Why are so few elderly people getting massages? However, there are massages specially adapted for them.
The elderly and massage
The majority of spa and health center clients are between the ages of 20 and 40. Why can’t we allow ourselves this little pleasure after a certain age?
Imagine that you are 70 or 80 years old, that you feel your body more and more fragile as if it could break at anything, small spots and bruises appear for no reason… In addition, your education and your values command modesty and restraint. Not to mention that you are no longer working, so your income is down. Would you consider getting a massage? It seems so crazy.
It is in part this kind of thing that makes older people not think about using massage therapy or dare not. Yet it brings so many health benefits, both physical and mental.
Some good reasons to convince yourself
There are massage therapists specially trained for the massage of the elderly. They are professionals who know the bodies of the elderly and their particularities.
- You can get a massage even if you have arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatism. Specialized massage therapy can even help you reduce the discomfort associated with these conditions.
- Many massage therapists for the elderly travel to give massages at home, in retirement homes, or in hospitals.
- Specialized massage therapists sometimes have a “massage support” approach, which means they will do more than just massage you. They talk to you, listen to you, and support you morally.
- Massage therapists affiliated with a professional order can give you a receipt that will allow you to claim the amount from your insurance or deduct it from your taxes. Many also offer reduced rates for seniors.
- The benefits that massage can bring to the elderly
- Helps to reduce stress, anxiety, anguish, and depression
- Breaks isolation
- Allows you to reappropriate your body
- Promotes blood and lymphatic circulation, which in itself brings many benefits
- Softens muscles and joints, increasing mobility
- Improves the quality of sleep
- Helps to reduce certain pains
- Helps to strengthen the immune system.
Where can I find a specialized massage therapist?
The various associations and professional orders of massage therapists can give you the contact information of specialized massage therapists, whether for a massage at home, in a health center, or in a retirement home. You can also ask your doctor to suggest one.
However, it is essential to ensure that the massage therapist you choose is a member of one of these associations and has the required training. Your health is at stake.
The main products used in massage therapy
The majority of massage therapy professionals purchase their products from retailers and wholesalers specialized in the field. While preferences vary, gels, creams, balms, oils, and other lotions are among the products most commonly used by massage therapists. These products are not chosen at random. The massage therapist will take care to use those whose texture, perfume, and therapeutic benefits are appropriate to your situation and the type of massage you want (Swedish massage, Californian massage, shiatsu, lymphatic drainage, sports massage, etc.). Some products are intended to moisturize, tone, relieve, relax, treat, etc.
Aromatherapy and essential oils
Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils, is closely linked to massage therapy. Essential oils are obtained by extracting plants, such as flowers, leaves, fruits, bark, seeds, and roots. Most often, a few drops of essential oil will be added to the massage oil so that the main active ingredients of these volatile fragrances can penetrate the skin and spread throughout the body. In massage therapy, some essential oils are popular because of the benefits attributed to them:
- To reduce stress: lavender, mandarin, verbena.
- To reduce pain: marjoram, rosemary.
- To keep viruses away: eucalyptus, melaleuca.
- To soothe heavy leg syndrome: lemon, cypress.
