Massage Therapy for Seniors: Key Advantages for Older Adults

In the last 12 months, almost 40 million massages were given to those over 55, mainly for medical reasons. If used in combination with traditional medical care, massage therapy for elders may be a non-invasive but powerful method to help ease a few of the symptoms of several age-related illnesses.

Seniors who get regular massages report higher levels of energy, better life quality, and an overall feeling of youth and vitality.

Several advantages of massage treatment are available for the complete body. So, let's take a closer look at the benefits of massage therapy for seniors today.

ALSO READ: 8 Signs You Might Benefit from Massage Therapy →

Enhances Sleeping Patterns and Sleep Quality

Poor sleeping habits and poor-quality sleep are two factors that occur with aging. Beyond the massage table, a soothing atmosphere surrounds you as you receive a therapeutic massage—the elderly who get massages once a week claims to sleep longer and with better quality.

The benefits of massage treatment include relaxation and a sensation of peace, which enhance the amount and sleep quality.

Removes Tension and Muscle Stiffness

Seniors often find themselves unable to engage in various physical activities because, as they age, their bodies begin to deteriorate. Consequently, the body's muscles tend to stiffen, impeding fluid movement.

Additionally, as people age, we frequently experience muscular tension owing to a lack of activity. Tighter and more rigid muscles make it even harder to move. 

By boosting blood flow to specific regions, massage aids in softening and reducing stiffness and tension in rigid tissues and muscles.

Help with Alzheimer's and Dementia

Several of the symptoms of Alzheimer's are reduced by massage therapy.

Studies have shown that therapeutic massage may reduce agitation, a sign of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

According to a 2013 study, gentle back massages reduced agitation symptoms, including pacing, roaming, and resistance. Massage also decreased agitation behaviors among nursing home patients with mild dementia, according to research published in 2018.

The calming effects of massage reduce the hostile non-verbal actions and vocal conflicts that dementia patients exhibit.

Enhances Balance

As people age, the bones become weaker, more fragile, and lose strength. Falling thus becomes a severe problem for elders. The bones' fragility makes it challenging to maintain adequate balance.

Blood flow, proprioception, and the positions of the bodily components are all improved by massage treatment. The result of massage treatment is an improvement in balance and a decreased chance of falling.

Eases Recovery from Stroke

Individuals who have suffered a stroke worry that they could do so again in the future. Many physicians advise the elderly with a stroke to walk about as much as possible.

Massage treatment, which stimulates the afflicted regions, is a significant help with this. Concentrating on regions that could have paralysis later also lowers the risk of having more strokes.



Gentle Therapies are experts that can help you get into better shape. The benefits of massage therapy for seniors are limitless, so it is recommended by many physicians. We provide amazing massage therapy in Watertown, WI, so contact us now to add some healing to your life.