Massage Is Therapy – Do You Need One Too?
Are you a senior over 50 years old who loves a good massage? You’ve landed in the right place then!
No matter the age, I’m 100% sure you deserve a good massage to stretch your muscles, aid blood circulation and boost tissue recovery.
And especially if you’re reaching your 50s and 60s, this would be the ideal time for you to start to regularly get massages.
I wouldn’t comment if I didn’t try it out myself! It was when an old friend of mine recommended a great massage therapist, who I now call magical hands, that I realized just how many benefits lay in one massage a week.
I am eager to share, so I decided to let the world know about this hidden but simple gem.
Let us establish that massaging is an ancient therapy technique initally based on holistic medicine.
It dates back to 3000 BC! But this is still very much useful nowadays – and reliably used in traditional medicine, too!
There are many types of massage therapies, so make sure you choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
1. Swedish massage (or relaxing)
If you’re in need of some relaxation to unpack your worries and clear your mind, the Swedish massage technique can be your getaway.
Inspired by the Nordic sauna culture, the Swedish massage involves long strokes and soft kneading. These gentle movements are proven to decrease stress and foster a better general wellbeing.
Choose this massage therapy especially if you’ve got circulatory issues. Focus on what feels good and enjoy a mindful moment of your own for up to 90 minutes!
Or even more, choose to have this massage done in the second part of your day if you have trouble sleeping.
2. Deep tissue massage for pain alleviation
Probably my favorite massage therapy, the deep tissue massage targets hard-to-reach places under your skin. Be aware, this massage therapy is less gentle, but has more numerous benefits.
If you struggle with stiff joints and back pain like I do, this will certainly help for up to 5-7 days afterwards. You’ll be left feeling SO much more flexible and free.
Even if painful at first, I found the deep tissue massage more than rewarding for my mental resilience as well. I found that fibers and fascia in my body haven’t been untangled for years, which caused me unnecessary chronic pain.
You can always start with a deep tissue back massage and get familiar with the technique. Actually, I managed to teach myself how to apply pressure and can deep massage my legs when sore and painful myself. This is quick to do if you learn the basics of muscles.
3. Trigger point therapy
The trigger point therapy is a holistic, targeted relief massage therapy that can help you address specific painful spots. If you have specific muscle knots or tension, you can directly target those areas.
Similar to the deep tissue massage, the trigger point therapy alleviates pain temporarily, so it’s best to gain awareness of your vicious movements.
Seniors who physically work in demanding postures, like knitting or gardening, should specifically consider getting a trigger point massage for unlocking tense parts of the body. Why not be able to use long-forgotten muscles and move in ways you thought you couldn’t again?
4. Sports massage
If you’re still active – first of all, my congratulations to you! – you’ll thank me after getting a sports massage. And the good news is that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to get a sports massage.
First, you might benefit from one if you’re involved in classes like yoga, walking, or aerobics. Perhaps you’re often sore, feel fatigue in your tendons, or just work on moving better. This will most likely do the trick for you.
Also, you might urgently need one of these therapies if you are dealing with older sports injuries that you haven’t addressed properly. Moreover, you can prevent future sports injuries by regularly getting a sports massage to align your musculoskeletal system altogether.
If you too get a good thrill out of your favorite sporty activities and hobbies, think about just what you can do when feeling and moving more freely.
5. The Shiatsu technique
Imagine you’re at a fancy therapy retreat in Japan, surrounded by quiet and peace. Except you’re not!
Consider the Shiatsu massage technique if you’ve ever fancied experiencing what that’s like, though. This Japanese-inspired technique combines energy flow with mind balance. More practically, it involves specific finger pressure on body parts connected to your inner self.
You will really dig this massage therapy if you like taking care of your mental and emotional health. The Shiatsu technique is largely holistic, which means that the mind does all the work for you if you allow it. Use it as a meditation or breathing moment to reset your energy and cleanse your senses.
Shiatsu massage specialists can be tricky to find, but when you do, it’s utterly rejuvenating on the inside!
6. Foot reflexology
The foot massage therapy, based on your nervous system reflexology, is enormously overlooked by seniors. Who would think that small bits like your feet have so much impact on your vital body parts?
In fact, different parts of the sole of the foot are linked to different organs through a maze of nerves. It’s a complex whole that science doesn’t yet understand completely. So, foot reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points of the soles and feet, and it can cure internal conditions like headaches, indigestion, anxiety, and more.
In the foot reflexology chart, the middle part of the sole is associated with internal organs, like your stomach and kidneys, while the toes correspond to the brain.
If you’re interested to learn more, I’ve generously attached a great foot reflexology tool you can use at home at the bottom of this.
7. Hot stone massage
Who doesn’t like a bit of pampering from time to time? The hot stone massage uses some very special volcanic stones that are heated up and placed on your tight muscles. This type of massage therapy is also sometimes available with cold stones, which is absolutely great in the summer.
You can find this more traditional massage technique almost anywhere you go, and it can be a good alternative to the Swedish massage therapy as well.
Another suggestion of mine is mixing the hot stone technique with a deep tissue massage. Since the heat first relaxes your muscles, they become easier to manipulate later in the deep massage session. This process can ease the discomfort that comes with unlocking tense parts of your back.
Bonus tips
We understand that getting a massage is not always a go-to option. Perhaps you retired in a remote location with no access to massage services or would rather not budget weekly massage sessions in. That is completely fine!
I’ve got a few more useful tips for more affordable and convenient massage options. And if you’re self-reliant or into DIY, you’re very likely to go for one of these.
- You don’t have to lie down or make time for a quick and convenient chair massage. You can find massage chairs in community centers, in shopping malls, and in other public spaces. Be aware this type of massage will not target specific places for you.
- Grab yourself a massage gun. Technology is crazy, but it’s come out with a useful tool. You will be able to massage hard-to-reach spots, choose as much pressure as you like, and use diverse massage settings and modes from home. Take care of your body with the best massage gun I’ve ever tried.
- Other DIY methods of self-massage include simple tools made out of wood and metal. Depending on shape and size, these can help with your deep tissue as well. Keep in mind you might need a partner for targeting your back, though.
- Last but not least, here’s your foot reflexology chart, as promised!
If you found this article helpful, why not read on: Seniors, STOP Eating These Inflammatory Foods!
