Massage services for aging seniors are designed to meet specific health needs, making this a non-pharmaceutical solution for joint pain management and prevention. They can help improve blood circulation, increase range of motion, relieve pain, and more. Massage therapists use basic techniques to fit the needs of certain health conditions, providing a variety of benefits to your everyday life. St. Barnabas Health System discusses the advantages of adding massage therapy to your regular wellness routine.
Improve Symptoms of Chronic Illnesses
Due to the aging process, you may naturally become more susceptible to developing conditions that decrease mobility, strength, and independence. By receiving regular therapeutic massages, you can actually improve certain physical functions that may have been lost due to an illness or injury. For example, this type of massage therapy can partially restore mobility in people experiencing:
- Strokes
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Parkinson’s disease
Massage therapists use a gentle massaging motion to improve blood circulation, prevent stiffness, and relieve pain and tension. For individuals experiencing certain medical conditions like arthritis in the shoulder, your therapist may use pressure strokes, friction, and other stronger movements to improve flexibility.
Enjoy Fast and Efficient Healing
If you have recently experienced an injury, illness, or surgery, massages tailored to the needs of aging adults can help accelerate the healing process. One of the most important steps to healing is rest, but this can slowly decrease function and mobility over time. That’s why it’s important to start exercising those muscles as soon as your doctor approves. Alongside regular physical therapy, massages keep your joints, muscles, and tissues actively stimulated. This works to improve blood flow and strengthen the affected area faster, so you can return to the activities you enjoy.
Better Your Mental Health
Regular massages can play a large role in relieving feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. During your massage session, you’ll feel comfortable and soothed by the gentle hand motions. This promotes mental and physical relaxation throughout your appointment. But aside from that, massages can improve your overall quality of life and mental health. Not only do they help to relieve aches and pains during the day, but they can also increase the length and quality of your sleep at night.
Since massages for aging adults work to regain strength and mobility, this can foster greater freedom and independence by restoring some of the skills you thought were lost. This gives you a positive and healthy goal to work towards and may greatly improve your overall outlook on life. Therapeutic massages can also help you regain the strength to participate in social activities and get back to living a fulfilling lifestyle.
Explore the Benefits of Massage Therapy at St. Barnabas
If you are looking for massage therapy that’s designed for aging adults in the Greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, consider St. Barnabas Health System. Serving residents in Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties, we provide a variety of specialized medical and skilled nursing services to the members of our community. Contact us today to schedule a massage appointment with one of our specialists at the medical center.
