Is Massage Safe For Seniors?
Massage is safe for seniors, as long as the client is comfortable during the treatment and communicates with the therapist. Some seniors maybe more sensitive to pain or less mobile, but all therapists are trained to read Healthy Body language and sense when the client is in discomfort or unable to reach a certain rage of motion.
Massage treatment is non-invasive, relaxing and natural. It is therefore generally considered a safe treatment for most people.
Help Your Therapist Help You!
However, there are a few types of contraindications to keep in mind, which are specific to seniors. It is important to communicate any of these to your registered massage therapist, before receiving treatment.
- Recent operations or acute injuries
- Neuritis (nerve inflammation caused by injury, infection or autoimmune disease. )
- Varicose veins
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
- Bruising
- Cuts
- Abrasions
- Sunburn
- Undiagnosed pain
- Inflammation, including arthritis
- Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
- Oedema (excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the Healthy Body)
- High blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Heart problems, angina, (including those with pacemakers)
- Epilepsy
- Bell’s palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
In general, receiving massage therapy can be benefial in helping you to overcome injuries, or simply maintaining good posture and overall health. However, it is important to consider any health related issues that you may have prior to beginning a treatment. Always communicate these things to your therapist, so that you can get the best results, and get the most out of a massage session.
