The Benefits of Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage is used in older adults. It takes into account the many factors that influence an aging body, including one’s overall health status, medical conditions, and medication use.

What is geriatric massage?

Massages are a type of complementary or alternative therapy. They’re not considered part of conventional medicine, but they may be an additional type of intervention that helps manage your health symptoms.

Geriatric massage is specifically geared toward a person of advanced age. Older people have special considerations to keep in mind when getting a massage. A massage therapist will consider all the factors of aging along with a person’s specific health conditions when tailoring the massage.

Keep in mind that there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to geriatric massage. Everyone is different with unique health conditions and overall fitness.

Benefits of a geriatric massage

There are many reasons geriatric massage may be beneficial for you or a loved one.

Many older adults lack positive physical contact with others on a regular basis. A massage therapist can fulfill this need for you or a loved one with the touch a massage provides.

Other overall benefits to geriatric massage can include:

• stress reduction

• improved mental outlook

• pain management

• increased blood circulation

• better sleep

What the research say

There’s been a lot of research studying the benefits of geriatric massage. Here are a few notable studies:

One study in the International Journal of Older People Nursing looked at 14 studies related to aging adults living in residential care who received massages. The study concluded that massage can enhance the health and well-being of adults in residential care.

One study in the International Journal of Older People Nursing looked at 14 studies related to aging adults living in residential care who received massages. The study concluded that massage can enhance the health and well-being of adults in residential care.

• Another study investigated the benefits of hand and foot massage in 12 older adults requiring long-term care. The study found that they experienced positive feelings after both types of massage.

• A Japanese study included 36 participants who lived in geriatric facilities. The participants experienced relaxed feelings from 15-minute hand massages. Their skin temperature also increased.

• A 6-week period of massage helped reduce stress and aggressive behavior in a clinical of those with dementia.A massage therapist will consider several factors for people of advanced age to ensure their experience is safe and beneficial.

Overall health status

A massage therapist will first consider your overall health when providing a geriatric massage. This may involve observing your movements along with asking questions about your health status and activity level.

Keep in mind that the aging body encounters changes to systems in the body. Your body may be more sensitive to pressure, your joints may work differently, and your muscles and bones may be more vulnerable.

Health conditions

It’s important to let your massage therapist know about any health conditions you may have prior to your massage. These can include chronic conditions like arthritis, cancer, circulatory conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, or heart conditions.

This is especially important if you’re advocating for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. A massage therapist should be aware of all health conditions before performing the massage.

Medications

If you take one or several medications to treat health conditions, let your massage therapist know. They can modify the massage based on the effects of the medications.

Skin condition

As you age, the thickness and durability of your skin changes. The massage therapist will determine how much pressure they can apply safely to your skin. Too much pressure could result in breaking or irritating your skin.

Pain threshold

You may experience pain differently as an older adult due to reduced blood flow, a health condition, or medication.

Tell your massage therapist if you have an increased sensitivity to pain or if you’re unable to feel pain until it’s extreme. This can avoid injury or discomfort.

Temperature regulation

You may become more sensitive to heat or cold as you age. It may also be difficult for you to regulate your temperature. Make sure to mention any sensitivity to temperature to your massage therapist so they can accommodate you.

To conduct a safe geriatric massage, a massage therapist may:

• conduct a shorter massage

• apply a lighter touch

• position you in a way that is sensitive to your body’s needs

• provide blankets, bolsters, or cushioning pads to make the massage more comfortable

• schedule the massage during hours when you feel up to it

How to find a geriatric massage therapist

Finding the right massage therapist for a geriatric massage is key to having a positive, beneficial experience.

Here are some ways you can find a qualified geriatric massage therapist:

• Ask your doctor or local health or community center for a recommendation.

• See if your long-term residential health facility offers massage services.

• Do an Internet search to find local massage therapists. Contact them to find out if they specialize in geriatric treatments.

Most states require massage therapists to be licensed. Confirm the massage therapist’s credentials before getting a massage.

Does Medicare cover geriatric massage?

Massage therapy is considered an alternative or complementary therapy by Medicare parts A and B. Therefore, it’s not covered and will require out-of-pocket payments.

Medicare part C may include some provisions for massage therapy, but you will need to check your individual plan.

The cost of a geriatric massage can range from $120 to $150 for a 1-hour massage.

Geriatric massage can help improve your mood, stress levels, pain, and more. As you age, your body requires different care, and a massage therapist will factor in your health needs prior to your massage.

A geriatric massage may be shorter than a typical massage and use special manipulations specific to your health history and current needs.

Massage therapy is not covered by Medicare parts A and B, so you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket for these services.

Dreaming After 50: Using Massage to Overcome Insomnia

In the quest for a restful night's sleep, many overlook a traditional yet effective solution: massage therapy. Let’s explores how massage therapy can specifically benefit sleep in men aged 50 and over, a demographic often plagued with sleep challenges.

Overview of Sleep Challenges in Men Aged 50 and Over

As men age, they often encounter unique sleep challenges. Insomnia, sleep apnea, and a general reduction in sleep quality are common. These issues are exacerbated by lifestyle changes and age-related physiological shifts. Given that quality sleep is a cornerstone of health, addressing these sleep disturbances is crucial.

The Science of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy, encompassing various techniques like Swedish, deep pressure, and shiatsu, is more than just a relaxation tool. It is a scientifically backed approach to alleviate physical and mental discomfort, which can be particularly beneficial for older men looking to improve their sleep quality.

