Are regular massages good for older adults? Let us talk a bit about the benefits of massage therapy for seniors
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When you get old, your body becomes your only asset, so keeping it active, agile, and disease-free should be your number one priority. But sometimes, even after trying so hard, you cannot keep up a sound body.
Today, we will tell you about a straightforward method of massage therapy that keeps your muscles and bones active. You must have heard about it before, but today we will discuss its benefits.
We will also tell you about various other activities that you can do in addition to massage therapy to get maximum and long-term benefits.
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What is Massage Therapy?
You must be aware of massage therapy in your day-to-day life. But today, we will tell you its more scientific meaning.
In massage therapy, the therapist works on connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, and skin. It is applied by altering the pressure and targeted application of the hands-on affected area..
It is advised by many doctors as a standard treatment for any body part affected with pain and numbness. It stimulates the affected region and increases blood flow and muscle movement. The application of massage therapy is the panacea of all old age problems.
We will now tell you about the benefits of massage therapy in detail.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
We have told you about massage therapy so far, and we also discussed its scientific meaning with you. We will now look at what benefits massage therapy brings in your life. And why it is recommended with your regular treatment.
Increases Blood Flow
In old age, it is common to have poor blood flow in the muscles, which results in partial numbness and, in worst cases, paralysis. So it is advised that you have regular massages in your problematic region to ensure that muscles stay active.
As the muscles get physically pushed for activity, the blood flow increases and muscles move again. Massage therapy is advised even in a high degree of paralysis as it can slowly bring back the action in the muscles.
Improves Balance of the Body
As you get old, your bones become infirm; with this, the risk of falling increases to a considerable degree. But with regular massages, you can keep your bones and muscles healthy as it increases the movement and keeps them in place and firm.
Regular massage therapy brings a sense of rejuvenation to the body and feel energetic. It helps your body regain its sense of balance
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Produces Feeling of Comfort
Massage therapy is known for generating the feeling of comfort and relaxation; therefore, it is advised for seniors. It reduces stress and gives a positive and warm feeling which enhances mental well-being.
Having good mental health has its benefits, and massage therapy is one way of enhancing it.
When you stay positive and hopeful about the future, your body reacts accordingly, and the treatments you are taking give you optimum results.
Rejuvenates the Nervous System
This is the most important benefit of massage therapy. With age, your nervous system gets weak, and you develop many disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurological disorders.
But by regular massage therapy, you can stay away from them. During massage therapy, your body releases endorphins and neurotransmitters, which help rejuvenate your nervous system.
Other hormones like serotonin and dopamine also get active under regular massage therapy, producing waves of relaxation and comfort. Apart from this, the chances of paralysis are also highly diminished. And thus you can live a good life.
Assist in Stroke Recovery
Seniors were advised not to leave their beds for at least 48 hours after a stroke, but this stance is slowly changing. It is now recommended to get up and start moving again after a stroke, and massage therapy is helping them achieve it.
Massage therapy is applied to the affected region to stimulate recovery by improving muscle movement and activating nerves. In a severe stroke, continuous massage therapy with medicines is advised.
Improves Flexibility
With age, muscles start to toughen up, and thus it becomes hard for seniors to move around. Massage therapy releases the toughened muscles, thereby promoting their movement.
Massage therapy also helps in improving the joints and bones by physical manipulations and thus reduces joint pain and any deformity that may arise due to old age.
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Ensures Good Sleep
Massage therapy relaxes the body and enhances the sense of comfort. The dopamine hormone comes into play and reduces the stress that a senior person might be experiencing.
It improves sleep and is highly beneficial for patients with dementia. Dementia is a widespread disease in old age, and it is advised that with prescribed medicines, seniors should also take regular massage therapy. or you may read 9 Simple Ways to Improve Your Sleep as You Age.
Other benefits like improved immunity, reduced risk of arthritis can also be attributed to massage therapy. Now that we have covered the benefits of massage therapy, we can talk about the other activities with which you can combine massage therapy to gain maximum results.
Activities to Include With Massage Therapy
Massage therapy, when combined with other stimulating activities, then its overall effects are enhanced, and it produces even better results. Doctors also advise that including light activities in daily life is a key to good bodily health for seniors.
Some of the advised activities are
- Yoga.
- Tai-chi
- Light Walking.
- Healthy diet.
- Meditation.
- Disciplined medicine use.
- Staying away from stress.
These are the few things you need to combine with your regular massage therapy to enjoy its optimum benefits. These activities will also keep you agile throughout your life, and you can stay away from any chronic bodily disease.
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Wrap Up
We told you about some of the many benefits of massage therapy, and by combining it with other activities, you can gain maximum results. Now look for a massage therapist near you and learn more about it.
Massage therapy is an ideal way to take care of your body and keep all those mobility-affecting diseases away. Massage therapy, when taken regularly, creates a chain reaction of good hormones in the body and provides you with a healthy and happy life.
