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Geriatric massage is the practice of massage therapy with elderly clients. It is a growing field, as the population of aging adults continues to increase.
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What is a Geriatric Massage?
A geriatric massage is a type of massage therapy that is specifically designed to meet the needs of elderly clients. It is a relatively new field, only emerging in the past few decades as the baby boomer generation has begun to reach retirement age.
Geriatric massage therapists are trained to work with clients who may have age-related health concerns, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, or cancer. They use techniques that are gentle and slow, and they avoid areas that may be too painful or fragile. The goal of geriatric massage is to promote relaxation, increase circulation, and relieve pain.
Geriatric massage therapists often work in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. They may also make house calls to client’s homes.
The Benefits of a Geriatric Massage
There are many benefits to a geriatric massage, both for the elderly person receiving the massage, and for their caregivers. Massage can help to reduce pain, improve circulation, increase flexibility, and reduce stress. It can also help to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety and depression. Caregivers can also benefit from a reduced sense of stress and anxiety, and improved sleep quality.
How to Perform a Geriatric Massage
A geriatric massage is a type of massage designed specifically for older adults. It can provide many of the same benefits as a regular massage, such as feeling more relaxed and having less pain in the muscles and joints.
There are a few things to keep in mind when giving a geriatric massage:
– Use a light touch. Older adults often have thinner skin and may be more sensitive to touch than younger people.
– Avoid using too much pressure. This can cause pain or bruising, especially if the person has osteoporosis or other conditions that make the bones fragile.
– Be careful not to massage areas that are bruised, broken, or otherwise injured.
– Have the person drink plenty of fluids before and after the massage to help prevent dehydration.
Geriatric Massage Techniques
There are many different techniques used in geriatric massage, but all have the common goal of improving the health and well-being of older adults. Massage can help reduce pain, increase range of motion, improve circulation and ease anxiety and depression.
One common technique is Swedish massage, which uses long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and increase circulation. Another is deep tissue massage, which is more focused and can help relieve pain from muscle tension. trigger point therapy may also be used to release knots in the muscles that can cause pain.
Geriatric massage is often done with the client lying on a massage table, but can also be performed while the client is seated or standing. The therapist will use their hands, forearms, elbows or feet to apply pressure to the muscles. Some older adults may find it more comfortable to receive a massage while they are fully clothed; in this case, loose, comfortable clothing should be worn.
Geriatric Massage Precautions
Geriatric massage is a form of massage therapy that is specifically designed to meet the needs of older adults. It can provide many benefits, including improving circulation, reducing pain, and promoting relaxation.
However, there are some precautions that should be taken when giving a geriatric massage. The therapist should be aware of any health conditions the client may have and use appropriate techniques and pressure. It is also important to avoid any areas that may be bruised or tender.
