Health Benefits Of Gentle Massages For Over 50
There are numerous benefits from a gentle massage session, according to research. Massage frees up bunched muscles and tendons, wiping away stress, and inducing relaxation.
- Gentle massage can help increase blood circulation, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues. This improved circulation can reduce swelling and promote healing in areas affected by age-related conditions like arthritis.
- Massage can help alleviate muscle tension and joint pain by loosening tight areas and freeing up restrictions. This can lead to improved range of motion, better balance, and reduced risk of falls.
- Massage has been shown to decrease cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone, while increasing the production of endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals. This can lead to a greater sense of relaxation, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved sleep quality.
- Massage can strengthen the immune system by promoting deeper breathing techniques and enhancing the mind-body connection. This relaxation-inducing aspect of massage can bolster immunity and overall well-being.
- Regular gentle massage can help restore spinal column health and improve overall posture. This can be especially beneficial for seniors who may be dealing with age-related conditions like osteoporosis.
- Gentle massage can provide relief from age-related joint and muscle strains and injuries. By promoting physical flexibility and reducing pain, massage can improve the quality of life for seniors.
Note: A gentle massage is not only recommended for unfit or sick individuals to regain health; it is also routinely prescribed for healthy senior citizens.
Get massage weekly
A weekly massage works wonders on a strained physique. It rubs away all traces of accumulated stress from muscles and instantly rejuvenates. It is akin to a physiotherapy session to eliminate pain.
Massage for the elderly should be gentle so it does not pull or twist aging muscles and joints. Ideally, a trained masseuse should perform this task. In the absence of a professional masseuse, a self-massage will also suffice.
Conclusion
Massage is therefore an ideal solution for tackling age-related problems. Massage therapy may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Massage is now recognized as an inherently therapeutic remedy for relief from age-related joint and muscle strains and injuries; while it promotes physical flexibility. It strengthens the immune system by promoting deeper breathing techniques. Massage improves overall posture, restores spinal column health, and arrests osteoporosis. It enhances the mind-body connection and leads to a sense of calm. This relaxation-inducing aspect of massage promotes a sense of well which again bolsters immunity.
ALSO READ: 5 Forbidden Foods to Avoid Eating After 50
References
- Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224-229. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564319/
- Field, T., Diego, M., Hernandez-Reif, M., Medina, L., Delgado, J., & Hernandez, A. (2012). Yoga and massage therapy reduce prenatal depression and prematurity. Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 16(2), 204-209. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9401086/
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Benefits of massage therapy. Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/benefits-of-massage-therapy
- Kolasinski, S. L., et al. (2021). 2020 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care & Research, 73(7), 892-906. [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20552173211022779
