Skip to main content

Complementary Therapies for Elderly

Elderly

It is sometimes assumed that complementary therapies like massage and aromatherapy etc. are designed for younger people however elderly people can also largely benefit from the healing touch and sense of nurturing that these treatments bring about. As complementary therapies also work on an emotional level it can help people to deal with grief, loss, loneliness and seperation. While there are many elderly people who are in excellent health, most have at least some medical situations that must be taken into consideration when performing the treatments.

Most elderly people have more sensitive skin and can be prone to bruising. Depending on an elderly client's level of physical activity, muscle tissue may be substantially diminished and bony structures are likely to be more fragile and at risk of breaking. Blood and lymphatic circulation is probably sluggish. Almost all older people suffer from osteoarthritis caused by worn out joints that can also put pressure on their nerve endings.

As time goes on, we can expect more and more elderly people to visit our clinics for treatment. Their needs are going to be different from younger adults because they are more likely to face multiple chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis and heart conditions. Moreover, illnesses will usually be treated with prescribed medications that will often complicate the health picture by causing side effects and raising contraindications. Hence requiring consent from the clients GP/Consultant.

That is why it is so important, when treating an elderly client, to take a detailed history to understand the underlying pathological conditions that affect the presenting musculoskeletal and possible emotional state.

Benefits of treatment can help with the following:

Lowers stress levels and anxiety, Relaxation, Deepens breathing

Improves sleep patterns, increases brain function and concentration

Arthritis, Pain relief, Reduces oedema/fluid retention

Improves flexibility and mobility in joints and muscles, encourages skin elasticity,

Stimulates circulation, reduces blood pressure, helps heart conditions,

Sense of being nurtured, ease emotional conditions, depression

Stimulates neural pathways,

Aids digestion, eases constipation,

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Learning How Reflexology May Help You

Earlier this week I found myself on an incredible internet journey. . . DESTINATION: Articles and Info about specific ways reflexology may help you, your family and your friends. I was serious about this. You must understand, in the USA not too much research has been done to document the results reflexologists see everyday. Other countries (Denmark, UK, and China mostly) have done extensive research. Their results have encouraged them to place reflexology into the mainstream of the medical community. Tennessee, the state where I live and practice reflexology, was the first state to actually set reflexolgoy apart from other modalities and professions, and its regulation does fall under health related boards. That is certainly a positive!!! My journey did lead to some interesting locations I would love to share with you. I believe if you will check these out you will learn so much about the value of reflexology as not only one of the most incredibly relaxing experiences you may have, but...

Migraines Helped Through Reflexology -- Study from Denmark

Please click the headline above for the complete story from Sylvia Carlson. The results from this Danish research indicate that an astounding 81% of those in the study reported being helped by this therapy. Many even believed it was their cure. Migraine sufferers, that's worth checking out!!!! Was I one of those unfortunate enough to suffer the debilitating pain of migraines and even if I didn't know much about reflexology, after reading this article I feel rather certain I would give reflexology a chance. Also, I love visitors. Stop by my reflexology site, too.

Keep Your Life Simple

Cleaning out some of my vast collection of emails, I came across these words this morning. As we head into the incredibly jam packed weeks ahead, I believe these speak volumes to how we each determine the most important priorities for ourselves and our families. Very well written, and I only wish I could give credit to the one who penned them -- alas, that person remains anonymous to me at this time. Should I learn of the source I will certainly share with you. Perhaps there lies more precious wisdom from this same individual. Insulate yourself from the killing pace of change. Granted, we have to keep up when it comes to business, but do we really need to strive to have the latest and greatest in all aspects of our lives? My answer is no. We don’t have to be trendy in every aspect of our lives to keep up. On the contrary, you’ll find it easier to run at the front of the pack if you keep your life simple, and if you keep in touch with who you are and where you’ve come, rather than what ...