What
is Geriatric Massage?
Geriatric Massage is a
specialized massage for senior citizens, that lasts for approximately 30
minutes. It is a modified form of Swedish Massage (soft tissue) that is suited
to the sensitive and delicate skin and muscle structure or the elderly.
We have found through
experience that gentle massage which is soothing and relaxing turns out to be
all the more enjoyable for senior citizens as they are in need of caring
physical touch and emotional support. Many of our elders experience loneliness,
fear of death and disease, fear of being dependent and of course, suffer from certain
age-related health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure,
nervous disorders, etc. This leads to tension, anxiety and physical weakness
which are relieved through Geriatric Massage.
Need
for Geriatric Massage
It is not necessary
that all senior citizens are weak and suffering from disease. Many of our
elders are more fit than us as they used to have a lot of physical activity
during their younger days. However, those who are fit also require regular massage
because with age, the muscles have comparatively less capacity and strength and
blood and lymph circulation is also less.
Geriatric massage is
especially important for those who are not very mobile or are on the wheel
chair. It includes light stretching, reflexology and massage on hands and feet and
gentle manipulation of muscles which helps in improving the posture, circulation,
relaxation, gives relief in pain and in conditions like arthritis, gout, Parkinson’s,
etc. It helps to release toxins from the body, improves respiration, digestion,
better sleep, helps to maintain sensation in extremities and moisture, texture
and tone of skin and muscles.
This therapy is mainly
taken as a preventive therapy to help avoid health conditions and to keep the
joints and extremities in good condition.
Requirements
of a Geriatric Massage Therapist
A therapist performing
Geriatric Massage needs to have knowledge not only of massage techniques but
also knowledge of psychology, etiquette, nervous system, hygiene, diseases,
medication and their repercussions on health and skin and how they would affect
the massage procedure.
There can be some
health conditions that are contraindicated in Geriatric Massage and so the
therapist should do a thorough client assessment before beginning the treatment
and ask for a doctor’s certificate where necessary. The therapist needs to be sensitive
to the client’s feelings and reactions during the treatment. Even a slight
excess pressure can cause pain and discomfort. There will be no fixed system of
massage, it would differ from client to client. There is no place for deep
tissue massage in Geriatric Massage. Even if the client may have excess
cellulite, deep tissue massage may lead to pain and soreness after a few hours.
In this therapy,
special care is taken to make sure the client is in a comfortable position and
is kept warm. In most cases, clients will not be comfortable lying in the prone
(face down) position and so massage has to be done in such a way that both
sides are covered without moving the client.
Geriatric Massage is a
highly underrated but a much needed therapy. There is still not much awareness
of this technique in India. So it is our duty as trained massage therapists to
spread awareness for the benefit of our elders. A good place to start our practice
would be in our own family, hospitals and old age homes.
Our elders need to feel
cared for and if done by a close family member, the feeling of well-being,
positivity and happiness generated from Geriatric Massage can be manifold.
Founder,
Training in
Body-Mind Therapies
(image courtesy - ttuhsc.edu)
Improved Blood Circulation – Right
techniques of massage boost blood circulation in the body which means that
every single cell of the body gets activated. This helps improved functioning
of each organ and removal of toxins from the body. This is especially necessary
for diabetes patients as their blood circulation becomes sluggish.
Massage Therapy:
The muscles that are always tight need to be gently reminded on how to relax.
Massage therapy can help in gently moulding, stretching and heating the
muscles, slowly training them to let go. There are some specific techniques
that therapists use, such as pressure points, shiatsu, soft kneading, etc.
which can even bring about immediate pain relief.
Reflexology and Sujok
Therapy: These two therapies are known not only for pain relief but also
for helping to cure a range of conditions. Reflexology is done on the feet
using the concepts of acupressure and meridian theory while sujok is a similar
therapy done with tools, seeds, magnets and colours on the palms of the hands.
They can target specific regions for pain relief, better functioning of the
body and relaxation. 
Furniture – Apart
from a comforting retreat-like feel, most of your furniture will depend on what
kind of therapies you have to offer. Will it be traditional Indian in case of
Ayurvedic therapies, or Balinese, Thai, or a more Westernized look? The massage
tables and oils on display also depend on the type of therapy provided. For
example, if your therapy includes Shirodhara, you will require a different
massage table with head support for your client and a drain for the oil.
Balinese massage requires a larger, wider and sturdier table while Swedish
massage can have a more delicate and stylish table. If your therapy includes
Khizi (Potli massage) you will have to make sure that arrangements are made for
a heater beside every massage table. 
Pantry – A fully
equipped hygienic pantry for heating water, mixing oils or product, preparing
welcome drinks or snacks for the clients, etc. is a must for every spa.
