Massage therapy has advanced and grown over the past several years and is beneficial for all age ranges. For the elderly individual, massage therapy can be especially helpful in a number of ways. Massage can be very useful in helping an elderly person overcome some serious medical ailments and also to help with improving flexibility and mobility. Because of these benefits, according to Northwestern University, health practitioners often recommend massage for their elderly patients.
Massage Therapy for Improving Circulation
Massage therapy can actually help to improve circulation in the elderly. According to Northwestern University, massage therapy helps to stimulate blood and lymph circulation and this helps to deliver fresh oxygen to the muscles. In addition, this can help to flush out waste products that might linger in these areas.
Also, improved circulation can also help to improve blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Massage can also help an elderly person an alternative way to maintain control of medical conditions, such as diabetes, that can sometimes be hard to manage on their own. According to Northwestern University the improved circulation can even help to promote healing after surgery or injuries to muscles or soft tissue.
Massage Therapy for Easing Depression
Depression can plague the elderly as they age. Depression may become so severe that it can interfere with daily activities and the enjoyment of life. The elderly can experience depression related to deaths of loved ones, decreased mobility or isolation. Massage therapy offers an alternative way to help treat this sometimes chronic problem.
According to the National Library of Medicine, massage can help to improve stress and tension and this can have direct emotional benefits. Massage therapy can also stir strong emotions for the recipient of the massage. This release of emotions can help to improve psychological distress and depression. According to the National Library of Medicine this release of pent up emotion is caused when a hormone called oxytocin is released from the body during massage.
Massage Therapy for Improving Flexibility
Aging can bring about problems with mobility and flexibility. As a result, the elderly sometimes have more difficulty performing normal daily tasks. Some elderly even suffer from medical conditions like arthritis and this can add to the difficulty of performing hobbies that they love doing or their daily chores. Massage therapy can help and elderly person to keep their joints from becoming stiff and unmanageable.
The Lakeside School of Massage Therapy reports that massage can help to increase flexibility by restoring the mobility of the joints and reducing the limitations of the soft tissue around the joint. This can help to make daily tasks for the elderly much easier and improve their physical limitations.
Kristie Jernigan - Kristie Janeway Jernigan has worked in the health care arena for over 20 years. She has a Masters degree in Health Administration and is ...
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