PEDIATRIC MASSAGE

2 - 18 years of age

Alyssa, 19

press play

Little people suffer from little problems. They experience pain and stress in very much the same way adults do. Massage alleviates their pain, anxiety and depression.

Nurturing touch is essential for helping children develop into well-adjusted adults, and massage offers a great way to provide that touch.

This therapy also provides comfort, relaxation, reduction of stress hormones, and relief from chronic conditions such as asthma, nausea, constipation, and muscle aches.

Benefits of pediatric massage therapy are similar to the benefits of adult massage. They include:

•Decreased anxiety

•Pain reduction

•Improved muscle tone

•Enhanced pulmonary function

•Enhanced body image

•Increased bonding and attachment

•Increased self esteem

•Healthy sense of boundaries

•Stress reduction

•Overall sense of well-being

Immediately after receiving massage, children with mild-to-moderate juvenile rheumatoid arthritis notice decreased anxiety and stress hormone levels.

For young patients with autism their aversion to touch decreases with massage, while their ability to focus increases.

Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis report feeling less anxious, and their ability to breathe and pulmonary functions improve.

These are some of our basic guidelines for pediatric massage:

Always ask the child if he/she wants to receive massage.

It is important that the child knows they can trust you, and that you will listen to their requests. It is very empowering for a child to have the ability to direct their therapeutic session, and at times even refuse it.

Be gentle; there are differences between adult and child bodies. Children have more touch receptors per square inch than adults. Children's bones are also not as solid as adults.

The child needs to understand what you say to him/her.

Talk in a way that the child can process and that helps build trust. Explain massage in age-appropriate ways.