Why Wouldn't You Use Massage As A Therapy For Your Nerve Pain?

Today's post from valleyhca.com (see link below) is a general article looking at the benefits of massage therapy for older people but as neuropathy patients, we should be aware that everything written here is applicable to our condition too. Many people living with nerve damage long for a sensitive massage now and then. Our bodies are so wracked with pain and relentless burning, tingling and other symptoms, plus tiredness and weakness from being unable to move and function in the same way as the rest of the world, that the idea of someone massaging the physical stresses away is almost irresistible. Massage does have a strange image though. It's perfectly fine for sportspeople and others for whom muscle strain and joint problems are built in to their activities but for the ordinary person, it can be a hurdle to overcome. You need to let someone access your body almost intimately in order to gain maximum benefit and for many that's a psychological hurdle. However, if you weigh up the benefits against the slight embarrassment...it's a no brainer. Of course, generally, you should seek out a professional who knows what he or she is doing but a good friend or family member can achieve miracles with gentle massage. Try it out and see how you feel afterwards.

7 Physical and Emotional Benefits of Massages for Seniors
Published February 7, 2018 | By Rob Wheelock

You may have heard of massages for elderly people, known as geriatric massage therapy. Studies show that massage triggers numerous health benefits, both physically and mentally, in the recipient and seniors are no different. In fact, geriatric massage can be a non-invasive and non-medicinal way to boost health and treat the symptoms of many chronic conditions that seniors face.

Both for rehabilitative and restorative needs, geriatric massage can enhance the quality of life for many elderly adults. Family caregivers should look into geriatric massage services in their area for their aging loved ones.

Here are 7 physical and emotional benefits of geriatric massages:

Flexibility
With age, the muscles of the body tighten, especially when the elderly person is largely inactive. Tight muscles restrict range of motion, diminishing flexibility and making it more likely for an elderly person to fall. Geriatric massage loosens the muscles and tendons so that the person moves more easily.

Sleep
For many reasons, elderly people often struggle with insomnia and when they do get to sleep it usually isn’t for long or very deeply. Studies show that deep and restorative sleep is vital to health and wellness. Massages relax the body and enable aging adults to sleep deeper and longer.

Circulation
Circulation issues plague a lot of seniors, causing health issues in their limbs. Massages increase blood flow throughout the body, which can also speed up healing any wounds or incisions.

Balance
Because massages provide regular stimulation to the nerves throughout body as well as blood flow, seniors are more aware of their extremities and enjoy more feeling and sensitivity. This helps with special awareness when it comes to walking, standing and even dancing.

Pain Relief
Chronic pain is common in many elderly people, due to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and more. Massages release good hormones like dopamine and serotonin, which can help with pain relief.

Social Connections
It’s not uncommon for seniors to feel lonely and isolated, so massages provide one more opportunity to connect with a caring person that is interested in their lives. Humans need touch and for touch-deprived elderly adults, massages satisfy this need.

Mental Health
Stress, depression and anxiety happen to adults of any age, but elderly people often suffer in silence. Massages have been proven to reduce stress and promote self-esteem and well-being, which can help ward off negative thoughts and feelings.

There’s no doubt that the health benefits of geriatric massages are worthwhile for aging adults. Family caregivers that want to increase their senior loved one’s quality of life and provide them with an affordable and non-medicinal way to address some health concerns should take a serious look at geriatric massage.

Source: https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/2315/massage-and-the-aging-body

https://valleyhca.com/senior-care-modesto-ca-7-physical-and-emotional-benefits-of-massages-for-seniors/