The Therapeutic Benefits Of Thai Massage For Seniors

Seniors experience some of the most notable therapeutic benefits of Thai massage. By integrating Thai massage techniques into their regular health and wellness routines, seniors find relief from some of the most common conditions affecting the 65+ population, including reductions in pain and swelling related to arthritis, increased relaxation, improved sleep, and greater strength and flexibility.

Many seniors find the ability to wear comfortable clothing for the duration of the massage, along with the combination of gentle Thai massage techniques, to be more comfortable than a traditional Swedish or deep tissue-style massage.

NOTE: Always discuss Thai massage with your physician or specialist before scheduling an appointment. Our techniques may be contraindicated (less safe) for clients based on their medical history. If that’s the case, we’ll use modified versions of physician-approved massage instead.

Thai Massage For Seniors Can Help Boost Health & Well-Being

There is multiple research supporting how the ancient healing modalities included in Thai massages facilitate:

• Improved circulation 
• Relaxation.
• Decreased inflammation (a significant factor in most of the top conditions affecting seniors, from heart disease to arthritis).
• Improved sleep.
• Boosted immune function.
• Increased energy.
• And more.

Let’s look at some of the top benefits of Thai Massage for seniors, all supported by clinical evidence (Cleveland Clinic and Medical News Today). 

BONUS BENEFIT: You get to wear comfortable clothing for the duration

First, for those new to the art of Thai massage, we want to explain a bit more about what to expect for your first Thai massage session. One of the most surprising things for many new clients is that you don’t remove your clothes. 

Thai massage includes gentle (or deep - depending on the client’s preference) pressure on specific acupressure points and the same stroking and rubbing associated with a traditional massage. However, we also incorporate a variety of other techniques, such as:

• Pulling
• Stretching.
• Bending.
• Movement.
• Rocking.
• Twisting.
• And more

All of these movements are considered passive. This means you don’t have to do anything but relax while we manipulate your body in alignment with your needs, goals, and limitations. 

As a result of the multifaceted techniques and maneuvers, clients wear comfortable clothing (similar to what you’d wear to a yoga, thai chi, or exercise session). Remaining in their comfortable clothes allows clients to relax completely without inhibitions about their body or physical condition.

Increased circulation of both blood and lymph fluid

Most people understand the health benefits tied to boosting circulation. The better your blood flow, the more oxygen and nourishment get to your cells. By stimulating stagnated blood flow, you feel more alert and energetic. Also, increased circulation supports a healthy immune system and the body’s natural regulation and healing systems. However, blood isn’t the only thing that moves more efficiently through your system during and after a massage.

The human lymphatic system is complex, and we are only beginning to learn all it does. Lymph channels run through the body, just like circulatory vessels, and in addition to carrying nutrients to the cells, lymph is also involved in:

• Immune system function.
• Interacting with and evacuating cancer cells.
• Moving toxins through and out of the body.
• Reduces inflammation - including improving edema caused by a sluggish system or heart disease.

A sluggish immune system makes you more prone to illness and disease, making it harder to manage existing diseases or medical conditions. Incorporating Thai massage into your care plan helps to improve inflammation and increase circulation to support a healthier body.

Eases chronic pain (head, back, neck, shoulders, and systemic)

The CDC states that nearly 50 million Americans experience chronic pain, and recent statistics show that more than 40% of seniors 65 years and older have chronic pain that prevents them from doing the things they want to do. 

Thai massage offers all the benefits of traditional Western massage techniques, including pain relief. Clients who receive massage on a regular basis, even as little as once per month, find relief from consistent headaches, as well as back, neck, shoulder, and systemic pain, including pain associated with osteoarthritis. With less pain comes the interest and ability to get out and about more often doing the things they love, even if it's in a moderated fashion.

Thai massage for seniors can decrease anxiety and stress

Massage feels wonderful and gives the body a chance to stop, take deep breaths, receive tender care, and soak up the healing benefits of each session. Once the nervous system has a chance to calm down, clients experience immediate relief from anxiety and stress. This allows you to live with more balance between mind, body, and spirit.

We encourage clients to drink lots of water to facilitate the increased circulation and lymph drainage referenced above and to breathe deeply to continue the relaxing benefits. 

Increased mobility and flexibility

By easing joints and limbs into stretches, bends, and twists, along with massage techniques that soothe and soften the muscles and fascia, we help to lengthen the connective tissue that connects the musculoskeletal system. 

The more flexible and mobile your joints are, the less you experience pain, stiffness, or injuries. The more mobile and flexible body makes it easier to be physically active, further increasing muscular strength, mobility, and flexibility.

Improved sleep

While seniors need less sleep than their younger counterparts, interrupted sleep is a common complaint for seniors 70 and older. Since massage helps you relax, unwind, and destress, many clients report sleeping well the night of and the nights after receiving a massage. That said, there are additional reasons seniors experience disrupted sleep, ranging from physical discomfort or medication side effects to the restlessness associated with a more sedentary lifestyle.

The increased circulation and pain relief offered by Thai massage allow seniors to be more physically engaged again - and more comfortable during sleep. We recommend pairing your commitment to Thai massages with daily walks, water exercise classes, senior yoga or Tai Chi sessions, or other physical movement modalities that increase circulation, strength, stamina, and flexibility. Over time, you’ll find that your more comfortable and physically active body is ready for a good night’s sleep at the end of the day.

Chetawan Is A Sanctuary For Seniors To Experience Thai Massage

Are you interested in learning how Thai massage for seniors can help you age with better energy, stability, and comfort? Schedule your first session here at the Chetawan Thai Therapeutic Massage Sanctuary. We work carefully with clients to match the therapeutic techniques that accommodate their needs and goals.