Massage is a safe and natural way to improve the quality of life for seniors. For thoughtful, compassionate massage therapists, this can be both rewarding and challenging.
Massage therapy can help people maintain strength and mobility as they age, strengthening muscles and bones in the process. By increasing blood flow to limbs, massage therapy helps people stay mobile.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Studies have demonstrated that massage reduces stress and anxiety in psychiatric patients, cancer patients, sick children, the elderly, and healthy adults alike. It flushes out cortisol from the bloodstream in favor of positive hormones like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.
A study conducted on 75 patients randomly assigned to receive either a 20-minute massage before their surgical procedure or treatment as usual (TAU) revealed that those in the massage therapy (MT) group experienced lower pain and tension scores, lower anxiety scores, as well as an overall lower VAS score after each session.
Improves Sleep
Massage therapy is an effective way to enhance sleep quality. It reduces stress and promotes circulation in order to get your body ready for a restful night's rest.
Elderly individuals may struggle with getting enough sleep as they age, particularly those suffering from chronic pain, dementia, or other health issues.
According to one study, hand massage combined with a warm hand bath improved sleep efficiency and subjective relaxation in elderly women suffering from insomnia.
Massage has been known to have a beneficial effect on stress reduction, serotonin levels in the brain, and dopamine production and dopamine receptors - neurotransmitters important in helping the body regulate mood regulation.
Increases Flexibility
Massage therapy can promote flexibility through a variety of physiological effects. These include increased tissue temperature, vasodilation, lymphatic drainage, endorphin release, and improved tissue elasticity.
Flexibility is a crucial element in avoiding injury and pain due to restricted movement. Being able to stretch and move normally without feeling restricted or uncomfortable can significantly reduce the risk of injuries, arthritis, and chronic joint problems.
Tight muscles can restrict flexibility and cause pain, disrupting movement and posture. That is why massage therapists utilize techniques to loosen and relax the muscles.
Massage can address tightness in muscle fibers by applying moderate pressure strokes to realign groups of fibers. Additionally, tightness within the fascia, or layer of connective tissue surrounding muscles, may also be addressed through massage techniques.
Helps with Pain Management
Chronic pain can be one of the most frustrating and demanding experiences an elderly person must endure. Not only does it impact their mental well-being, but it makes it harder to sleep at night, creating a great deal of stress as well.
Massage helps alleviate pain by improving circulation and tissue elasticity. An inadequate flow of blood can lead to various health issues like peripheral artery disease, blood clotting, and diabetes.
Increased tissue elasticity can also benefit performance, flexibility, and range of motion for older individuals whose muscles and bones may be weaker or more fragile.
Massage is an efficient and safe way for seniors to manage their pain and prevent chronic conditions from returning. Not only does it reduce symptoms, but it may also lower a senior's risk of falling and improve overall well-being.