massaging older clients

[dreamofjeanie24]

Hi all, i have a lady who is approximately in her 70's who is going to contact me. She is asking for a back massage. She is quite active, but i need to go through a consultation with her. Is there any advice that you can give me regarding working with an older client??

Thanks

 

[Master Buz Lawson]

Hiya

You may find the skin is thinner and will bruise more easily. I found macadamia nut oil was excellent for working with older clients as it has a silky feel and you glide across the skin better.

 

[Nirvanafan]

Hi I have a regular client who is in her 80's and quite active. I also have a man in his late 70's. I haven't had any problems massaging the lady but the man has severe muscle wasting in his shoulders. You may have to be a bit more gentle and I agree with choosing your base oil carefully. You need to be aware of any brittle bones such as with osteoporosis. Hope it all goes well
Love and light

 

[hourlyloansnow]

I really like my older clients. I have a few regular clients who are in their 80's. They are all quite active people. Just for my peace of mind I help them to get on and off the couch. One gentleman has severe curvature of the spine so he lies on his side rather than face down. Also there skin can be a bit thinner.

 

[I am not Burnette]

I often treat people in their nineties with no problems at all, just need a little help on and off the couch but everything else concerning the treatment is the same as anyone else, age is not really a problem and most older people would not appreciate being treated like a fragile antique

 

[siraktjr]

I would just suggest, that if they're not used to massage, to start off gently. If they respond well and want a deeper treatment next time, you can increase the intensity slightly and go from there.

 

[Mario (Backup)]

Agree there Paul, I have an 87 year old female client who can take more pressure from me during a massage than a 27 year old personal trainer can. Never assume that because anyone is elderly than you have to give them a tickle.

Patchouli

 

[Mimkat]

Its a very individual thing - so I would go along with a lot of what has been said but something to bear in mind is the fragility of the skin and also the bones in the elderly. Osteoporosis is a problem not just for women but also men and not everyone has had bone density scans so a word of caution here. If they know for sure that their bones are robust then give them the pressure they like, but always go with your better judgement rather than being persuaded to do something you do not feel sure about.

Binah
x

 

[owlcroft]

Great advice as usual

thanks everyone