Pain Awareness Month: Four Tips to Help Seniors Manage Pain
September is Pain Awareness Month. It may come as no surprise that pain affects the majority of the older adult population. According to one study, nearly 73 percent of the community-dwelling elder population reports a high frequency of pain. The study also notes that both chronic and acute pain is poorly managed among older adults.
Whether it’s chronic or acute, aches and pains can be debilitating and can affect a senior’s quality of life. Pain limits how an older adult lives their daily life and can cause a senior to lose independence prematurely. It affects focus, interferes with sleep, reduces mobility, increases the risk of falls, and can result in social isolation.
Although some pain is to be expected as we age, older adults have more options today to help them navigate their lives despite their pain. Keeping pain under control allows seniors to enjoy more of life’s precious moments. Here are four tips to help seniors manage pain.
Guided Relaxation
Guided relaxation, a form of meditation, is an effective tool for managing pain. The practice helps older adults reduce muscle tension, aches, and other pains. As an older adult engages in guided relaxation, endorphins are released, causing the body to relax. The practice is just one way in which older adults can feel more in control of their bodies, even while experiencing chronic pain. There are numerous guided relaxation videos targeted toward managing pain available for free on the internet. Simply search for “guided relaxation and pain management” and try one out today.
Aromatherapy
Another natural approach to managing pain involves essential oils. Ancient civilizations often relied on herbs and spices to treat inflammation and relieve pain. Different essential oils offer unique benefits. Research supports the use of essential oils as a form of pain management, especially when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Some essential oils target pain and swelling, whereas others aim to relieve pain and discomfort. You can use essential oils in a variety of ways, such as in a diffuser or applying them to your skin. Talk with your doctor about which essential oils are appropriate for you and how to correctly use them.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy has been validated as an effective pain management technique by several studies over recent years. During a therapeutic massage, soft tissues are kneaded by a professional who applies appropriate amounts of pressure. The process sends signals to the brain that block pain messages. As the massage continues, the body naturally relaxes. Professional massage therapists are trained to apply appropriate amounts of pressure and can start gently. The massage does not need to be painful, nor do deep tissues need to be massaged for older adults to receive pain-alleviating benefits.
Gentle Exercise
It might seem counterintuitive, but exercise has also been found to be an effective pain management technique. Low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, strength training, and yoga, are gentle on the joints and can prevent muscle loss, which can cause chronic pain. Similar to how guided relaxation releases endorphins, exercise releases those feel-good hormones that reduce pain perception. Exercise can also help with weight management. Losing even a few pounds takes added stress off the joints and can reduce overall pain.
Another tip to help seniors manage pain is to partner with Visiting Angels Chesterfield-Richmond. We provide customized care plans, schedule care by your family's routine, and get to know your needs and preferences to successfully match you with the skills and personality of a caregiver. Our comprehensive approach to at-home care allows us to address a wide range of care needs older adults in the community have, including decreased mobility and socialization due to the presence of pain. Our professional, compassionate caregivers are a lifeline to many older adults suffering from acute and chronic pain. If you’re an older adult whose pain is limiting your life, or you’re concerned about Mom or Dad as they grow older, Visiting Angels is here for you. To find out more about our at-home care assistance, please contact our office today by calling 804-423-6500.