suitable for the Elderly?
What Is a Geriatric Massage?
By Layne Emerson [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Layne_Emerson]
A geriatric massage or also known as elderly massage is the type of massage therapy suitable for the elders. This type of massage therapy is specially designed and developed for treating problems that are common on the elderly people. Adding this therapeutic massage on the regular medical care of the elderly can improve their health, boost their immune system, and relieve stress and fatigue.
A geriatric massage is designed not only for unhealthy seniors but for all individuals in that age group. As we age, many disease symptoms begin to show and take over our health. Many of the elders in our society are suffering from all sorts of diseases, body pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and many other problems both physical and emotional. However, elderly massage can help lessen the effects of these health conditions and improve the overall health of the body and mind. This technique is effective in soothing the body, relieving muscle pain, releasing stress and tension, improving circulation, and many more. Blood pressure is also lowered or stabilized after enjoying this therapeutic massage.
Elderly massage therapy:
This type of massage therapy incorporates some of the basic massage strokes used in Swedish massage into something better for the older individuals. Effleurage, petrissage, and friction are some of the basic forms of massage strokes used during a Swedish massage therapy. All of these massage techniques used by the therapist should be conducted with gentle pressure. Aside from the light strokes used during therapies, the therapist should also always ask the patient regarding how he or she feels during the massage. In case there is discomfort from the patient, the massage therapy should be discontinued.
Elderly massage therapy:
While sleep is very important, old people tend to have difficulties in getting quality sleep. A geriatric massage does a great job in improving the sleep quality and creates a better sleeping pattern. Sleep recharges the body and gives it its required energy to properly go on with their lifestyle. In case sleep is withheld or lack of sleep occurs, anxiety and depression among the elderly population settles in. This emotional problem in the long run will result to medical conditions after medical conditions if not treated during its early signs and symptoms.
Conditions such as bruising, broken bones, fragile bones, open bed sores, varicose veins, certain types of cancers, and some other conditions should be informed to the therapist prior to the massage therapy as individuals with these problems should never get this massage. The doctor's recommendation, advice, or opinions should be followed by the seniors to avoid running into problems especially in their age where recovery is quite hard to achieve.
Elderly massage therapy:
The duration of this massage therapy should not exceed 30 minutes as the body of the elderly can't take too much activity. Regular sessions of this natural treatment can help the seniors to treat and reduce the risks of getting Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, problems related to sleep, headaches, and many more. The elderly people can benefit from this wonderful therapy as it does not require them to use drugs, needles, or surgeries to treat such problems.
I write for TIR Massage Stone about performing hot stone massage therapy and obtaining a proper [http://www.tirmassagestone.com] hot stone massage kit.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-a-Geriatric-Massage?&id=6360042] What Is a Geriatric Massage?
By Layne Emerson [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Layne_Emerson]
A geriatric massage or also known as elderly massage is the type of massage therapy suitable for the elders. This type of massage therapy is specially designed and developed for treating problems that are common on the elderly people. Adding this therapeutic massage on the regular medical care of the elderly can improve their health, boost their immune system, and relieve stress and fatigue.
A geriatric massage is designed not only for unhealthy seniors but for all individuals in that age group. As we age, many disease symptoms begin to show and take over our health. Many of the elders in our society are suffering from all sorts of diseases, body pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and many other problems both physical and emotional. However, elderly massage can help lessen the effects of these health conditions and improve the overall health of the body and mind. This technique is effective in soothing the body, relieving muscle pain, releasing stress and tension, improving circulation, and many more. Blood pressure is also lowered or stabilized after enjoying this therapeutic massage.
Elderly massage therapy:
This type of massage therapy incorporates some of the basic massage strokes used in Swedish massage into something better for the older individuals. Effleurage, petrissage, and friction are some of the basic forms of massage strokes used during a Swedish massage therapy. All of these massage techniques used by the therapist should be conducted with gentle pressure. Aside from the light strokes used during therapies, the therapist should also always ask the patient regarding how he or she feels during the massage. In case there is discomfort from the patient, the massage therapy should be discontinued.
Elderly massage therapy:
While sleep is very important, old people tend to have difficulties in getting quality sleep. A geriatric massage does a great job in improving the sleep quality and creates a better sleeping pattern. Sleep recharges the body and gives it its required energy to properly go on with their lifestyle. In case sleep is withheld or lack of sleep occurs, anxiety and depression among the elderly population settles in. This emotional problem in the long run will result to medical conditions after medical conditions if not treated during its early signs and symptoms.
Conditions such as bruising, broken bones, fragile bones, open bed sores, varicose veins, certain types of cancers, and some other conditions should be informed to the therapist prior to the massage therapy as individuals with these problems should never get this massage. The doctor's recommendation, advice, or opinions should be followed by the seniors to avoid running into problems especially in their age where recovery is quite hard to achieve.
Elderly massage therapy:
The duration of this massage therapy should not exceed 30 minutes as the body of the elderly can't take too much activity. Regular sessions of this natural treatment can help the seniors to treat and reduce the risks of getting Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, problems related to sleep, headaches, and many more. The elderly people can benefit from this wonderful therapy as it does not require them to use drugs, needles, or surgeries to treat such problems.
I write for TIR Massage Stone about performing hot stone massage therapy and obtaining a proper [http://www.tirmassagestone.com] hot stone massage kit.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-a-Geriatric-Massage?&id=6360042] What Is a Geriatric Massage?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)