Everyone Deserves a Massage
July 12 through 18 is National Everyone Deserves a Massage Week and what better way to celebrate than to get a massage! Imagine how good it would feel. And when you feel better physically, you feel better mentally and emotionally too. But before you go, there are some things you should know.
The Right Massage for You
There are different types of massage to choose from: Swedish (traditional relaxation), Deep Tissue (for those really tight muscles), Sports (for injury recover), Therapeutic (tends to be more medical) and Geriatric. In Geriatric massage, the massage therapist specializes in working with the aging body. The touch is lighter, the pressure is not as deep, and joint movements are slower.
Aging and Massage
According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) “The body naturally ages, affecting a person’s health. 90 percent of the elderly are reported to have at least one chronic medical condition, and the majority have multiple conditions.” Even if you are lucky enough to be in the 10 percent without a chronic condition, as we age our skin becomes thinner, we lose muscle, and our joints ache. Most people living with chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and even the normal aches and pains associated with aging can benefit from massage.
How Does it Work
Chronic conditions and diseases attack our body’s systems. Massage positively impacts those same systems. All massages increase circulation and improve blood flow which helps everyone and is especially beneficial to people with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Massage helps relax muscles and supports better joint movement for those living with general aches and pains, Parkinson’s Disease, Fibromyalgia and Arthritis. By keeping the lymph system flowing properly, massage helps the body eliminate toxins and reduces swelling. And, if you just want to relax, massage is the perfect way to relieve stress.
Keeping Massage Safe
Massage is safe as long as your massage therapist has a clear understanding of your health status. Be prepared to share any chronic conditions or diseases you may have, surgeries and any supplements and medications you are taking. This gives them the knowledge they need to modify their technique to make massage safe for you. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, be ready to wear a mask as it has been shown to aid in everyone’s protection.