Massage Therapy Combats Effects of Aging
We all know that things get more difficult physically as we age. I have found working with an older population very rewarding.
Probably more than any other population, older clients often see the greatest and most rapid improvements in pain levels, range of motion, strength and balance based upon my efforts.
Bodywork and massage therapy are designed to address the physical challenges that are so common as the human body ages, namely muscle tightness and the pain it causes. It is a vicious cycle. Once tightness causes pain the body starts protective behaviors that seek to minimize discomfort but all too often just make the problem worse.
My goal in working with older people is to build a better quality of life, with less pain, more fluid movement, better opportunity to do the things they want to do, whether that be play with grandkids, work in the garden or travel without limitation.
How Massage Therapy Works for Elder Care?
As we age, most of us become more and more sedentary, which at any age causes the body to tighten, lose flexibility and lose strength. These impacts can in turn create trouble with decreased range of motion, decreased overall mobility, poor balance and trouble sleeping.
Massage therapy and bodywork can reverse the impacts of a sedentary lifestyle through a directed treatment plan, focused on body parts that are causing the most trouble first and then rolling forward in a holistic manner to increase flexibility, increase range of motion and overall mobility and improve balance.
As a result, a happy consequence of less effort associated with activities of daily living is fewer instances of soreness and pain, which enhances overall quality of life and improves sleep.
Massage For Elder Care Professional Credentials
Elders Should Expect This from Massage Therapy
Caregivers often ask me on behalf of the older folks in their lives, “What can Mom expect from a massage therapy session?” I’m not so sure how much I like the caregiver direction here. I can’t remember more than a client or two who has been aided into my care by a caregiver.
Some of the most important things to pass on are :
All sessions are fully clothed, so wear something comfortable and easy to move in
I use a thoughtful process to ease older folks into a better lifestyle without doing too much at once, so you should not worry about excessive soreness
I generally deliver a home stretch and exercise program so that you can make progress at your own pace
As a result, you can expect more energy, more stability moving around, less pain and more confidence. My hope is that this new found physical condition will allow you more opportunity to garden, walk, play longer and enjoy life more.
Scott Schwartz Is Well Prepared to Offer Massage to Elders
My practice Is built on finding and employing a balance between your physical body and your central nervous system. There is such a strong feedback loop between the two. It can be used to your benefit or to your detriment. It is my job to assess how the two are working together when we meet.
When it comes to the challenges of aging – balance, mobility, range of motion and pain, it is a matter of applying these principles to many parts of your body. For instance, for balance, it is critical to work with your feet, ankles, knees and hips. For general mobility, the focus is on calves, hamstrings, quads, psoas and bum. Sleeping and pain generally are focused on the neck, back and shoulders.
Irrespective of the need, I can find where there is physical tension and tightness, release adhesions and other physical maladies and help to teach you to use your central nervous system to have the best possible results, least pain with best function.
Elder Care Reviews for Scott Schwartz
“For weeks I was in extreme pain in my calf. As Scott worked to loosen the muscles in the area and said he suspected the problem might be an entrapped nerve. It was amazing - I had come in crutches and walked out carrying them.”
— Sylvia L
“Scott is one of the best on the west coast. I've been seeing him for a year and he's the only one I have come across that can correctly deal with my chronic spine pain. I have happily recommended him to my orthopedic doctors.”
— Ron S
