subject: Combat Stress But Also Fight Pain By Means Of An Invigorating 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.
Normally limited to about 30 minutes (so as not to overextend the health restrictions of the client), geriatric massage sessions usually begin with the gentle massaging of the hands and feet. Stiffness and pain in the feet, shoulders, and legs is addressed with a soothing stretching motion by the massage therapist. Depending on the health and comfort level of the client, at times the therapist may use pressure that is a bit more intense to increase flexibility that is required in the shoulders and back.
Geriatric massage also helps to:
*Diabetes and other similar diseases;
*The elimination of potentially harmful toxins;
*Symptoms related to depression and anxiety;
*Improving flexibility and balance;
*Pain and limited mobility from arthritis;
*Irregular sleep habits.
As people age, they become prone to a variety of diseases such as Parkinson's, arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. These conditions often result in poor blood circulation and limited physical activity. Many in this age group also experience depression, loneliness and anxiety. Geriatric massage therapy can address all of these afflictions while enhancing the feeling of overall well-being.
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.
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.
