Effects of reciprocal therapeutic massage on the limitation of movement of the cervical spine and social support in the elderly and their family caregiver.

Abstract

The family caregiver (FC) facilitates the extension of health services to the home for the growing number of older adults (OA). The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a therapeutic massage (TM) intervention applied reciprocally between OA and FC, to measure changes in the limitation of cervical movement and the perception of support received from each member of the couple. At the end of the intervention, a significant increase in the range of movement of the cervical spine was identified in the AM and CF when comparing the pre-post scores, suggesting that the TM can reverse the limitation of cervical mobility in care provider and recipient, as well how to promote the perception of mutual support.