Geriatric Massage
According to Dietrich Miesler, director of the renowned
DAY-BREAK Geriatric Massage Project, "a regular,
weekly massage is the best prevention to most of the
problems of aging".
Caring touch can have profound, positive effects on one's mental and emotional state;
this is especially true for those who are elderly or infirm. Massage provides physical
and mental stimulation from an "outside" person not involved in routine care. This can
relieve boredom for the mentally alert and help disoriented reconnect with the present
time and place.
As an individual relaxes, daily frustrations can seem less overwhelming. A person who
feels better after a massage may be also more inclined to be physically active or to
socialize with others.
Nurturing touch can calm the anxious or agitated person who feels frightened,
depressed or out of control. The person feels less lonely, and is reassured that he or
she is still important, that someone cares.
Three physical effects of therapeutic massage are well documented in scientific
research: release of muscle tension, increased circulation, and initiation of the
relaxation response. Each effect, though simple in itself, can result in multiple benefits
for the elderly or ill.
Releasing muscle tension can:
* Improve balance, coordination and mobility
* Result in more restful sleep
* Lessen the need for pain or sleeping medication
Increasing circulation can:
* Improve nutrition to tissues and remove waste products
* Reduce swelling caused by fluid retention
* Improve skin tone and relieve dryness and itching
* Help prevent pressure sores
* Speed healing from injuries and surgery
* Increase energy
Eliciting the relaxation response can:
* Assist with any condition where stress may be a factor such as headaches or asthma
* Help one recognize and release tension on one's own before it becomes a problem
* Ease and deepen breathing
* Improve appetite and digestion
* Help relieve constipation
In addition, current research is showing that regular massage therapy can boost the
immune system and positively influence the course of many minor diseases.
Massage therapy can be given in almost any setting including home, hospital or care
facility. The person receiving the massage can be in bed or seated upright in a chair
or wheelchair, and may remain fully clothed.
A massage session can last from 10 to 30 minutes or longer depending on the
person's physical condition, mental and emotional state, and tolerance for touch.
Sessions can vary considerably to meet individual needs and preferences, from a
simple hand or foot massage to a complete body massage. Sometimes focused
attention will yield the greatest benefit. This can be as simple as actively listening to a
person and maintaining supportive physical contact such as gentle pressure to the
hand or shoulder.
The frequency of sessions will be based on individual needs, availability of the
massage therapist, and financial consideration. Sessions can range from twice a week
to monthly. Physical benefits tend to increase with regular and frequent sessions. An
elderly or ill person may also consider reflexology as an alternative to massage
therapy.
There are some conditions for which massage should be avoided or at least carefully
done. Examples of conditions requiring different degrees of caution are severe
osteoporosis, arthritis in the inflamed stage, or thrombophlebitis.
It is important that the massage therapist be updated before each massage session
about changes in an individual's physical condition and medications, as well as
changes in the person's mental or emotional state. In some cases, the massage
therapist may want to consult with an individual's physician or other health care team
member before proceeding.
'Tis the human touch in this world that counts,
The touch of your hand and mine,
Which means far more to the fainting heart
Than shelter and bread and wine;
For shelter is gone when the night is o'er,
And bread lasts only a day,
But the touch of the hand and the sound of the voice
Sing on in the soul alway...
Spencer Michael Free
Geriatric Massage Therapy is geared toward the aging population and their specific
needs. Geriatric massage presents a challenge, because many of our elderly have
physical problems that complicate and interfere with diagnosis and treatment of any
single illness. Diseases of one organ system place stress on other systems. Many
older people also have nutritional deficiencies because of limited incomes, poor dental
status, and other problems. The elderly also run increased risks of complications from
surgery, and convalescence takes longer because damaged tissues recover more
slowly. The longer periods of bed rest can also lead to pneumonia, bedsores, and
circulatory disorders. Medications are metabolized more slowly, as well, and their
effects are prolonged in the body. Massage can greatly assist and bring relief from the
above listed problems and by preventing strokes, relief of joint pain, and remove
toxins from lymphatic system that may otherwise increase disease.
Should I Have A Doctor's Permission?
In most cases of Geriatric Massage the answer is yes. If you have a specific health
condition, you must receive permission from your physician to proceed with massage.
In certain cases I may ask to speak directly to your doctor. This is merely a precaution
to ensure your good health. As with any population, there are certain conditions which
are "contraindicated" for massage, geriatric clients are more prone to these conditions