Massage is a practice with a long history and is scientifically proven to have many health benefits. In recent years massage therapy has been advised as a form of alternative therapy. This article discusses the top 15 benefits of massage therapy for seniors living in memory care facilities in Sacramento.
1.) Reduces Stress Levels
This is very important as many people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia experience high levels of stress which can lead to a deterioration in their condition. The second way that massage therapy helps those with cognitive impairments, specifically those who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia, is by increasing their social skills, which are the ones first impaired by these diseases.
2.) Helps to Decrease Pain
Massage therapy helps to decrease the pain felt in the hands and body as well as any other pains that the person is feeling. This is not only good for some seniors living in memory care facilities in Sacramento but also for patients that are suffering from different types of cancer since chemotherapy can cause chronic pain and other issues such as joint stiffness and osteoporosis.
3.) Helps to Keep Them Active
With massage therapy and other types of physical therapy, many seniors living in memory care facilities in Sacramento are able to maintain their strength and stay active. This is an important thing as many people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia experience muscular atrophy or loss of neuromuscular function, which can lead to the person feeling weak or unable to handle day-to-day activities. Massage therapy makes it easier for the person to handle their daily activities and stay strong.
4.) Can Treat Some of the Symptoms That Alzheimer’s Patients Feel
Massage therapy can help patients from some of the confusion and depression that comes with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Even if massage therapy cannot completely cure these types of diseases, it can help the person to manage their symptoms to a better extent than they would without it.
5.) Softens Hard Muscles and Tissues
Massage therapy is especially important for seniors living in memory care facilities in Sacramento as it can help to soften hard muscles and tissues. One of the most common issues that these seniors have is an increased amount of stiffness in their hands, arms, and legs. With this medical condition, it is common for these muscles to remain very stiff even after the pain has gone away. This stiffness prevents the person from sleeping comfortably and completely relaxes their body throughout the night.
6.) Improves Their Circulation
Massage therapy is a great way to improve the circulation in the body and aids in reducing any pain that an elder may be feeling by reducing the pain that they are feeling throughout the day. This not only helps to make life better for people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but it can also make life better for people who do not have this type of disease and want to feel better as well.
7.) Improves Sleep
Massage therapy is able to improve sleep for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. If you are someone who is suffering from these diseases, you may have a hard time sleeping which is why massage therapy can be so helpful to the person. It helps to relax the individual and make that second wind that helps them get through the day.
8.) Relieves Arthritis Pain
Massage therapy is also known for being able to help relieve the arthritic pain that many people feel throughout their day. This is especially important for people with Alzheimer’s disease as it can help them to manage and deal with the amount of pain that they feel in their hands, arms, elbows, and knees, as well as other parts of their body.
9.) Eases Stroke Recovery
Massage therapy can also help patients who are recovering from a stroke. Massage therapy has been known to help the recovery of those who have suffered strokes and the muscles that have lost their fine motor skills, mobility, and strength. By working with a licensed massage therapist and physical therapist, you will be able to get back on your feet faster as well as maintain your health as you continue to live your life with no issues or problems.
10.) Reduces Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Massage therapy can also help reduce the risk of high blood pressure in the body. Some of this is due to the fact that massage helps to reduce stress which results in lower pressure in the arteries. Massage therapy allows people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as other conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, to feel good, be healthy, and work hard towards trying to live a life as normal as possible.
11.) Increased Immunity
Massage therapy can also help improve the immune system in the body. This is important as many people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia are more likely to get sick than those who do not have this type of condition. By having regular massage therapy, you can help to boost your immune system and fight off any infections that come your way. Not only does this make life better for you, but it can also save you time and money as well.
12.) Fights Anemia
Massage therapy is also able to slow down the development of anemia and help to reduce the amount that someone is dealing with. Arthritis can cause many issues in regards to anemia as you are less likely to be able to work out or exercise, which can lead to the symptoms of this disease. With massage therapy, you will be able to get a full body workout without even realizing it, which helps you boost your energy levels as well as your immune system.
13.) Lowers Fever and Body Temperatures
Massage therapy is able to lower the body temperature, which is important for older adults as it can help to prevent them from going into anaphylactic shock and dying if they get too hot or too cold. Massage therapy is able to slow down the process that causes heat to be released by the body as well as allow more blood flow to the heart. By allowing more blood flow, it can reduce high fever and sweating, which causes heat stroke.
14.) Stimulates the Nervous System
Massage therapy helps to stimulate the nervous system in the body by reducing stress and releasing relaxing hormones. With this type of treatment, you can limit the symptoms that come with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia while also reducing any pain that they may be feeling.
15.) Helps With Gastro-Intestinal Problems
Massage therapy can also help those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and gastrointestinal problems. If the person is dealing with problems such as constipation or diarrhea, massage therapy can help to reduce their symptoms and calm them down by releasing endorphins in their body. This can help to prevent them from having an episode as well as stay in a good mood.
Conclusion
If you are someone who is looking for the best way to improve your quality of life and live a healthier lifestyle, then massage therapy is definitely a good option to look into. It can help to give you more energy throughout the day as well as ensure that you have fewer aches and pains while also reducing the risks of disease and health problems.
For more senior health tips, follow the Regency Place blog. Our memory care facilities in Sacramento were rated the best by residents in the US News and World Report, so you can be sure you’re getting the best memory care health tips!
