What is Geriatric Massage Suitable for the Elderly?

A geriatric massage or also known as elderly massage is the type of massage therapy suitable for the elders. This type of massage therapy is specially designed and developed for treating problems that are common on the elderly people. Adding this therapeutic massage on the regular medical care of the elderly can improve their health, boost their immune system, and relieve stress and fatigue.

A geriatric massage is designed not only for unhealthy seniors but for all individuals in that age group. As we age, many disease symptoms begin to show and take over our health. Many of the elders in our society are suffering from all sorts of diseases, body pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and many other problems both physical and emotional. However, elderly massage can help lessen the effects of these health conditions and improve the overall health of the body and mind. This technique is effective in soothing the body, relieving muscle pain, releasing stress and tension, improving circulation, and many more. Blood pressure is also lowered or stabilized after enjoying this therapeutic massage.

Elderly massage therapy:

This type of massage therapy incorporates some of the basic massage strokes used in Swedish massage into something better for the older individuals. Effleurage, petrissage, and friction are some of the basic forms of massage strokes used during a Swedish massage therapy. All of these massage techniques used by the therapist should be conducted with gentle pressure. Aside from the light strokes used during therapies, the therapist should also always ask the patient regarding how he or she feels during the massage. In case there is discomfort from the patient, the massage therapy should be discontinued.

Elderly massage therapy:

While sleep is very important, old people tend to have difficulties in getting quality sleep. A geriatric massage does a great job in improving the sleep quality and creates a better sleeping pattern. Sleep recharges the body and gives it its required energy to properly go on with their lifestyle. In case sleep is withheld or lack of sleep occurs, anxiety and depression among the elderly population settles in. This emotional problem in the long run will result to medical conditions after medical conditions if not treated during its early signs and symptoms.

Conditions such as bruising, broken bones, fragile bones, open bed sores, varicose veins, certain types of cancers, and some other conditions should be informed to the therapist prior to the massage therapy as individuals with these problems should never get this massage. The doctor's recommendation, advice, or opinions should be followed by the seniors to avoid running into problems especially in their age where recovery is quite hard to achieve.

Elderly massage therapy:

The duration of this massage therapy should not exceed 30 minutes as the body of the elderly can't take too much activity. Regular sessions of this natural treatment can help the seniors to treat and reduce the risks of getting Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, problems related to sleep, headaches, and many more. The elderly people can benefit from this wonderful therapy as it does not require them to use drugs, needles, or surgeries to treat such problems.

How Massage Therapy Helps to Relieve Stress

If you’re juggling a hectic schedule and finding it difficult to get a good night’s rest, it may be time for a massage at the day spa. Massage therapy helps to induce a state of deep relaxation naturally by pinpointing tight areas of the body and releasing tension. Different types of massage therapy can help to improve your overall health and well-being, relieve pain and even promote more restful sleep.

Some people count on massage therapy for healing while others get regular massages to relax and just feel better about themselves. There are countless benefits of getting a massage on a regular basis, and you will notice a difference after just a single session!

Types of Massage for Stress Reduction

If your goal is to reduce stress and lower anxiety, there are certain massage services that can help you feel better within a few hours. Some of the best types of massage for stress reduction are:

Aromatherapy massage, Deep tissue massage, Hot stone massage, Craniosacral therapy, Swedish massage

Aromatherapy massage is especially effective for reducing stress because it involves using essential oils that have natural healing and stress-relieving capabilities. These oils are mixed into a carrier oil before being applied to the skin, and the scent alone can help you feel better.

Essential oils that are known to reduce stress include: Lavender, Chamomile, Geranium, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Juniper Berry. If you are experiencing high levels of anxiety or are feeling depressed, you might benefit from a massage service that uses Basil, Cypress, Ylang-Ylang, Grapefruit, Jasmine or Neroli essential oils.

Hot stone massage is another great service for relieving stress. Hot stone massage uses heated volcanic rocks such as basalt stones to heat up various parts of the body rapidly. The heated stones are placed strategically on the body to target inflamed, swollen or tense areas of tissue. The heat from the stones helps to increase circulation and can also relieve stress. Many people get hot stone massage  services regularly to promote deep relaxation and self-healing.

Top Benefits of Regular Massage Services

In addition to relieving stress, regular massage can help to relieve pain and help improve the symptoms of many health problems. Different types of massage services address specific parts of the body, but you’ll also experience an overall benefit with a noticeable improvement in your mood and a better night’s sleep.

Some of the top benefits of regular massage include:

Reduces muscle achesRelieves tension in the bodyReduces the symptoms of insomniaImproves symptoms of arthritisCan reduce depression or feelings of sadnessEliminates or reduces anxietyReduces the occurrence of migraines and headaches

If you are experiencing very high stress levels and are having difficulty sleeping, get a professional massage at the day spa to relieve tension and promote deep relaxation. Getting a massage at least once per week can help to reduce stress and prevent stress from getting out of control. You’ll feel better and sleep better, and will notice the positive effects after just a single session.

Deep Massage Therapy for Improving Athletic Performance

Over the past ten years it has become more common to find massage therapists treating athletes using massage therapy. The therapeutic advantage of massage not only eases the pain in sore muscles, but actually strengthens an athlete prior to a game or event. It is not uncommon for professional athletes to have their own personal massage therapist.

 

There are many different massage therapy techniques used to treat athletes. Many therapists use deep tissue massage to treat athletes who are injured. Deep tissue massage is often used as relief for injured muscles. In order to perform a deep tissue massage a therapist must use either the fingers, thumbs or even the elbows to get into the grain of the muscles. In order to practice a deep tissue massage, a therapist must be thoroughly trained as if not done properly; it can cause additional pain or injury. This type of massage is very effective as it works beneath the surface muscles and is a popular method for relieving not only injuries, but also chronic pain and even inflammation.

Implementing various different sports massage techniques and stretches to your program will greatly enhance your ability to work with athletes. Deep tissue massage is just one, some of my favorites are trigger point therapy cross fiber friction, muscle stripping techniques, active release techniques and PNF stretches. Learn these massage technques and watch your business grow.

 

To prepare an athlete, a massage therapist will concentrate on the muscles most often used. By using various sports massage therapy techniques, the muscles are relaxed. Being tense will make an injury worse. It is the reason why so many drunk drivers walk away from car accidents while those they hit die. It is because the driver was completely relaxed. The muscles were relaxed. It works the same way with an athlete. 

 

An athlete who goes into a game with muscles that are relaxed and toned is in much better condition to avoid greater injury to those muscles if they are tense. This is why so many athletes use the benefits of massage treatments, such as relaxing spa treatments, prior to sporting events. 

 

A good massage therapist can have a thriving practice in the field of sports medicine if he or she is well versed in treating athletes. They must have complete knowledge of the anatomical structure of the human body and need to know which muscles are most prone to strain and injury. They not only need to know how to relieve the pain from injury, but also to prepare an athlete so that he or she does not get a greater injury. Sports massage techniques include both deep tissue massage and a variety of relaxing massages and stretching techniques. While a physical trainer works with an athlete to improve his or her skills on the field, the therapist works with the body of the athlete to prepare the body for the exertion it will soon endure.

 

Treating athletes using massage therapy is very common and has been practiced for years. Without the massage techniques performed prior to the game, the athlete may not be able to sustain the beatings that some of their bodies take during a sports competition such as football. This is a growing field and very prosperous for a person who is willing to learn the proper techniques.

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