A common symptom of ageing is pain and stiffness in the joints and muscles. As our bodies slow down and we start to live more sedentary lifestyles, the pressure on our joints and bones increases, leading to more pain. A more sedentary lifestyle can also cause muscles to become more tense due to a lack of use. If you or a loved one are living with conditions such as Arthritis, Dementia or Alzheimer’s, pain may be even more severe.
Luckily, there are plenty of services available that can help make ageing as joyful and pain-free as possible. One of those treatments is massage therapy. Getting regular massage therapy has many benefits for Seniors that go beyond just relieving physical pain. Whether you or a loved one are receiving at-home Palliative Care in Toronto or whatever city you may live in, are living with an illness such as Dementia or Alzheimer’s or are just dealing with the pains of ageing, massage therapy can help.
Let’s look at the many benefits that massage therapy can provide for Seniors.
Reduces Stiffness and Pain
The primary benefit that people consider when they think of massage therapy is that it gets rid of muscle pain. When the muscles aren’t being used as frequently, they can become tenser. Massage therapy helps to release some of that tension and soften the muscles. This reduces pain and increases flexibility in the muscles, making it easier for Seniors to move around.
For Seniors who are living with Arthritis, massage therapy can be beneficial in relieving and managing joint pain.
Aids with Anxiety, Stress, and Depression
Along with the physical struggles that come with ageing, there are also many mental struggles. Loved ones may start to pass away, more time is spent alone, and it becomes harder to remain physically active. Because of these things, anxiety, stress, and depression are not uncommon in Seniors.
Massage therapy can help to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the body. These hormones are often considered the happy hormones, meaning they can help increase mood.
Improves Sleep
Getting a massage is extremely relaxing. That calm, relaxed feeling can extend past the massage therapy session and leave Seniors feeling more at ease throughout their day. This can make it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the entire night.
Improves Balance and Reduces the Risk of Falls
When we are not actively using our muscles, they grow weaker. When this happens, it becomes more difficult to maintain balance and falls become more likely. Since the muscles are so weak and bones are frailer, even a minor fall can cause serious harm to Seniors.
Massage therapy can help improve circulation in the body and get more blood flowing into the limbs. This can help with posture and balance. Improved circulation also enhances proprioception, which is the “body’s ability to sense movement, action, and location.” Having a better sense of where your limbs are and how they are moving can significantly decrease the risk of falling.
