Geriatric Massage
A more gentle massage, often of shorter duration than a regular massage. My certification in this area is called "Medical & Geriatric Massage". I am trained in the physiological and psychological changes that occur in senior citizens, and have learned how to adjust to working on clients who are bedridden, in wheelchairs, or have other limited movement. By design, a large part of my practice includes working with wonderful senior citizens in their homes or assisted living facilities.
Senior
citizens are a very large group in the United States and their numbers are
increasing. At one end of the spectrum are those currently in their 90's,
while at the other are the earliest of the baby boomers as they turn 60 this
year. Seniors are quite varied in their health status and activity levels.
More and more, they are looking to alternative therapies such as massage for
help with general relaxation, pain relief, and increased joint range of
motion. A survey done in 2005 by the American Massage Therapy Association
showed that the use of massage in people age 65 and older has tripled from 4%
in 1997 to 15% in 2005. These numbers will most likely skyrocket as the
youngest boomers, who have grown up participating in activities such as
massage, yoga, working out, eating organic foods, and generally looking for
ways to stay fit and young longer, continue with these activities as they age.
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From “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine” by Mai Tran:
Description
Geriatric massage uses the same basic massage techniques as general massage. It is, however, tailored to the specific health conditions and needs of the elderly population. Geriatric massage has the following characteristics:
- Short sessions. A geriatric massage session usually lasts no longer than 30 minutes, as a longer session may be too much for an elderly person.
- Use of gentle hand motions. These motions are comfortable and soothing to the body. They are designed to improve blood circulation and heart function, prevent diabetic complications, relieve muscle tension, and relax the body and the mind.
- Passive movement and gentle stretching of shoulders, legs and feet to improve joint mobility and flexibility.
- Gentle massaging of the hands and feet (if the joints are not inflamed) to prevent stiffness and relieve pain.
- Occasional use of stronger movements such as friction and pressure strokes. These are sometimes used to massage such areas as the shoulders to improve flexibility.
Benefits
- Increase in blood circulation, thus preventing such complications of diabetes as leg ulcers or gangrene.
- Improvement in lymphatic flow, which increases the excretion of toxic substances from the body.
- Alleviation of headache and pain.
- Speeding up of healing from injury and illness.
- Partial restoration of mobility lost due to Parkinson's disease or arthritis.
- Mental and physical relaxation.
- Improvement in length and quality of sleep.
- Relief of stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
- Improvement of the patient's quality of life and self-esteem
Precautions
Geriatric massage should not be used as a replacement for exercise programs or medical treatment in nursing homes. In addition, it should not be given to elderly patients with the following conditions:
- broken bones or body areas that are inflamed, swollen or bruised
- open or unhealed bed sores
- varicose veins
- recent surgery
- severe acute pain
- certain heart conditions
- certain kinds of cancer
- a history of blood clots (The blood clots may become dislodged and travel to the lungs as a result of massage.)
- drug treatment with blood thinners (These medications increase the risk of bleeding under the skin.)
------------------------------------------------------------------ Click here to read: " Growing Old With Massage" | 
