Importance of Massage Therapy - the power of touch on pain, anxiety and strength building

Chronic pain in the elderly is usually treated with drug therapy. However, alternative therapies, including massage therapy, have become more widely accepted. Because of the direct contact that massages therapy offers, it also provides those with Alzheimer's disease a way to relax, thereby reducing the anxiety associated with the disease.  Massage also provides stimulation, helping senior citizens communicate physically.
 
Treating chronic pain in the elder population is especially important because pain is prevalent in most seniors' lives.
Study shows that:

1. Nearly 80 to 85% of people past the age of 65 will experience pain caused by a health problem. 
2. Of these elders, 25 to 50% will admit to having significant pain, and of those living in nursing homes, this percentage increases to 45 to 80%. 
3. The shared experience of chronic pain coupled with decreased social contact at this point in their lives makes massage therapy a particularly effective treatment approach for seniors. Massage therapy reduces the pain of chronic disease and minor injuries, decreases muscle spasms and stiffness, and increases mobility, while providing more physical and social interaction for elders.

Massages for Senior Citizen is given with extra care, their health needs are taken into consideration when providing therapeutic massage. Conditions such as arthritis, stroke, heart problem and etc should be considered when providing massage. Providing the correct techniques will very much help decrease their chronic pain and improve their mobility.