Once someone is in their  80’s a serious fall can be traumatic. Actually a fall at any age can also result in decreased mobility and pain. One way to prevent falls is to use massage and strength building exercise to ensure your balance and stability. Exercises such as Yoga, stretching, Tai Chi and Pilates will all help to keep your core strength in line and anything which keeps our core strong will aid in maintaining our balance.

Movement is another factor in helping us to stay upright. It is important to  keep moving as much as possible.  The more we move, the better are bodies are at knowing where we are in space. It’s a use it or lose it scenario. The less we move, the more uncertain we become about where our extremities land. Conversely, the more we move and pay attention to our surroundings, the more adept we become at navigating our way through obstacles safely.

What does this have to do with massage therapy? I will show you. If you are in pain, what is your inclination? Most people do anything they can think of to avoid triggering pain. If there hips hurt, they tend not to walk very much. Same with back pain. It seems things hurt less when we move less. All well and good until we need to move and can’t. With massage therapy, and essential oils, I can gradually restore movement to areas which need it. As that movement is restored, my clients often become more mobile, an therefore stronger and more aware. They are less apt to fall, and more apt to recover quickly if they do have an accident.

How do I know this? As a long time masage therapist here in Brevard County, Fl. I have worked with people of all ages. People who are regular clients of mine fare better when they navigate life as a senior. When I am called in to help people who are not my regulars, after a few massages, they are able to move better and they begin to get stronger.

 

Val Boonstra

Massage Therapist