subject: Rejuvenate Your Body But Also Increase Well Being By Way Of An Invigorating Geriatric Massage [print this page] Geriatric massage - the gentle massaging of soft tissues to relieve pain, increase range of motion and improve blood circulation - was especially designed to meet the unique needs of the elderly. The technique can include active or passive manipulation of the joints as well.
While the main goal of geriatric 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 geriatric massage therapy - particularly in the shoulders - to improve flexibility.
Geriatric massage has also been proven to aid in the treatment of:
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 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. Geriatric massage 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.
Deep tissue work and penetrating massage techniques are not suitable for many geriatric clients, because these techniques can cause pain and bruising. Elderly bodies also experience more stiffness and joint problems, which must be taken into account when working with the elderly. The skin of older people is very fragile, requiring the use of massage oil or lotion and gentle geriatric massage techniques to avoid tearing or irritation. During a geriatric massage, the therapist continually watches for signs that the client might be experiencing pain or discomfort so they can adjust the pressure being used.
Sometimes, lightly brushing the skin is enough, while in other cases slow circular massage strokes may be used.
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.
