Massage therapy will be able to assist in comfort, movement, and wellbeing as you age. Massage can become a safe and useful component to your care regime when it is tailored to your health requirements by a trained professional.
Why Seniors Use Massage Therapy
Most older adults have been using massage as a form of coping with pain, remaining active, and being relaxed. These advantages will rely on non-violent methods, effective communication and knowledge about age-related disorders.
Physical Benefits of Massage for Older AdultsPain Management
In later life, chronic pains are usual, they are usually associated with arthritis or osteoporosis or muscle tension. Light massage may decrease muscle contraction, alleviate joint pain, and assist in reducing swelling. This can help to make daily activities including walking, sleeping or dressing easier.
Improved Blood Flow
Aging may decrease circulation resulting in swelling of legs and delayed recovery. Massage enhances blood circulation, which aids in delivering oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues. Improved circulation promotes recovery and well-being of tissues.
Increased Movement and Flexibility
Tense muscles and joints may restrict bending, reaching, and standing up. Massage acts immediately on the muscles and tissue that is around them to eliminate the stiffness. This has the potential to enhance flexibility, range of motion and confidence of daily activities.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Massage offers a physical touch that is reassuring to the mind to ease stress and anxiety. Most elderly people feel lonely or in a poor mood. Practicing massage regularly may help in the process of relaxation, better sleep, and the overall feeling.
Is Massage Therapy Safe for Seniors?
Massage therapy is safe to most of the older adults when the treatment matches the health needs of an individual. The safety is related to your medical history, existing states, and methods.
Light to moderate relaxation and other relieving massage are generally beneficial to the majority of the elderly. Special attention is required in some cases.
- With osteoporosis, it is necessary to have very light pressure to have less risk of injury.
- Some techniques may be contraindicated by circulation conditions including deep vein thrombosis.
- The skin of a thin person is easier to bruise and requires a gentler treatment.
- dental specialist or GP may have to approve long-term medical conditions.
An adequate evaluation contributes to safety. At GM Physiotherapy, the individual review is done to every client prior to the commencement of treatment.
Important Steps Before Starting Massage
If you are considering massage therapy, follow these steps.
- Consult your GP, physiotherapist or specialist.
- Select a geriatric therapist.
- Start with softer and shorter sessions and pressure.
- Raise concerns during treatment in case of pain or discomfort.
- Combine physiotherapy or osteopathy with massage as a part of a broader treatment approach.
How Massage Fits With Physiotherapy and Osteopathy
Massage is compatible with other interventions that help people to stay active and independent. Physiotherapy lays emphasis on strength, recovery and movement. Osteopathy examines the body balance and joint functionality. Massage helps both to relieve the tension in the muscles and to bring about comfort with movement.
In GM Physiotherapy Gold Coast, massage helps the seniors to remain active and independent.
A Practical Option for Senior Care
When applied in a caring manner and using professional advice, massage therapy can assist older adults in achieving physical comfort and emotional wellbeing. The advantages can be pain relief, increased circulation, increased mobility, and decreased stress.
There are varied needs for every senior. Individualized evaluation of treatment makes it safe and effective. At GM Physiotherapy, the planning of your care is done by us taking time to know about your health, medical history, and lifestyle.
Contact me in case you are considering a massage either on yourself or a loved one. Our focus is on individualised care at the Gold Coast and even in-home visit services that are aimed at assisting in comfort, mobility and life quality.