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Health care industry

B. Well Massage Therapy Partners with Council on Aging to Expand Access to Pain Management Services

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a groundbreaking initiative, B. Well Massage Therapy has launched a mobile pain management program in Oceana County, Michigan, aiming to eliminate barriers for the aging population. The program brings therapeutic massage to senior centers, addressing a critical gap in healthcare access for the county's rural residents. With 23.1% of residents aged 65 or older, many lack transportation to healthcare services, leaving them with limited access to pain relief. By partnering with the Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCA), B. Well Massage Therapy offers on-site clinics, discounted rates, and transportation assistance, making therapeutic massage more accessible to seniors.

Key Takeaways:

  • B. Well Massage Therapy has launched a mobile pain management program in Oceana County, Michigan, in partnership with the Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCA).
  • The program brings therapeutic massage to senior centers, addressing a critical gap in healthcare access for the county's rural residents, where 23.1% of residents are aged 65 or older.
  • The program eliminates barriers by providing on-site clinics, discounted community rates, and transportation assistance to participants.
  • The initiative aims to reduce pain medication dependence among seniors, which is a significant issue in rural Michigan, where 50% of adults over 65 suffer from chronic pain.
  • Early participants have reported significant improvements in mobility and quality of life, including a 72-year-old Hart resident who can now climb stairs without gripping the rail for dear life after just two sessions.
  • The program combines therapeutic massage, myofascial release, and assisted stretching with take-home exercises to maintain results between sessions.
  • B. Well Massage Therapy offers evidence-based therapeutic massage for pain management, mobility improvement, and wellness, with owner Briana Cruz specializing in geriatric massage therapy and chronic pain management.
  • The program addresses a persistent issue in rural Michigan, where healthcare access is already limited, and geographic barriers exacerbate the problem.

Statistics:

  • 23.1% of Oceana County residents are aged 65 or older, making it a critical population to address with healthcare initiatives.
  • The population density in Oceana County is just 49.5 people per square mile, highlighting the need for accessible healthcare services in rural areas.
  • 50% of adults over 65 in Michigan suffer from chronic pain, making this state one of the worst in the US in terms of healthcare access for rural residents.
  • Non-pharmaceutical interventions like therapeutic massage can reduce pain medication dependence by up to 40% in older adults.

Sources:

  • B. Well Massage Therapy
  • Oceana County Council on Aging (OCCA)
  • American Academy of Pain Management
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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