The Advantages of Massage Therapy for Seniors

Massage therapy provides health benefits of all kinds. It’s great for reducing pain, strengthening muscles and joints, and relaxing our minds and central nervous systems.

Treating yourself to a professional massage is a wonderful way to unwind after a busy holiday season. Massage therapy is one of the oldest and alternative forms of healing and medicine. It improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system.

The most important component to massage therapy is that it provides patients with the healing power of touch. Particularly for seniors who may experience loneliness and isolation, regular massage therapy can provide not just physical healing qualities, but an emotional connection as well.

If you’re a senior and wish to benefit from massage therapy you don’t even have to leave your house, you can get treated in the comfort of your home with in-home massage therapy caregiving. With in-home senior healthcare, you can receive treatments of all kinds at home, including massage therapy from professional Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs).

Consider the advantages of massage therapy for seniors. Whether it’s physical pain or emotional stress you’d like to alleviate, massage therapy might be just the thing you’re looking for.

Massage Therapy provides the following benefits:

Improves Balance and Gait

Falling is a major concern for seniors. Our bones tend to become more infirm as we age, and it’s easier for us to slip and fall causing injury and pain.

Massage therapy has the ability to increase blood flow to the limbs, and it helps to improve proprioception — the sense of relative position of body parts, and this improves our balance and reduces the chances of falling.

Increases Blood Flow to Limbs

Good circulation can become increasingly difficult as people age, and massage therapy really aids the flow of blood into the limbs. This results in less pain and more flexible joints and body parts.

Softens Hard Tissue and Muscles

We typically become less active as we get older, and our muscles harden and inevitably get tighter. Regular visits with your RMT will help soften muscles and tissues by increasing blood flow to the areas that need some love and care and ultimately reduce overall muscle tension.

Stimulates the Nervous System

Massage therapy releases endorphins, neurotransmitters, and hormones that are beneficial for the functioning of the nervous system.

Research shows that therapeutic massage helps produce crucial hormones that have great benefits on the body, including serotonin and dopamine, both of which trigger feelings of happiness.

Produces Feelings of Comfort

There are many seniors out there who may feel touch-deprived due to the loss of a spouse or a loved one. The touch of a massage can really help an individual — who hasn’t felt the tenderness of touch in quite some time — to really relax. There is a real sense of connection that is triggered with massage.

RMTs who specialize in senior massage are also trained to be gentle and use unique strokes to ensure the comfort and safety of all patients.

Try in-home massage therapy to feel stronger, healthier, and more relaxed.