At-Home Massage for the Aging - The Good Men Project

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Imagine your parents are getting up in age (over 65) and are having health problems such as poor circulation, low energy, decreased range of motion, constipation and even problems with the mind such as depression and a lack of clarity.

Some of these things can be treated with medicines but as we get older the number of pills we take tends to increase and do we really want to be giving mom and dad more pills than they really need? If the answer is no, what do we do about it?

The answer can be an at-home massage.

Sarina Watson, an Atlanta-based Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) with Soothe on-demand massage says, “Over the past five years I have worked with many geriatric clients. Many are confined to wheelchairs and have very poor blood circulation. Many have conditions such as arthritis in their joints and weak knees, which compounds their overall immobility. They are also feeling mentally stressed because of their condition and complain of headaches. I work on them while they are in the wheelchairs, focusing on hands, shoulders, arms, feet, and legs, which are more accessible as a result. Massage therapy helps increase their blood flow, decreases joint pain so it’s less painful, and loosens up tight muscles and fluids which are trapped in the body. Their range of motion improves after the session.”

Don’t just take Watson’s word for it. According to American Senior Communities, massage therapy has been shown to have positive effects on osteoarthritis, sleep habits and quality of sleep, agitation due to Alzheimer’s disease, alleviates depression, physical and mental relaxation, and quicker healing from injuries or illnesses.

Therapists working on seniors take a different approach than those working on younger patients. There is more gentle stroking, kneading and light pressure on specific points. They also incorporate stretching into their routines. By manipulating the body and stimulating the mind, massage therapy provides the perfect balance for an individual to thrive in their later years.

Researchers at the University of Miami reviewed several studies that measured the stress hormone cortisol in patients before and immediately after massage therapy and found that the therapy reduced cortisol levels.

Massage also increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine, two major neurotransmitters that help reduce depression in patients of all ages. Endorphins, the feel-good hormones, are released via massage which not only puts the patient in better spirits but also helps their clarity, with less brain fog afterward.

This helps them feel better emotionally.

For a convenient and safe option for seniors, on-demand service such as Soothe delivers a licensed, insured massage therapist to one’s home within sixty minutes, saving the patient from having to find a ride to a clinic or spa.

The therapists at Soothe are thoroughly background checked and seniors can call to book via the toll-free number, 833-276-6843, if they don’t have access to a computer or smartphone. Soothe also offers several money-saving packages with monthly and yearly pricing at 20-25% off regular rates.

If you’re looking for a holistic way to help take care of yourself or your parents, an in-home massage from Soothe is a great route to take.

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This content is sponsored by Soothe.


Photo provided by Soothe.

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