Pediatric Massage
2 – 18 years of age.
Moore Massage Therapy Stittsville
Little people suffer from problems too. They experience pain and stress in very much the same way adults do. Massage alleviates their pain, anxiety and depression. It strengthens the immune system, increases healthy bonding, stimulates physiological systems ( circulatory, nervous, digestive) and helps regulate sleep patterns.
Massage provides comfort, relaxation, reduction of stress hormones, and relief from chronic conditions such as asthma, nausea, constipation, and muscle aches. Nurturing touch is essential for helping children develop into well-adjusted adults, and massage offers a great way to provide that touch.
Pediatric Massage has been proven especially helpful for infants through adolescents with ADHD, Anxiety, Allergies, Asthma, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorders, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Colic, Reflux and Constipation.
General benefits of pediatric massage therapy 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
Specific benefits of pediatric massage therapy include:
- Decreased soft tissue injury. Bones elongate faster than muscles as a child grows during adolescent years and the child looses flexibility.
- Enhanced pulmonary function. Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis report feeling less anxious, and their ability to breathe and pulmonary functions improve
- 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.
Why it Works:
Several studies show massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol while boosting the feel-good hormones serotonin and dopamine. Research shows that massage nurtures childrens' psychological, physiological, and developmental growth. Add to this movement and relaxation techniques and the result is a healthier,calmer and more focused child.
How its done:
Pedriatric massage is a multisensory approach to traditional massage. Most of our work is on a traditional massage table. A child can opt to wear loose comfortable clothing. We start with some movement and stretching and introduce breathing techniques. Kids respond really well and quickly become relaxed. Based on our goals for each child, the session moves into gentle massage techniques. Sessions are ended with self relaxation instructions for children or parent.
As therapists we always ask the child if he/she wants to receive massage. It is important that the child knows they can trust us, and that we 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.
We are gentle. Children have more touch receptors per square inch than adults. Children's bones are also not as solid as adults.
We are aware that children express discomfort differently than adults. Children will often giggle when they are uncomfortable. We check in regularly with them to specifically ask about our pressure or movements.
The child needs to understand what we say to him/her. We explain massage in age appropriate ways that the child can process and that helps build trust.
According to the Ontario Health Act, children who are deemed able to give informed consent, control whether or not a parent remains in the treatment room and if any information diagnostic or instructional is given to the parent.
If you have any questions regarding pediatric massage at Moore Massage Therapy in Stittsville, please call 613 831 8374