Massage therapy can help seniors and improve their general health and quality of life. As people get older, they often face different physical and mental problems. Massage can be a helpful way to deal with these problems. In this piece, we’ll talk about the benefits of massage for seniors, the different types of good for them, and ways to help seniors feel comfortable getting a massage. Seniors get what they need with support from elder care and loved ones.
Why Is Massage Good For Seniors?
Massage offers many benefits, but seniors might be wary of trying this essential self-care activity. However, with support from the elder care team and loved ones, they can learn why massage is critical and how to feel more comfortable with the idea.
- Pain Relief: Conditions like arthritis, stiff joints, or muscle stress can cause chronic pain in older people. Massage therapy can help with these problems by easing muscle tension, improving blood flow, and making people feel more relaxed.
- Improved Movement: Stiffness and less movement with aging can limit what seniors can do physically. Regular massages can help seniors become more flexible and improve their range of motion, which makes it easier for them to move around and stay independent.
- Stress Reduction: Many things can cause stress for seniors, such as health problems, losing loved ones, and being alone. Massage can help them feel less stressed and more relaxed, which is good for their mental and emotional health.
- Better Circulation: Massage improves blood flow and lymphatic flow, which can be especially helpful for seniors with circulation problems. Healing can go faster and less likely to go wrong when circulation improves.
- Better Sleep: Seniors often have trouble sleeping, but massage can help improve the quality of their sleep by making them less anxious and more relaxed. The elder care team can encourage them to try self-massage techniques and create an effective sleep plan.
What Are the Different Massage Types?
- Swedish Massage: Swedish massage is a gentle, relaxing massage with long, gliding strokes, kneading, and light taps. It’s great for seniors who want to relax and relieve stress.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massage is more intense than other types of massage, but it can help adults with chronic muscle pain and tension. Whoever is doing the massage will pressure certain muscle knots to eliminate them.
- Hot Stone Massage: In a hot stone massage, heated, smooth stones are put on certain body parts to ease muscle tension and relax them. It’s a good choice for seniors who want to relax deeply.
- Chair massage: Massages in a chair are useful for seniors who may have trouble moving around. They are done standing up, and the neck, shoulders, and back are the main areas of attention. The elder care team can help with this type of massage and ensure seniors are supported.
Helping Seniors Be Comfortable With Massage
Getting a massage can make anyone nervous if they’ve never had one. The best thing to do is explain the process, including what kinds of massage are available. Once seniors are comfortable with this part, the elder care team and loved ones can help them find a massage therapist who is qualified and experienced in working with seniors. Seniors can benefit from massage when they feel supported by the elder care team and their loved ones.
Sources:
https://www.miamijewishhealth.org/blog/senior-health-wellness/health-benefits-of-massage
https://training.mmlearn.org/blog/the-power-of-touch-massage-for-seniors
https://www.amtamassage.org/publications/massage-therapy-journal/massage-for-elderly/
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Castle Pines, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
