​​​​​​The word “geriatric” refers to health impairments that are associated with the later years of life, usually age 65 and older. It also includes degenerative conditions which now manifest in the much younger client. Hence, this type of massage takes traditionally age-related health conditions into account. Doing this successfully requires both theoretical knowledge and technical skills that go beyond what is typically taught in massage schools, as it is not traditionally needed in a practice directed toward younger clients.

Because this information is not always readily available, DayBreak was founded to cull pertinent facts from the fields of medicine, psychology, sociology, gerontology, and, of course, the various bodywork disciplines, in order to develop Geriatric Massage as a specialty. This ever-growing body of knowledge is the basis for our instructional materials, including our books, videos, and our popular weekend workshops.

The rapid growth of the senior population and the increasing demand for workshops illustrate the need for qualified training in geriatric massage. Statistics show that 10,000 people reach the age of 65 every day (this includes the baby boomers who wish to maintain their active lifestyles). Statistics also show that several thousand new massage therapists are graduating from the nation’s massage schools every year without any special training for geriatric massage, geriatric physical therapy, or massage for those suffering from degenerative conditions.

Because of this, there is a match between potential clients and massage therapists who are trained in Geriatric Massage. Your DayBreak training will allow you to continue with your clients from their robust, active, and healthy phase into their condition-challenged stage, and on into frail and possible hospice states.