How Geriatric Massages Can Help Adults Like You

Like it or not, everyone most especially working adults constantly face high-pressure challenges in their everyday lives that could result in stress and tensions. While all of them may not be anxious about the demands they encounter at work, it is without question that some if not most senior professionals have mental and emotional baggage that is sometimes associated with illnesses, depression, and feeling lonely. According to the data gathered by the American Psychological Association and the American Institute of Stress, among the primary sources of stress include financial and relationship status as well as health and lack of sleep.

Consequently, in order to escape the arduous demands of everyday life, most senior individuals resort to massage to prevent negative ill-effects on their bodies which could sometimes lead to diseases. To further help them, massage experts have developed a remedy termed as the geriatric massage therapy, which is specially crafted to cater to the senior population. By general definition, a geriatric massage is a type of massage which involves the usage of hands to accurately maneuver the soft tissues of the body and uplift range of motion as well as enhance the circulation of blood and ease off the pain.

It is also more than likely that active and passive movements of the joints are performed during geriatric massage therapy. This is an excellent technique to help people who are suffering from age-related ailments such as heart attacks, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis as it can help sustain and upraise their overall health. In addition, it can also aid them in regaining essential physical functions that have been minimized or absent as a result of poor blood circulation, aging, and inadequate physical activity.

How Geriatric Massage Therapy Works?

Normally, a geriatric massage therapy lasts from a span of 30 to 60 minutes and can be performed in a massage facility or at the comfort of the client’s home. Other than the use of hands, the specific therapy also incorporates the reclining of the arms, shoulders, feet, and the legs as well as a mixture of strokes that are employed into the person’s body. What makes a geriatric massage therapy quite different than the traditional session is that it primarily concentrates on the strokes that are specifically applied to compliment the aging muscles, skin, and joints.

By the same token, it also adopts the occasional use of firmer actions that include pressure strokes and friction, which are utilized to massage the shoulders and further enhance flaccidity. It is, however, worth noting that a geriatric massage should not be employed as a substitute for workout programs or medical treatments. Moreover, it is highly advised that the said massage therapy should not be given to senior clients who are coming from recent surgery or suffering from swollen and broken bones as well as severe acute pain and certain types of cancer.

Additionally, senior individuals with a history of blood clots should also be denied geriatric massages since it might dislodge clots that could possibly travel to the lungs as a result of the massage. Simply put, not every massage therapist can carry out this kind of massage as it not only requires a deep knowledge or specialty about the field but also a need to properly understand the mindset and wants of elderly individuals. Typically, therapists who have taken a plunge into this field went an extra mile to acquire massage tips that are done for senior individuals experiencing a limited range of movements and particularized diseases.

At present, an approximate number of 58 school programs in the United States that are accredited by the Commission for Massage Therapy Accreditation/Approval. On a minimal basis, these said school institutions provide at least 500 hours of in-depth massage training. Above all, these institutions also require therapists to take part in the continuing education programs to not only refresh their knowledge but also learn new techniques and keep their skills current.

Pointers for Therapists Who Are Working With Seniors

As methodical as it sounds, there are distinctive techniques and tips that are employed when dealing with a diversified group of people. With that said, here are some helpful techniques that every massage therapist should utilize when taking care of senior individuals.

• While it may not seem like a reach, it is best to offer clients help when preparing for a massage most especially if they have a limited range of motion. Certain things that a massage therapist can do include assisting the client in climbing up and down on the massage table or dressing and undressing.
• Apart from that, it is also best to ask for the client’s preference to make sure that they are comfortable. Moreover, massage therapists should likewise pay close attention to their facial expressions and body languages in order to determine whether to apply soft or hard pressure.
• In addition, it is also advisable to let them decide on their positioning during the massage session as some might be experiencing breathing problems or muscle swelling.
• On top of that, every therapist who will be performing the geriatric massage should start massaging the feet before working their way upwards. Likewise, it is most desirable to only make use of soft techniques in order to prevent shiners or any discolorations.

Benefits of Geriatric Massage

Similar to other kinds of massage, a geriatric massage is also gentrified with a plethora of health and physical benefits. Among its upsides include its ability to minimize body swelling and stiffness as well as enhance lymph circulation. This is especially important for adults who are in danger of suffering diabetes as it prevents complications such as gangrene and leg ulcers.

Aside from its capability to increase blood circulation, geriatric massages can further help adults in alleviating headaches and migraines, reducing anxiety, depression, and stress, enhancing immunity function, and most especially accumulating a physical and mental balance.

Furthermore, it also helps in injury recovery as well as aids them in cultivating correct and improved posture. In addition to everything else, a geriatric massage promotes good overall well-being for adults. Thus, if you’re a senior who is advised by the doctor to opt for geriatric massages, you can simply book a massage nearby. You can experience the wonderful benefits of this alternative therapeutic form.