there is a lot of good in this
Therapeutic massage can provide increased mental and physical relaxation, improved circulation, pain relief, accelerated healing from injury and illness, and improvement in the quality of sleep. In addition, when performed by our trained massage therapists, it can provide symptomatic relief from many common conditions that occur with age such as arthritis, diabetes, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, Parkinson's disease, cancer, stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
The Power of Touch
It's beautifully simple...therapeutic massage can enable older adults to extend the vitality and quality of their lives. Just think about the simple pleasure of human touch and company. I think we'd all agree that it is special on so many levels.
What's more, as the physical, mental and emotional benefits of therapeutic massage for older adults become more widely known, eldercare professionals, patients and adult children of patients are recognizing it as an important complementary therapy to other treatment plans.
Science Agrees
| Massage and Cancer | Massage and Arthritis |
| Massage and Dementia/Alzheimer's | Massage and Parkinson's Disease |
| Massage and Diabetes | Massage and Hospice/Palliative Care |
| Massage and Low Back Pain |
The National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine was established in 1999 to sponsor studies to better understand the science of massage, as well as other alternative medicines and remedies. Even though the study of massage benefits is still quite new, some of the current, scientifically proven benefits include:
- Partial restoration of mobility lost due to Parksinson's disease or arthritis
- Reduced anxiety, pain, blood pressure and heart rate in stroke patients
- Increased blood circulation
- Prevention of skin ulcers (pressure sores)
- Pain and headache relief
- Accelerated healing from injury and illness
- Improvement in quality of sleep
- Relief of stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness
- Improvement in the patient's quality of life and self-esteem
Massage and Cancer
Massage therapy is a growing part of cancer care and is welcomed in hospitals, clinics, and the daily lives of people with cancer.
Benefits of Oncology Massage
The Society for Oncology Massage reports that massage has many benefits for cancer patients, including:
- Reduces pain and anxiety
- Improves sleep
- Decreases fluid accumulation
- Increases feelings of peace and wellbeing
- Addresses the side effects of cancer treatment (medications, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) such as pain, nausea, limited range of motion, and fever
- Improves energy levels
Oncology massage can help make a person comfortable while improving his or her quality of life despite cancer symptoms. It is not a treatment or cure for cancer.
Receiving oncology massage on a regular basis from a specially-trained massage therapist can have a cumulative positive effect and is appropriate for any stage of cancer or for those in recovery.
Massage for DEMENTIA/Alzheimer's
Studies show that massage is a great aid for managing challenging behaviors characteristic of those living with Dementia-related conditions.
Benefits of Massage
Massage has been found to have positive effects on the symptoms typically exhibited by people with Dementia/Alzheimer's, including:
- Reduces stress level
- Lessens wandering/pacing behavior
- Reduces physical agitation
- Reduces verbal agitation
- Lowers pulse rate
- Lessens inappropriate behavior
- Lessens resistance to care
Receiving therapeutic massage on a regular basis has a cumulative positive effect for those with cognitive dysfunction.
Massage therapists experienced in working with people affected by Dementia/Alzheimer's possess a unique skill set and can modify massage techniques appropriately to fit each person's physical and emotional needs.
Massage and Diabetes
Massage therapy can be a beneficial complement to other lifestyle and medical management activities like nutrition, exercise, oral medicines, insulin, and blood glucose monitoring.
Benefits of Massage for Diabetes
Massage can have many benefits for people with diabetes, including:
- Increases blood and lymph circulation
- Enhances relaxation and sense of well-being
- Helps insulin absorption and regulation of glucose levels
- Normalizes function in feet and hands affected by diabetic-induced peripheral neuropathy
- Increases mobility and flexibility
Receiving therapeutic massage on a regular basis has a cumulative positive effect on addressing the symptoms of diabetes.
Massage therapists with the unique skills and experience to work with people affected by diabetes are best able to safely accommodate each person's physical and emotional needs.
Massage and low back pain
Low back pain is one of the top reasons people seek medical attention in the US, and it is notoriously tough to treat.
Benefits of Massage
The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommend that doctors and patients consider massage for treating low back pain. Studies show that massage has benefits for low back pain
sufferers, including:
- Improves daily functioning so patients can resume normal activities
- Alleviates pain better than over-the-counter pain medications
- Reduces reliance on pain medications
- Improves sleep quality
- Increases range of motion
- Involves no negative side effects
Receiving therapeutic massage on a regular basis can have a cumulative positive effect on relieving the symptoms of low back pain.
Massage therapists who are experienced in working with older adults have a unique skill set and can modify massage techniques appropriately.
Massage and Arthritis
Therapeutic massage of the muscles and joints is a wonderful complementary therapy for managing the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.
Benefits of Massage
The Arthritis Foundation reports that massage
therapy has many benefits for arthritis
sufferers, including:
- Reduces muscle pain and spasms
- Improves grip strength
- Increases the body's production of natural pain-killing endorphins
- Enhances flexibility and range of motion
- Soothes sore joints and muscles
- Eases anxiety
- Improves sleep and immune function
Receiving therapeutic massage on a regular basis can have a cumulative positive effect on relieving the symptoms of arthritis.
Massage therapists who are experienced in working with people with arthritis have a unique skill set and can modify massage techniques appropriately.
Massage and Parksinson's Disease
Therapeutic massage involving the physical manipulation of the musculoskeletal system is ideal for helping to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Benefits of Massage
The National Parkinson's Foundation reports that massage has many benefits for people with Parkinson's disease, including:
- Reduces rigidity and tremor
- Improves sleep
- Increases daily stamina
- Reduces anxiety
- Increases feeling of relaxation
Massage helps make a person comfortable while improving his or her quality of life. It is not a treatment or cure for Parkinson's disease.
Regular therapeutic massage can have a positive cumulative effect on addressing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Specially-trained massage therapists have a unique skill set and can modify techniques to fit each person's physical and emotional needs.
Massage and Hospice/Palliative Care
Studies show massage therapy can be an important component of palliative care, when efforts shift from the curative mode to that of providing comfort.
Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy brings many emotional benefits to hospice patients, including:
- Lessens pain and may reduce the need for pain medications
- Improves circulation. Better circulation can ease breathing, induce more restful sleep, and help digestion and elimination
- Prevents pressure sores
- Reduces anxiety, fear, distress and depression
- Offers caring human contact, a conscious presence, and a reassuring physical connection
Massage therapists with hospice training and experience possess an understanding of the philosophy of hospice, life-threatening illnesses, the grief process, and how to pay attention to a patient's verbal and non-verbal expressions. They can modify a massage session appropriately to fit each person's
physical and emotional needs.