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Seniors Massage- Who is it good for?

Mom is Wheel Chair Bound Can she still get a massage?

Yes- most therapists who work with Elderly clients are accustomed to having clients with varying degrees of mobility, in addition through the study of the musculature system the therapist will be able to work with whatever level of range of motion that she has, as well as working with the client to strengthen some muscles with both homework and resistance movements, and also help with swelling in legs and feet that are a problem for anyone with restricted movements.

Does regular Massage effect mood? Can it make one less grumpy or less lonely?

First Massage like all other forms of touch and communication helps with loneliness, for the duration of the session the client is the recipient of focused nurturing touch, there are studies that support this, but who needs a study, it is common sense.

As we age, less and less of the touch that we get is to make us feel good, especially after separation from a spouse, which happens with illness as well as from death. The touch we do get is different too, often prodding or perfunctory, Massage is different, it is focused, usually in an hour session, and it is nurturing.

Second Massage therapy releases hormones in the body, that are the same ones that are released during exercise, falling in love and other great moments. These hormones improve mood, and the effect can last up to 3 days after the massage treatment.

Will Pain be diminished?

Of course! Depending on the type of pain, muscle pain will decrease as muscle tension is released, arthritis pain is improved as increased circulation also causes swelling to go down, the perception of pain is also improved, which links back to the hormones that we talked about, when you feel good pain is just less keenly felt.

Will it help with Sleep?

Usually, massage helps sleep in two ways, one it decreases pain and stiffness, making comfortable sleep more accessible. And second, back to hormones again ( they are real -and can be really good) Massage not only releases the good hormones, but it also decreases cortisol, which is a stress hormone, and we all know that stress and sleep are not good partners, so less stress more sleep. If it works for you, why wouldn’t it work for your mom?

Will Massage Therapy help with Memory Issues

Likely not, you may see some improvement in mood and anxiety associated with memory loss, which can be helpful, but most likely massage will not improve the actual memory.

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