When I began my work with older clients, I found that along with the gentle human touch I provided, I was also touching the past: not only the long, rich life of the person on my table but the communal life of generations older than my own.
Older adults have unique physiological, pathological, emotional and cognitive challenges and massage therapists must be prepared to adjust massage treatment planning to suit the needs of older clients.
In this essential book, massage therapist Julie Goodwin teaches you everything you need to know about:
· Adapting massage techniques to chronic health conditions and conditions of longevity
· Creating treatment spaces and providing options, adjustments and guidelines tailored to older clients
· Managing transitions when working in eldercare facilities and with end-of-life care
The information is presented in a clear format with questions and case studies that allow massage therapists, students and other readers to gauge their understanding of the material and apply massage treatment principles to representative clients.
Older adults have unique physiological, pathological, emotional and cognitive challenges and massage therapists must be prepared to adjust massage treatment planning to suit the needs of older clients.
In this essential book, massage therapist Julie Goodwin teaches you everything you need to know about:
· Adapting massage techniques to chronic health conditions and conditions of longevity
· Creating treatment spaces and providing options, adjustments and guidelines tailored to older clients
· Managing transitions when working in eldercare facilities and with end-of-life care
The information is presented in a clear format with questions and case studies that allow massage therapists, students and other readers to gauge their understanding of the material and apply massage treatment principles to representative clients.
Reviews
Every practicing massage therapist and student should read this book! It is written with a thoroughness and obvious love for the elderly client. I appreciate how the author provides an overview of the aging process, outlines client-centered steps to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience, and addresses specific conditions and concerns. The last chapter on Massage at the End of Life was heartfully written - particularly the section on practitioner self-care. This book is also great for the classroom because, in addition to the technical information, it provides test questions and case studies in which scenarios are presented, and students create treatment plans.
Massage for Older Clients is a must-have book. Julie brings decades of knowledge and experience to the table and shares her expertise in one fantastic resource. She covers adjusting for unique physical, pathological, and cognitive challenges, along with creating a safe, comfortable space. It is a comprehensive guide suitable for students and practitioners at any level of their professional journey to expand their skillset. It is also suitable for lay people who wish to massage their older family and friends
Massage for Older Clients is a step-by-step guide for manual therapists to utilize in their practices and for massage educational institutions to prepare students for the "Silver Tsunami". I highly recommend this researched, referenced, and personal text for the massage profession.