Massage is one of the safest, effective and
enjoyable therapies that can help relieve symptoms
of much age – related diseases, reduce pain and
improve the quality of life of a senior citizen.
However, choosing the right type of massage that is
specifically designed for the elderly is important
to achieve mind and body harmony. When choosing age-
specific massage, it is highly recommended that you
opt for senior’s massage or geriatric massage.
What is Geriatric Massage?
Geriatric massage is a very light and gentle type of
massage that is specially designed to meet the
requirements of the elderly population. The focus of
the massage is to maintain or regain functions of a
weakened body essential for overall well-being at
any age. Apart from promoting basic relaxation, this
type of massage helps relieves stress, ease joint
pain and increase flexibility.
Geriatric massage therapists are usually aware of
the health conditions commonly experienced by
elderly clients. The therapist is specially trained
to determine when a standard massage would be more
suitable and when modified techniques (developed to
treat wheel chair bound or bedridden clients) would
be more effective. The therapists are also aware of
certain medication restrictions and provide
competent services to clients experiencing ailments
such as diabetes, implants, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson
and joint replacement.
When doing a geriatric massage, great care should be
taken when positioning an elderly person. Once the
body is positioned on the massage table, an elderly
person is rarely asked to move. Generally, a
senior’s massage session can take about 30 minutes
to one hour per session. However, if the elderly
person is wheelchair bound, the therapist will
administer the massage to the elderly right in the
chair, causing the massage session to take longer.
Geriatric massage therapists usually spend more time
massaging the hands and feet of the elderly,
especially if the senior citizen is experiencing in
making use his hands or feet completely. In such
cases, doing a hand and feet massage helps improve
circulation, body awareness and sensation in certain
parts of an aging body.
Geriatric massage Characteristics
Although geriatric massage uses almost the same
basic massage techniques as other types of general
massages, geriatric massage is specially tailored to
meet specific health conditions of a senior citizen.
· Short session:
Generally a geriatric massage lasts for no longer
than 30 minutes. However, the schedule can last
longer especially if the client is bedridden or
wheelchair bound.
· Gentle Hand Movements:
A geriatric massage therapist usually uses gentle
hand movements that are comfortable and soothing to
the body. Gentle hand movements done during a
massage session works beneficially in boosting blood
circulation, relieve muscle tension and relax mind
and body.
· Gentle stretching and Passive Movements:
The gentle stretching and passive movements of legs,
shoulders and feet not only help improve joint
mobility, but also helps increase flexibility in the
elderly.
· Hand and feet Massage:
Gentle massage of hands and feet helps relieve pain
and prevent stiffness.
· Pressure strokes and Friction:
Frequent use of stronger movements, such as pressure
strokes and friction works beneficially in improving
flexibility in certain areas (neck and shoulders).
How is a geriatric massage done?
The fact that aged people get colder more easily
when compared to young people, a geriatric massage
usually done on a massage table that is warmed and
has a thick pad placed on it to reduce pressure on
healing surgical sites or protruding bones. While
only the body that is massaged remains bare, the
rest of the client’s body is covered with a
lightweight sheet or blanket. However, to help the
client feel more comfortable, they may be allowed to
wear their undergarments or even clothes. Geriatric
massage can be done at a massage studio, hospital or
in the comfort of your home.
Benefits of Geriatric massage
· Helps treat conditions such as arthritis,
headaches, Parkinson’s disease and bursitis
· Improves quality of sleep
· Promotes increased range of motion to help ease
joint stiffness
· Improves life quality
· Helps ease pain related to old age
· Reduction of muscle adhesions
· Helps boost blood circulation and prevent
complications of diabetes like gangrene and leg
ulcer
· Improved lymph circulation
· Helps heal skin discoloration
· Treat muscle and bone deterioration
· Treats respiratory problems such as emphysema and
asthma.
Why is Geriatric massage the best massage for
elderly than other types of massages?
Although there are different types of massages
available for elderly, opting for a geriatric
massage can prove to be quite beneficial as it
addresses specific common problems of the elderly
such as sensitivity to touch and increased
fragility. Studies have revealed that touch can play
a crucial role in having a positive impact on the
physical and mental health of an elderly person.
Since most elderly people feel lonely and isolated,
a focused touch from a professional massage
therapist helps ease stress, depression and other
emotion related to isolation.
Touch can help boost the immune, stimulate
circulation and ease pains and aches that plaque
most aged people. Another factor that should be
considered when giving a massage to an elderly is
the fact that their body is very delicate.
Therefore, opting for deep tissue or penetrating
massages may not be suitable for elderly as it may
cause them pain or bruising. In addition, since the
skin of the older people tends to fragile and
gentle, using gentle movements while applying cream
o roil will help prevent tearing or irritation.
Geriatric massage can also be used as a preventive
therapy. If an elderly patient is undertaking a
particular treatment, taking a geriatric massage
along with medications can help increase the
effectiveness of the treatment and ensure healthy
life to a senior citizen.
When should the elderly avoid a Geriatric massage?
Aged people should avoid having a geriatric massage
when they have the flowing conditions listed below-
· Bruising
· Blood clots
· Broken bones
· Open bed sores
· Certain types of cancer
· Varicose veins
· Have been taking muscle relaxers or blood thinners
A geriatric massage works beneficially in providing
the elderly with symptomatic relief and also allows
a senior to extend vitality in their lives. However,
if you have a certain health condition, it is
important that you take permission from your health
care provider before you proceed with massage to
ensure safe, effective and positive results.
I
was introduced to massageservices.com.sg by my
colleague. My husband and i called for
traditional outcall massage to our home. The
masseurs arrived on time and they are very
professional. We signed a monthly package with
them and we are very happy with their service.
Rachael Tan (Bishan)
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