Seniors Benefit From Massage in Unique Ways

Occasionally, I meet a new client who is around or nearing 60 years, who has NEVER EVER had a massage. I wonder how this could happen in this day and age, where there is so much talk around “self care” and alternative therapies for healing, pain management, etc. Since I am daily swimming in this protocol, it sort of boggles my mind when I meet someone who has never experienced body work.

And then. I remember my parents, who would never choose to receive a massage over paying a bill, or buying something tangible, or taking the kids somewhere fun, etc. It’s simply some esoteric and wasteful way to spend money. (And kind of woo-woo and self-centered, too.) So I get it… some people believe that massage therapy is for people with indulgent interests, or a cushy lifestyle, or the super rich, etc. "Massage therapy is not for people like me.” You may be thinking the same thing...

And yet, seniors are my favorite clients, especially those who have never had a massage! The rewards are so great, and once you get it, you “get it.”

Here’s why you might really enjoy and appreciate a massage, if you’ve never had one:

• First, massage therapy helps with pain relief. Chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, joint stiffness, and muscle soreness, are relived because massage improve circulation and relaxes tense muscles.
• Second, massage improves mobility. As muscles relax, your flexibility and range of motion increases, allowing you to do daily activities with less discomfort. Imagine lifting groceries out of the hatchback without the “ugh."
• Third, stress and anxiety melt away. With massage therapy, your cortisol levels decrease, depression and anxiety levels decrease, and your mood and mental clarity naturally increase. You’ll know it right away, how calm your mood feels as your muscles, fascia, and tissues relax.
• Fourth — and this is HUGE — your sleep will improve with regular massage. Since massage therapy eases tension and pain in daily life, you’ll experience faster, deeper and more restful sleep. I don’t know about you, but to me, a good night’s sleep is heaven.
• Fifth, imagine reduced muscle stiffness. As we age, our muscles naturally tighten over time. If you have limited mobility, or a sedentary lifestyle, a good massage will loosen those tight muscles. And that feels really good.
• Sixth, massage therapy reduces stress and improves lymphatic drainage, which also boosts the immune system. Regular massage helps you stay healthier overall. An enhanced immune function is the result. You don’t want to catch every virus or toxic malady that floats around!
• Seventh, massage offers a caring, tactile connection, which combats feelings of loneliness and increases a feeling of social interaction. Every body’s well-being depends on this type of connection, and your massage therapist can provide this in addition to the above benefits. 

Whether you choose to try a lymphatic massage or a soft tissue massage, I hope you will venture out of your comfort zone, especially if you’ve never had a profession massage. You may be surprised at how great you can feel in your body.