Physiological Benefits of Massage for Improved Sleep

Massage therapy offers a cascade of physiological benefits that contribute to better sleep. By reducing stress and anxiety, it tackles one of the primary inhibitors of restful sleep. Improved blood circulation from massage means more oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles, enhancing relaxation. Furthermore, massage's efficacy in mitigating pain and discomfort directly addresses a common barrier to sleep among older men.

Psychological Benefits of Massage for Sleep Enhancement

The psychological benefits of massage are equally significant. The mental calm and relaxation induced by a massage session can lead to improved sleep quality. Massage's positive effects on mental health, especially in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, further enhance its role in promoting restful sleep.

Massage and Its Impact on Sleep Hormones and Patterns

Massage therapy's influence extends to the hormonal level, affecting serotonin and melatonin - key regulators of sleep. Research supports massage's ability to improve sleep patterns and increase the overall quality of sleep, making it a potent tool for those struggling with sleep disturbances.

Practical Considerations and Recommendations

For effective results, men over 50 should consider incorporating regular massage sessions into their routines. Choosing the right type of massage, frequency, and duration is key. Consulting with a qualified therapist can provide insights into personalizing the therapy for maximum benefit. Expectations regarding the massage experience and its outcomes should be discussed with the therapist for a clear understanding.

Conclusion

Massage therapy emerges as a powerful, non-pharmacological approach to improving sleep quality for men 50 and over. By addressing both physical and psychological aspects of sleep disturbances, massage offers a holistic solution. This age-old practice, backed by modern research, deserves consideration in the pursuit of a good night's sleep.

Can Massage Help with Sciatica?

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is the term used to refer to pain along the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back, through your hips and buttocks, and down each leg.

Sciatica typically affects only one side of your body and can range in severity from mild to severe. It’s often accompanied by other symptoms, including numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg and foot.

Sciatica can interfere with your daily activities and make standing, walking, and even sitting difficult. If you’d like to try an alternative to traditional painkillers, massage may be able to help. It won’t treat the underlying cause of your sciatica, but it may provide some temporary relief from pain.

Read on to learn more about the potential benefits of massage for sciatica and how to try it yourself.

What are the benefits of massage for sciatica?

Massage therapy is an effective way to relieve pain. A 2014 study even found that deep pressure massage may be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for relieving low back pain, which can be a symptom of sciatica.

When it comes to sciatica, massage can help in two ways. Massage’s main benefit is soothing tense muscles. When your muscles are tense, they can put more pressure on your nerves, including your sciatic nerve. Massaging these tense muscles may help to reduce pressure on your sciatic nerve.

Soft tissue massage may also help to increase your pain threshold by stimulating the release of endorphins. Endorphins boost pleasure and relieve pain, causing an increased feeling of well-being. They are also released during sex, exercise, and eating.

What’s the best type of massage for sciatica?

There are several types of massage therapy. There isn’t much evidence that one type is more beneficial for sciatica pain than another, so choosing one comes down to personal preference. Here’s a look at some of the most common types.

Deep Pressure Massage

Deep pressure massage is an aggressive form of massage that uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure to release tension from your muscles and connective tissues.

A 2014 clinical study found that a 30-minute session of deep tissue massage five days a week over two weeks was found to effectively treat low back pain, including sciatica.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage doesn’t use as much pressure as deep pressure massage. Instead, flowing, kneading movements are used to stimulate nerve endings in your connective tissue and increase blood flow. It also helps to release general tension and promote relaxation.

Neuromuscular Massage

Neuromuscular massage uses advanced massage techniques that combine deep pressure and friction to release contracted muscles and relieve tension.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is a technique used to relieve pain that stems from your myofascial tissues — the tough membrane that surrounds and supports your muscles.

Trigger points, which are stiff, immovable areas within the myofascial tissues, cause pain and stiffness. Focused pressure and stretching on the trigger points help to reduce pain and stiffness.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is used to promote relaxation and ease tense muscles. Heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body and may be held by the massage therapist while they use Swedish massage techniques.

How do I find a Massage Therapist?

If you’d like to give massage for sciatica a try, it’s important to choose a qualified massage therapist who has experience in treating sciatica symptoms.

To find a massage therapist, you can:

* Ask your doctor for a referral

* Ask friends and family for a recommendation

* Search the American Massage Therapy Association’s database

* Use the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork’s database

Here are some things to consider when choosing a massage therapist:

* Your personal preference. Does the gender of the massage therapist matter to you? Some people are more comfortable with therapists of the same gender.

* Location. Choose a massage therapist whose practice is close by or easy to get to.

* Hours. You want to make sure that they offer appointments during hours that work with your schedule.

* Cost. Ask how much they charge per session and about any cost-saving incentives, such as booking a session from 10 am to 3 pm during the weekday.

* Credentials. Make sure the professional you choose is licensed to practice massage therapy in your state. Most states regulate the massage therapy profession. Be sure to ask about their credentials.

*Type of massage. Some massage therapists are trained in several types of massage while others focus one or two types. Ask what types of massage they’re most familiar with.

* Experience treating sciatica. Talk to your massage therapist about your sciatica and ask if they have experience in treating sciatic pain.

Before you first session, make sure to tell them about any other health conditions you have. You may also want to check in with your health insurance provider. Some cover massage therapy, especially for an underlying condition.

Massage for sciatica won’t cure the underlying cause of your pain, but it can help to temporarily relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Speak to your doctor about your symptoms before starting massage therapy to make sure it’s safe for you.