Although it’s often thought of as a luxury and can certainly feel like one, massage is also a form of medical therapy that can offer real benefits to seniors recovering from strokes. If you provide care for a senior loved one who has had a stroke, here are a few reasons you might consider incorporating massage into his or her recovery plan.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Working to recover from a stroke is stressful enough. Doctor’s appointments, insurance companies, and the frustrations of any physical or mental limitations resulting from the stroke add more worry. Multiple studies have found massage can lessen stress and anxiety.
Family caregivers are susceptible to stress as well. Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Family caregivers can turn to Home Care Assistance for the help they need. We provide high-quality live-in and respite care as well as comprehensive Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.
Raises Spirits
When faced with a lengthy recovery, many seniors experience depression. Massage has been shown to increase levels of serotonin and other chemicals linked with better mood, so many medical professionals credit massage with alleviating or preventing depression.
A home caregiver can be a fantastic source of emotional support for your loved one who has had a stroke. Families looking for top-rated Edmonton at-home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Strengthens the Immune System
Healing after a stroke creates massive demands on the immune system. Massage is thought to boost immunity, and for stroke survivors, this may provide protection from viruses and other issues that might slow recovery.
Enhances Sleep
People often report receiving massages allows them to sleep better. Some even doze off while on the massage table. Being well rested can aid in recovery, boost mood, and make stroke survivors feel more capable of going through physical therapy.
Reduces Pain
Over half of all people who survive strokes will experience some kind of post-stroke pain. By reducing muscle tension and increasing blood flow throughout the body, massage can ease a wide array of musculoskeletal pains.
Stroke recovery is often a difficult, stressful process that’s challenging for survivors and their loved ones. When performed by a licensed massage therapist and used in conjunction with standard medical treatment, massage can make this time easier.
Recovering from a stroke, managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, and a variety of other health-related situations can make it difficult for a senior to continue living at home without someone there to help. Edmonton, AB, live-in care professionals are trained to help seniors who need 24/7 assistance. With the help of a live-in caregiver, your elderly loved one can maintain a higher quality of life while aging in place. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.