Benefits of Geriatric and Disability Massage

Geriatric and disability massage therapy is designed to address the specific and complex needs of our clientele using a tailored approach and techniques.

There is no doubt that remedial therapy can be greatly beneficial for older clients and people living with a disability. The client will often encounter a number of health benefits such as increased balance, flexibility and mobility as well as improving joint mobility and posture. It also reduces muscle tension, muscle spasticity and chronic pain.

Geriatric and disability massage is not only helpful for maintaining and improving overall physical health but it also has been shown to have great results on mental health by relieving  stress and anxiety as well as providing comfort, especially to touch-deprived clients.

Unfortunately, a lot of elderly people and those living with a disability find that they feel lonely and isolated. When our vulnerable people receive a therapeutic massage, sometimes the human connection experience can be of huge benefit. The touch of another person can be very comforting, producing a sense of caring and connection. Many of those who are lonely can often feel symptoms of depression, and the company from an friendly and experienced massage therapist can be greatly beneficial.

Stimulates the nervous system – Massage stimulates the touch, pressure, and proprioceptive receptors of the skin (and underlying tissues). Massage helps to balance the autonomic nervous system and relaxes the muscles. Massage also helps to re-establish proper tonus through its effect on the neuromuscular reflex pathways.

Alleviates musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and chronic pain – Massage isn’t going to cure arthritis, but regular massage of muscles and joints can lead to a significant reduction of the pain and stiffness as well improving the range of motion, hand grip strength and overall function of the joints

Eases stroke recovery – Massage therapy can also help to boost circulation, which is often lacking when a body part cannot be moved. Massage encourages fresh oxygen and blood to that area of the body, removing toxins, and in time increasing mobility. 

Increases blood flow to limbs – Good circulation can become increasingly difficult as we age, whilst for others with paralysis or reduced circulation that is affecting the skin and causing bedsores or skin brushing, massage has shown to improve circulation and stimulate the blood flow.

Relief muscle tension – As we age, we generally become less active and so our muscles harden and get tighter. Massage helps to soften muscles and tissues by increasing blood flow to the areas and ultimately reducing overall muscle tension.

Strengthen Immune system – People receiving relaxation massage experience significant changes in lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays a large role defending the body from disease by fighting viruses.

Improves sleep – Massage helps to reduce stress, improve circulation, release tension, lower heart rate and blood pressure. These relaxing effects may therefore make massage a helpful aid in restoring restful sleep patterns and can especially be beneficial in treating sleeping problems that stem from stress, migraine headache, pain, muscle and joints stiffness.

Improves balance and gait – Falling is consistently listed as one of the top concerns for seniors, as our bones tend to become more fragile as we get older. Due to massage ability to increase blood flow to the limbs, it helps to improve proprioception, or the sense of relative position of body parts, thus improving our balance and reducing our chances of falling.

Improve cardiovascular and lymphatic systems - Massage has been shown to increase circulation and improve lymphatic return, which is of great benefit for those who are unable to move all or part of the muscle tissue in their extremities. Those suffering from oedema because of some condition or as a result of being wheelchair bound may see significant improvement after receiving lymphatic massage.

Alleviates Alzheimer symptoms - Many clients in the ageing population can suffer from Alzheimer’s symptoms and have trouble with communication skills. Geriatric massage can alleviate symptoms associated with Alzheimer disease and it is believed that massage can help to facilitate better communication between the client and others around them. Not only can it help improve communication, but massage can help boost relaxation and reduce agitation for the client, which can often be hard to experience when going through the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Reduces behavioural outbursts - Many developmental disabilities also have physical symptoms but are commonly accompanied by emotional and behavioural problems. Those with Autism, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, Attention-Deficit or ADHD, and other conditions that affect mental and intellectual development.

Massage therapy has been associated with a significant reduction in behavioural outbursts in those suffering from these types of developmental conditions.

Improve concentration - One little known benefit of massage is its impact on concentration. Massage helps release tension in the shoulders and neck, allowing better blood flow to the brain. Stress also negatively impacts the brain’s ability to focus, so the stress-reducing nature of massage helps the brain reach a state more conducive to good focus.

This is especially helpful for those with learning disabilities.

Reduces headaches and migraines - Massage can help relieve tension headaches and migraines by releasing overly tight head, neck and shoulder muscles through Remedial Massage techniques such as trigger point therapy, myofascial release and stretching exercises.

Alleviates muscle tremors, spasticity and rigidity - Massage can significantly improve the pliability of muscle tissue, which results in less spasticity and improved muscle function, as well as improved flexibility and range of motion. This can often be the difference between being able to walk or not for someone who is suffering with debilitating conditions.

Reduce anxiety, stress and depression - When stressed, the body releases a hormone called Cortisol. Massage lowers cortisol in your body while also releasing serotonin. By lowering cortisol and increasing serotonin, you're boosting your body's ability to fight off pain, anxiety and feelings of sadness.