People who are bedridden can receive multiple benefits from massage, ranging from improved circulation to stimulation that prevents muscle atrophy, report therapists at the Pain and Wellness Center in Huntsville, Texas. In addition to the physical benefits of massage, bedridden patients often feel calmer and less stressed, which can lead to less pain as well.
Myofascial Massage
Myofascial massage is a full-body experience geared to relieving tension in the fascia, the fibrous connective tissue that binds muscles and organs in the body together. Long, stretching motions are used to relax tense muscles.
Unlike Swedish or deep tissue massage, mayofascial massage is generally softer and can help relieve pain. Slow steady strokes are aimed at the heart, which increases the flow of blood through the body.
Increased oxygen and nutrients can then flow more easily to the tissues to help with healing and pain relief. The action exercises the heart muscle and provides conditioning support to the arteries.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is more aggressive than myofascial massage and can be helpful to bedridden patients who experience muscle spasms or severe pain. The manual manipulations applied during Swedish massage techniques target the muscles, joints, ligaments and fascia.
In addition to increasing circulation, Swedish massage can improve respiration, reduce swelling from fluid retention, soothe nerves, and increase flexibility and joint range of motion. Hot and cold applications are utilized during Swedish massage for further therapeutic benefits.
Strokes can be light or deep, depending on the comfort level of the patient. Therapists target ligaments lengthwise and crosswise to stimulate waste drainage and flexibility. Bedridden patients benefit from the deep vertical strokes used in Swedish massage that mimic the effects of exercise.
Quick vibrating motions can help to clear the lungs, manipulate muscle and joint pain, and create muscle contractions. Compression done with warm oil can soothe aching joints and create a sense of well being.
Geriatric Massage
Geriatric massage employs a variety of techniques and typically is customized for each patient. This type of massage treats both the physical and emotional conditions common to the elderly and is used in hospitals and nursing homes for bedridden seniors.
Therapists at Therapeutic Touch by Kim report that bedridden patients often need mild massage strokes with oil on bedsores and pressure points. Arthritis, high blood pressure, brittle bones and hardened arteries need to be taken into consideration when developing a plan for a geriatric massage routine.
Geriatric massage may employ facets of Swedish and myofascial massage, as well as passive massage techniques used in reiki or aromatherapy. Geriatric massage therapists are required to have special training in dealing with the needs of the elderly and bedridden to avoid complications.
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