subject: Rejuvenate Your Body But Also Promote Healing By Way Of A Relaxing Geriatric Massage [print this page] 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.
Some of the other ways that geriatric massage can benefit you:
Reduce the effects of diabetes and other diseases by increasing blood circulation;
Eliminate toxic substances from the body by improving lymphatic flow;
Reduce the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety;
Enhance posture, flexibility and balance;
Battle the effects of arthritis, such as pain and limited joint mobility;
Provide better overall sleep.
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.
Other massage techniques (such as the Swedish massage) can cause pain and bruising ... therefore they are not recommended for the elderly. Geriatric massage 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 must pay 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 the geriatric massage to nourish their clients' delicate skin and enhance the experience.
While geriatric massage is gaining acceptance in the medical community, keep in mind that geriatric massage therapy is not meant to be a replacement for your current medical treatment or exercise program. Elderly bodies tend to be more delicate and geriatric massage is very gentle, rarely causing any adverse side effects. If you are currently seeking treatment for a specific health condition, you should receive permission from your physician before proceeding with any type of massage therapy.
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.
