What is a geriatric massage?
Geriatric massage is a form of massage developed for use on the elderly. This style of massage solves specific problems common to the elderly, such as increased fragility and touch sensitivity. Massage therapists can strive to certify in geriatric massage, and this style of massage sometimes also learns nurses and other care providers who work in hospitals and institutions that take care of the elderly.
Many people feel that the touch is beneficial, based on their own personal experience. Several studies have also supported the idea that the touch can have a positive impact on physical and mental health. Older people often feel very isolated and themselves, so a focused touch of an experienced massage therapist or sister can help relieve depression, stress and other emotions related to perceived isolation. Touch can also stimulate circulation, strengthen the immune system and relieve pain and pain that suffers from many older bodies.
It is necessary to consider several problems of working on the elderly. The first is thatOlder bodies are more delicate. Deep tissue techniques and piercing massage techniques are not suitable for many geriatric clients because these massages can cause pain and bruises. Older bodies also experience greater stiffness and problems of joints and this problem should be taken into account when working with the elderly. The skin of older people is also very fragile and requires the use of massage oil or cream and fine massage techniques to prevent tearing or irritation.
The aim of the geriatric massage session is usually to help the client relax and increase flexibility and alleviate joint pain. The massage tends to be very light and gentle and a massage therapist or nurse remains very tuned to the stamps that the client can experience discomfort. Sometimes it is sufficient to brush the skin, while in other cases slowly circularly be used to be used massage movements. Some patients also benefit from gentle stimulation of pressure points.
Because older people tend to be cooler than young people, geriatric massage is usually done on a heated massage table with a thick pad that reduces pressure on protruding bones or medicinal surgical areas. The client is covered with a light sheet and a blanket on request and will only be exposed to the body to which it is actively processed. More modest clients may prefer to wear underwear or even clothes, in which case the massage will be adjusted to the patient's comfort. Geriatric massage can be organized in the home, in a massage study or in a hospital or for long -term care.