Geriatric Massage: The Next Advancement in Massage Therapy

In health spas across the country, massage therapists have seen an increase in services to a specific population sector. In the elderly population, the need and desire to receive a specific type of massage therapy has become increasingly popular. Known as geriatric massage, massage therapists, and their associated spa facilities, are experiencing a phenomenal increase in business and health within their communities.

Geriatric massage is a specific massage technique used to treat the most common of ailments in the elderly population. Most often used as a preventative form of therapy, senior adults are benefiting from improved blood circulation and maintained range of motion with the application of geriatric massage, at least, once per week.

Additionally, for those senior adults who do suffer from age related illness, such as Parkinson's disease, arthritis, diabetes and even heart disease, the use of geriatric massage is improving the circulation of lymphatic fluid and blood, thereby improving these conditions naturally.

And what about the psychological impact of geriatric massage? Because many senior adults, today, live in isolation, feeling depressed and lonely, geriatric massage is providing a way for the elderly population to reach out to other individuals and engage in not only physical stimulation but also psychological and emotional support and stimulation.

So, what is geriatric massage? Quite simply, in the spa setting, geriatric massage is practiced in a 30 minute session with passive stretching of shoulders legs and feet with the massage therapist also supplying gentle massage to the hands and feet to improve mobility and reduce age related stiffness. Soft massaging techniques are applies to various parts of the body, primarily the back, to promote blood circulation and cardiovascular health.