6 Benefits Seniors Recieve from Massage Therapy

As we grow older, our bodies begin slowing down. As we experience some of the pain and stiffness that comes with aging, it may be challenging to stay involved with all the physical activities you enjoy. Chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or ailments like Parkinson’s disease make the challenge even harder. However, staying physically active is vital for seniors because regular exercise can help improve mobility, flexibility, and even your mental health.

Massage Therapy for Seniors has Positive Effects:

1- Decreases Pain Due to Osteoarthritis

A study showed that seniors who utilized massage as part of their treatment for osteoarthritis had less pain and stiffness and improved physical function over the course of a few months.

2- Improves Sleep Habits & Quality of Sleep

Seniors who receive weekly massages report sleeping more deeply and for longer lengths of time. This results in an overall feeling of better health as the body is being allowed more time to repair itself.

3- Decreases Agitation Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

Studies have shown that slow-stroke back massage on Alzheimer’s patients helps alleviate some of the agitation expressions that come with the disease, like wandering, pacing, and resisting.

4- Helps in Alleviating Depression

Touch has been proven to provide comfort to the elderly- especially since so many of them are deprived of it- which can help improve mental health.

5- Improves Physical & Mental Relaxation

Massage has been shown to decrease the unhealthy buildup of cortisol, known as the “stress hormone,” in the body, allowing the body to enter a rest and rejuvenation period.

6- Quicker Healing from Injuries or Illnesses

As we age, our joints and muscles tend to tighten, which can make it more difficult to heal from an injury because our range of motion is restricted. Massage therapy keeps muscles, connective tissues, joints, tendons, and ligaments more fluid and even less injury-prone in the long run.

Massage Therapy for Seniors

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, approximately 9 million people over age 55 had a total of 39 million messages in 2014 alone, mainly for medical purposes. Massage therapy for seniors can be an effective, non-invasive way to help alleviate some of the symptoms of many age-related conditions, especially when used to complement traditional medical services. With regular massage, seniors can experience an improved quality of life, increased energy levels, and feel younger and healthier overall.

Massage therapy benefits the entire body. It helps ease joint and muscle pain, and can even reduce the increased levels of stress that tend to come with aging. The massage techniques utilized for seniors include lighter, gentle stroking and kneading as well as application of pressure to specific points on the body. Even the most gentle massage has proven effects on the nervous system and blood circulation, two of the most vulnerable systems of the body that feel the effects of aging.

A typical massage for a senior usually involves a short session lasting around thirty minutes. Soothing hand motions help improve blood circulation, especially in diabetic feet, and relieve muscle tension while relaxing the body and mind.

Try incorporating massage into your healthcare routine to see what benefits and relief you begin to experience yourself.

Source

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