Massage therapy is very beneficial for all ages.
I have had many senior citizen clients who have had heart surgeries (even an artificial heart!) and with asthma or other breathing problems. We have been privileged to serve clients in their 90’s.
Every massage therapist is different. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. If someone you know has been happy with their therapist, there is a good chance you will be, too.
What does massage do?
Massage boosts your immune system. That means that regular massage will help improve your health. By “regular” it could be every week or every few weeks or even once a month.
If you have trouble breathing or asthma, having massage on the muscles in your back and the front of your chest and shoulders will help relax the muscles that have become tight from difficulty breathing.
Massage feels good. It helps your muscles normalize. Massage acts as exercise (but you don’t get the the aerobic benefits, of course.)
You may wish to have a general all-over massage because that improves circulation all over your body. Your therapist could also focus on areas where you have aches and pains OR better yet on the areas that are causing your pain.
There are many types of massage and a good massage therapist will ask you questions about your health and any health problems before they begin to treat you. You can tell your therapist how much pressure you prefer.
You can also let them know where you would like them to work. Well, at least you can tell them where it hurts. A skilled therapist will know where to work.
Have a conversation with your therapist. He or she wants you to feel better.
I would suggest starting out with a medium pressure general massage if you are in generally good health. If the pressure seems too much ask the therapist to lighten the pressure. If it seems not enough, you can ask for more pressure.
It’s your massage and your body so you always get to make those important decisions and share them with your therapist.
A good therapist will work WITH you not just ON you.
You can tell when the pressure is right if it feels right. If it feels too uncomfortable or inappropriate, the therapist is working too deeply for you at this time OR in the “wrong” area for your complaint.
If you go to the Massage Category here, you will find an article about how to find a massage therapist who can help you. Just ask the questions that apply to your situation.
I applaud you for considering massage as an important part of your good health. Therapeutic massage has tons of benefits for older folks and senior citizens.
