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Pediatric Massage Therapy
What is pediatric massage therapy? Massage therapy is the manipulation of the superficial soft tissue of the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. This manual technique is done through a variety of strokes and movements. In pediatric therapy, the strokes and movements are modified in order to be age-appropriate. Children at each stage of growth and development have different physical, emotional, and psychological needs. One of the pleasures of massaging children is that therapists become attuned to providing what is needed at each life stage, and the relationship between the massage therapist and child evolves over time. Pediatric massage includes massage for toddlers , pre-school and school-age children, adolescents, and young adults. It is a unique opportunity to be able to work with children and parents and to demonstrate simple massage strokes that parents can use with their children. What are the benefits of pediatric massage? •Decreases muscle tension •Decreases depression and anxiety •Improves muscle tone •Improves joint mobility •Improves sleep patterns •Improves concentration Some conditions that benefit from massage: •Asthma •ADHD •Atopic Dermatitis •Autism “Kanner’s Syndrome” •Cerebral Palsy •Cystic Fibrosis •Dermatitis •Diabetes •Down Syndrome •Fibromyalgia •HIV •Post-traumatic Stress Disorder What can you expect in a massage therapy session? A session usually begins with a series of gentle strokes on the child’s back since there are fewer sensory receptors on the back. The strokes continue on the child’s legs, feet, arms, hands, abdomen, chest, and face. The child is always in control of the session. He/She decides what areas of the body are to be massaged and if the massage is to be given over clothing or in underwear. (Appropriate draping with a sheet will always be used to protect the child’s privacy.) Parents have the option of staying in the room with the child. Sometimes it takes the children a few sessions to get acquainted wtih touch therapy. This is perfectly normal. Storytelling is a wonderful method of introducing touch therapy to children. Toddlers, pre-schoolers, and school-age children especially enjoy stories that integrate playful massage strokes and allow them to participate in the telling of the story. The goal is for children to be comfortable and have a positive massage therapy experience.