subject: Increase Mobility With A Geriatric Massage [print this page] Geriatric massage therapy was designed to meet the specific needs of the elderly. It involves the gentle manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and increase range of motion. Geriatric massage often includes passive or active movement of the joints as well.
The geriatric massage session - which is typically limited to 30 minutes - consists of gentle rubbing of the feet and hands and the soothing stretching of feet, legs and shoulders to prevent stiffness and relieve pain. At times - depending on the client - a massage therapist may incorporate slightly stronger pressure into the geriatric massage treatment, particularly in the areas of the shoulders and back to improve flexibility.
Geriatric massage has also been proven to aid in the treatment of:
* 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.
With the aging process, also comes an increased vulnerability to diseases, including but not limited to: diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease and arthritis. Geriatric massage can alleviate the symptoms of these ailments, as well as the depression, anxiety and loneliness felt by many people in this age group. Add to that an increase in physical activity, better blood circulation and a sounder overall sense of well-being, and you have the perfect solution for a healthy senior.
Some of the more intense massage techniques - such as the Swedish massage - involve movements that can cause pain and bruising; these methods are not advisable for geriatric clients. Another consideration when providing geriatric massage therapy is the fact that after a certain age, a person experiences increased joint stiffness, so a massage therapist must monitor his/her client to insure that the method being used is not causing any discomfort. If the therapist does notice any sign of pain, he/she will immediately change their method of massage, possibly from slow circular strokes to a light brushing over the skin. During a geriatric massage, your therapist may also choose to use lotions or oils to deal with the fragility of their patient's skin.
While the medical community is embracing geriatric massage therapy, they warn that it is meant to complement any existing treatment ... not replace it. Therefore - even though geriatric massage is a gentle and non-evasive procedure with no known side effects - it should not be entered into without the advice of your family doctor. And as is with all treatments designed to maintain a healthy body ... the more you participate, the more you will benefit.
One more thing ... because elderly people often feel like they are all alone, one of the major factors in the popularity of geriatric massage therapy is the use of touch therapy, which is believed to strengthen both the physical and mental well being of its clients. Touch therapy - by way of geriatric massage - has been proven to ease the effects of feeling isolated such as depression, anxiety and stress, as well as boosting the immune system, reducing aches and pains and minimizing stress.
