Therapeutic Massage May Help Geriatric Patients in Jacksonville FL

There is a form of therapeutic massage called geriatric massage therapy specifically designed for the needs of the elderly. This is much needed today as the number of senior citizens continues to increase. As a consequence of progressive development in medical and health science coupled with the age old wisdom of natural health practices, the average life span of people is being extended. Therapeutic massage can help benefit these seniors in Duval County, Ortega, Westside and Jacksonville FL.

Being a specialized modality of therapeutic massage in the same way as pregnancy massage, geriatric massage therapy employs special techniques. Trained professional massage therapists from a reputable massage spa in Jacksonville FL
ought to have the necessary expertise for it.

The focus of geriatric massage at all times is the client’s comfort. He or she is assisted in the most comfortable position on the massage table. Special needs are observed such as, for example, the need for the elevation of the head for patients with vertigo or hypertension. After the best position is achieved, geriatric patients are usually not asked to change position unless they themselves request to do so. The request sometimes occurs when patients get cramped in a single position. The average session can last from half an hour to a full hour and may be extended depending on the particular needs of each patient.

The strokes used by massage therapists on geriatric patients are adapted to the condition of the patient. In general, soft massage strokes are used over the entire body. The massage therapist starts though by doing gentle passive stretching of the patient’s shoulders, arms, legs and feet, but never to the point of discomfort. If the patient cannot walk or can no longer use his or her hands, these extremities are given more time for stimulation. The back is also worked on.

The bodies of senior citizens already show the effects of many years of stress and hard work. Add to this the expected aches and pains that come naturally with age. Geriatric massage therapy is designed to relieve all these discomforts while preventing the onset or helping treat various health conditions. It has been known to prevent Parkinson’s disease, emphysema, asthma, diabetes, muscle and bone degeneration, arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis and skin discoloration. Geriatric massage therapy also strengthens resistance and immunity, improves cardiovascular health, boosts circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, reduces muscle stiffness and any inflammation, enhances posture and promotes body awareness and sensation.

The problems besetting the elderly are not confined to the physical. They also suffer mentally and emotionally, often feeling lonely and depressed. They are restless because they feel useless. In many cases, they are isolated from their families and friends physically or emotionally. The human touch provided by geriatric massage restores a form of human connection that may give them back the will to live and rediscover the joys of life. It gives them a feeling of self worth and shows them that they do matter and they have value. The fact that massage therapy is very personalized and so different from routine medical procedures which are often too impersonal makes it ideal for the emotional and psychological well being of geriatric patients.

Senior citizens deserve all the benefits they can get from geriatric massage therapy. To get to that age, though, all of us should start early by enjoying regular therapeutic massage, too. There is a wide range of modalities to choose from, such as Swedish massage therapy, reflexology massage therapy, deep tissue massage therapy and sports massage therapy from a professional massage spa in Duval County, Ortega, Westside and Jacksonville FL.