Self-help Tips for the Elderly

Massage

Among the different modalities of physiotherapy, massage is comparatively easier to master and can be self-administered at home. The following information outlines the benefits, contraindications, and precautions of massage for elders' and their caregivers' reference.

Benefits of Massage

Massage can stimulate the circulation of blood and lymph in skin and muscle which in turn helps to decrease pain, accelerate healing of injured joints and muscles, reduce swelling and bruising, relieve muscle tiredness, and soothe muscle tension and spasm.

Contraindications to Massage

•  Acutely inflamed area (i.e. the affected area is diagnosed by doctor to be acutely inflamed or if there is presence of redness, heat, pain and swelling, we should consult medical personnel first.)

•  A wound or fracture that has not yet healed or a recent joint dislocation

•  Severe osteoporosis

•  Contagious skin diseases or severe skin problems (e.g. psoriasis)

•  Acute deep vein thrombosis

•  Site of malignant tumor

•  Unstable heart disease, hypertension or high fever

•  Massage on the abdominal area is not advisable during pregnancy, menstruation, or when feeling too full or nausea. 

Precautions for Massage  

1. Receiving massage by others

•  Massage should be performed about once to thrice per week. Each time it should last for 10-20 minutes when applied to local area, and 40-50 minutes for whole body message.

•  To prevent injury or exacerbation of symptoms due to incorrect method or failure to recognize contraindications, receive massage only at professionally recognized and legally operated places.

•  Joint manipulation, like passively thrusting the neck or back to produce a ‘click' sound, should only be performed by recognized professionals, e.g. registered physiotherapist so as to avoid injury to joints and potential serious complications such as limb numbness or paralysis.

2. Self-massage

•  Massage to local area can be performed once to thrice daily. Each time it can last for 10-20 minutes with about 50-60 repetitions per minute using moderate force, i.e. comfortable and not causing pain.

•  The massaged area should be exposed, while other parts of the body should be covered by clothing to avoid catching a cold.

•  The massaged area should be well supported, e.g. by using pillows or chair with backrest.

•  Joints should not be pulled or compressed too forcefully during massage.

3. Using massage machines

Electrical massage machine 

•  Persons with a cardiac pacemaker installed should not use any electro-massaging machine to avoid interference.

•  Heat function of massage machines:

•  Heat function should not be used on areas of acute inflammation or in conditions with impaired skin sensation to hot and cold (e.g. neuropathy caused by diabetes mellitus)

•  Whole body heat function should not be used for persons with heart disease or hypertension.

•  The level of heat applied should be moderate and comfortable, instead of “the hotter the better” as there is risk of burn injury.

•  Do not sleep while using the heat function, as the sensation for heat is diminished after falling asleep. Prolonged heating may lead to burn injury.

•  Electrical stimulation massage machines:

Electrical stimulation massage machine 

•  Electrical stimulation should not be used on persons with metallic implants or decreased skin sensation for pin-prick.

•  The level of electrical stimulation applied should be moderate and comfortable, instead of “the stronger the better” as this may lead to burn injury.

•  Avoid applying electrical stimulation on bony prominences, as the superficial soft tissues at these sites can be easily injured by pressure.

•  Remember to follow general safety precautions for electrical appliances when using electro-massaging machines:

•  Follow the instructions in the user's manual.

•  Do not let the massage machine get wet.

•  Do not use the same electrical socket for too many electrical appliances.

•  Ensure that electrical plugs are earthed.

•  Do not use or repair a dysfunctional electro-massaging machines by yourself.

Although massage is beneficial in many occasions, there are limitations to its therapeutic effects. To achieve better results, it can be applied in combination with other appropriate therapies (such as application of hot/cold, rest and exercise). Massage cannot totally replace other physiotherapy modalities, therapeutic exercise or prescribed medications. It is important to consult medical personnel promptly for conditions with unknown cause, and those which are serious, persisting or deteriorating. Never delay proper treatment and simply rely on temporary symptomatic relief.

01/11/06
Elderly Health Services
Department of Health