Body Sense

AUTUMN | 2016

Issue link: http://www.bodysensemagazinedigital.com/i/727614

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 8 of 15

Body Sense 9 The most common conditions to avoid, or take caution with when massaging seniors, include bedsores if a patient is bedridden, easy bruising, heart problems, osteoporosis, thin/sensitive skin, and thrombosis (blood clot). Otherwise, the same systemic and local contraindications apply as with any massage session—not massaging anyone with a contagious skin condition, dangerously high blood pressure, fever, or open sore or wound. MAKE THE INVESTMENT I'm guessing you want to feel as good as you can during the final phase of your life. So does your loved one. I see seniors who say they don't want to be involved in planned facility activities, and commonly it's because they simply don't feel good. Once they start to feel better, in many cases, they become more engaged. And massage can often help them feel better. I've rarely met a senior who said no to massage; every time I've given massage to a willing resident, they have smiled, shown happiness, and, if they were capable, told me they felt much better. It's a gift to be of service in this way. Check with the activity director at the senior care facility where your loved one resides to find out if massage therapy is already offered. If it's not offered by a staff member, the facility might have a list of referrals. You can also check your local area for a geriatric massage practitioner at www.massagetherapy.com. It's up to you and me to shed the light of awareness on how helpful massage can be. Let's take care of our elders. B S Cindy Williams has served the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor since 2000. She enjoys the challenge of blending structure with creative flow to provide balance in her classroom, bodywork practice, and life. I've rarely met a senior who said no to massage; every time I've given massage to a willing resident, they have smiled, shown happiness, and, if they were capable, told me they felt much better.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Body Sense - AUTUMN | 2016