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Massage for Seniors

 

 

 

Is massage therapy good for seniors?

As we get older, we tend to lose some of our flexibility and we start to think thoughts such as "I just can't reach as high as I used to." Along with less flexibility, our muscles and tendons aren't getting stretched as much as they did when we were younger, so they tend to get even tighter over time.

One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy for seniors is that the manipulation of the soft tissue by a professional massage therapist can help bring more circulation into the muscles and tendons manually. After getting a massage, it's common to notice that you have more ability to stretch than you thought you ever would again.

Can massage therapy help my arthritis?

According to Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, for people suffering with arthritis, massage therapy can assist in pain management and help increase their range of motion. It's been found that massage also triggers a natural joint lubrication--something very important for arthritis sufferers.

It's unfortunate that, for many people, the only option they are given by their physician for pain management is another pharmaceutical. With the serious side effects that are being made public now, these just aren't the best solution to our health confitions. Thankfully, massage therapy has shown to be an effective and natural solution to the ailments associated with the process of aging.


Will massage help me to sleep better?

Massage therapy has been shown to help increase strength, muscle coordination, and posture by reducing muscle tension. And with less muscle tension, massage can assist seniors in getting a higher quality of sleep. It's that better night's sleep that gives us more energy during the daytime, resulting in a more rewarding quality of life.

Do I need my physician's approval to get a massage?

Since there are many medications and health conditions that may make it unadvisable to get a massage, it's best to discuss your intention to get a massage with your physician first. He or she will give you approval based on the medications you're taking and the health conditions you have. I rarely hear of a physician not approving massage therapy because most physicians understand how beneficial it can be without the serious side effects of other treatment options.

How often should I get a massage?

For most people who have massage therapy as part of their health care program, one massage each month is usually sufficient to maintain the benefits. However, sometimes a second massage during a month is necessary to keep everything under control. The monthly maintenance massage is a great self-care habit to get into! 

.What should I do after the massage?

After your massage, it's important that you drink extra water to help flush out any toxins that were "stirred up" during your massage. Some people find that an Epsom Salt bath is helpful for that, too. And if you had any deeper work done for a tight muscle, you may have some soreness there, so have an ice pack handy--fifteen or twenty minutes on any area that's sore usually helps with that soreness.

Howard Northrup, LMT
(321) 258-1201
MA# 35627