Massage for Seniors

Massage therapy is great for all ages, but a segment of the population that could benefit from it the most, use it the least. They have known the planet for many a spin around the sun, fittingly coined the golden age group.

With the elderly, there are a few general challenges in getting them in the clinic room door. Women who spent the majority of their adult years caring for others (often before themselves) are hesitant at the idea of receiving manual care. Gentlemen may be reserved about massage due to the reputation massage parlours have shed on the profession.

Commonly, massage is seen as a therapy that is not needed, something that, after a series of other medical appointments, and perhaps in combination with adjusting to the transition in control of life’s decisions to family members, they decline. Just as in paediatric massage, simply saying no to a treatment is at the very least claiming power, be it power to choose the treatment or power to refuse it.

Including regular massage in a senior’s life is well worth a second look. The regrettable, yet common occurrences in the senior’s age group of losing a spouse or pet can mean a new found lack of touch in a their life. Minimal or interrupted sleeping patterns also plague the elderly.  Pain becomes accepted as the norm. Touch, relaxation and pain relief are few examples of where older adults can reap the rewards of incorporating massage into their lives.

Registered therapists are trained in dealing with a myriad of conditions specific to the elderly, such as chronic pain, back pain, arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, headaches, diabetes and cancer. The preventative perks of a relaxation massage include reduction in stress, decreased blood pressure pain, increased circulation, increased skin temperature and overall wellness. Registered therapists know the precautions needed when clients are taking medications to adapt massage techniques appropriately.

An RMT confident in working with the senior population will offer assistance in dressing and undressing in a manner which preserves the client’s privacy and dignity. A robe should be on hand if the appointment needs to be interrupted for an emergency bathroom break.

There are also audio adaptations to be mindful of with the geriatric age group; conducting the health history form verbally if needed, facing the client when speaking and sitting to the side where hearing is intact are all indications of a well suited RMT.

Health insurance premiums are sometimes too high an expense when including extras such as massage therapy for a retired individual. Sometimes the cost of the treatment is enough to keep seniors away. Check around for a therapist that honours a seniors discount, and who offers half hour appointments.

Look for a therapist that enjoys offering the extras, such as a courtesy call the day before to remind client of appointment, the option to add extra warmth to the table and or room, and someone who can provide instructions, stretches and the next appointment in writing.