Therapeutic Massage for Senior Years

Promoting Lifelong Health, Relaxation and Vitality
Your body repairs itself throughout your lifetime, hut with each year the process becomes a little less efficient. The body gradually loses some of its ability to spring back from the wear and tear of daily living. Even healthy individuals who remain vigorous into their nineties may accumulate an assortment of annoying problems.
Though aging is unavoidable, you can take steps to maintain or improve your strength, flexibility, coordination and energy no matter how old you are. Exercise and good nutrition can help. Regular therapeutic massage can also improve physical and mental well-being throughout your life.
Massage: an honored tradition
Ancient Chinese. Egyptian, Japanese and Arab medical literatures frequently refer to massage as a health treatment. Hippocrates prescribed massage for patients and athletes. Today. therapeutic massage is routinely prescribed for relaxation and health in Europe. Asia, Canada and, increasingly, in the United States.
Your massage therapist
Massage therapists have extensive training that includes massage technique. anatomy and physiology, and knowledge of when and when not to massage. In addition. most massage therapists have advanced training in one or more specialized types of massage. Your massage therapist will be happy to answer any questions about his or her education, experience, certification or licensing, and areas of specialization.
Help for specific problems
Research shows that massage loosens muscle tension, increases circulation, and calms the nervous system. These simple effects can help you cope with many irritating problems. Specifically, therapeutic massage promotes:
Relief of pain from tight muscles. Muscles are gently kneaded and stretched, relieving spasm and allowing circulation to increase.
Improved health and mobility of joints. Massage relieves muscle tension that restricts movement, and improves natural joint lubrication as circulation increases.
Improved posture and coordination. Relief of chronic muscle tension allows greater ease of movement.
Relief from itchy, dry skin. Massage increases circulation to the skin, improving both tone and elasticity and moisturizing naturally. Using lotion or massage oil can also soften and soothe the skin.
More restful sleep. Reduced muscle tension increases comfort and deepens sleep.
Reduced swelling from excess water retention. Massage gently moves fluid into the circulation system where it can be eliminated.
Faster healing from injuries or surgery. Increased circulation improves the flow of oxygen and nutrients to cells and removes waste products.
Easier breathing. As massage calms the nervous system, breathing slows and deepens. Relief of tension in the shoulder, neck and chest muscles also allows for fuller chest expansion.
Increased vitality, energy and mental alertness. Increased circulation brings improved nutrition to your cells and oxygen to your brain. This can boost your energy level and temporarily improve mental clarity. As a result, you may find it easier to engage in more demanding physical and mental activities which can further increase your energy.
Practical considerations
Communicating your needs. Tell your massage therapist why you are getting a massage. For example, you may want relief for sore feet or tight shoulders, or you may just want to relax,
Dress. Your massage therapist will normally leave the room while you undress. You will hi covered warmly at all times except for the area being massaged. Tell your massage therapist if you prefer to leave some or all of your clothes on.
Getting on the table. If you wish, your massage therapist will help you get onto the table. Pillows or cushions may be used to help support you. If lying down is uncomfortable for you, most massage therapists can work with you seated in a chair.
Special concerns. Always tell your massage therapist whether the pressure being used is comfortable. Indicate if you do not want oil or lotion, or if you dislike scented lotion. Let your massage therapist know if you are hard of hearing. If you are too cold or hot, your therapist can adjust the heat or your covers.
After the massage. Before getting up from the table, give yourself a few minutes to reorient from a state of deep relaxation. If you wish, your massage therapist can stay and help you
How long? The length of your sessions will depend on your general health and your reason for getting massage. For your first massage a half-hour or less may be enough. With experience, you and your massage therapist can determine the best length for each visit.
How often? Frequency is usually more important than the length of each massage. With regular sessions you may begin to notice positive changes in how you feel between massages, and in how many aches and pains you do (or don't) experience. Your massage therapist will help you set an appropriate schedule
Stress: its cumulative effect
     Stress not only interferes with your ability to enjoy life, but can also threaten your good health. Research indicates that unrelieved stress can impair the body's immune system and aggravate many chronic ailments. Some common conditions such as insomnia, high blood pressure or breathing difficulties can be a direct result of excess stress. Because its effects are cumulative, managing stress becomes increasingly important with age.
Massage and Stress
     Therapeutic massage can result in a deep sense of relaxation, which for many people is reason enough to have one.
Massage elicits the body's “relaxation response”, a natural function of the nervous system that reverses the effects of unwanted stress on the body. Muscles that have been tensed for action relax, breathing slows and deepens, a racing heart and high blood pressure return to normal.
     With regular massage therapy you can even improve your ability to relax on your own. This happens as the feeling of relaxation becomes familiar, helping you to recognize tension as it occurs and take measures to release it before it becomes a problem.
As massage decreases your general level of tension, you may find your self feeling pleasantly relaxed and rejuvenated. This can translate into increased energy for daily activities, more patience with life's minor irritations, and a renewed enthusiasm for daily living.
When to get a massage
    It is almost always appropriate to seek massage for stress relief or to address any of the specific problems mentioned in this brochure. However, there are some health conditions for which massage should be avoided or at least carefully done. Examples of conditions requiring different degrees of caution are severe osteoporosis, arthritis in the inflamed stage, thrombophlebitis.
    Always inform your massage therapist about changes in your health as they occur, even minor ones. Your massage therapist may ask permission to contact your physician for more information.
    In the end, the question of when to get a massage is best answered by experiencing it for your self. For most people of all ages, massage can provide significant benefits of improved health, relaxation and vitality.