Infant & Pediatric Massage Therapy
The goal is to use massage and touch therapy to provide physical, psychological, and emotional benefits for children and their families.
Pediatric Massage Therapy
Pediatric Massage and Touch Therapy is an evidence-based, safe and effective way to provide appropriate tactile stimulation to encourage a child’s growth and development. While at the same time, it is a way to share fun in a developmentally appropriate activity. The benefits of massage therapy can be achieved during a relaxing 30 minute full body session, or simply by massaging the hands or feet for a few moments. The greatest benefit is received by the child when the experience is accompanied by nurturing intention, mutual respect and connection.
The physical, psychological, and emotional benefits of touch for infants and children have been well documented in published research studies. The evidence that massage provides global benefits to a child’s health far outweighs any evidence of negative effects.
Clinical research has shown that massaging a child can help soothe common discomforts, promote restful sleep, and increase healthy attachment and bonding. Studies have reported a variety of behavioral and developmental benefits such as improved immune function, digestion and the healthy development of the white matter porti0on of the brain.
When using massage therapy for children the approach and techniques are not aggressive. Most types of Gentle Touch can result in various levels of symptom relief, Nurturing Touch is a technique of pediatric massage therapy that provides a high benefit, low risk integrative approach for children. This gentle physical connection ensures the child they are never alone while the massage practitioner strives to provide comfort and support, Pediatric Touch Therapy is an amazing integrative therapy which directly impacts the quality of life in a positive way for both a child and their family.
Many people think of massage therapy as a luxury and do not recognize the healthcare benefits associated with this noninvasive integrative intervention for adults and children alike.
Benefits of Pediatric Massage + Touch Therapy
improves respiratory function
improves growth and development
increases healthy attachment and bonding between child and bonding between child and caregiver
improves sleep patterns
improves long range behavior and development
reduces anxiety
decreases stress hormones
enhances immune function
helps reduce pain
can enhance attentiveness
may enhance improved motor function and muscle tone
increased frequency of stooling
improve autonomic nervous system activity
For children with special healthcare considerations all these benefits still remain, as well as:
decrease length of hospital stay
can ease physical symptoms as well as emotional discomforts associated with pediatric medical conditions
improves family satisfaction with child’s care
helps contribute to a positive healing environment, which has been shown to impact satisfaction, and development of members of the healthcare team
may improve the quality of life for the child and family
Healthcare concerns that Pediatric Massage and/or Touch Therapy can help with include: Asthma, ADHD, Atopic Dermatitis, Autism, Burn Treatment, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Cystic Fibrosis, Dermatitis, Diabetes, Down Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, HIV, Leukemia, and PTSD
Infant Massage Therapy
There are many benefits to infant massage including:
improved sleep patterns
enhanced development
improved medical outcomes
stress reduction
These benefits include the development and improved function of all body systems. Such as:
Skeletal System- Massage aids in supporting good posture and balance, reducing muscle tension that could lead to potential medical problems, and increases nutrient flow to bones.
Muscular System-Massage relieves muscle tension and spasm, aids in removal of lactic acid and carbonic acid that builds up after strenuous activity, increases to the flow of blood and nutrients to muscles, can increase or decrease muscle tone depending on pressure, and can reduce or increase joint mobility depending on pressure.
Digestive System: Massage may relieve constipations, gas, reduce water retention, and clean the blood by toning the kidneys.
Circulatory System: Massage stimulates blood and lymph circulation, helps strengthen the immune system, and releases toxins held in the body.
Respiratory System: Massage improves breathing patterns, helps reduce respiratory problems, relieves tension in the chest, and relieves tension in the chest allowing the lungs to expand more fully.
Nervous System: Massage relaxes and calms baby, helps baby sleep, raises endorphin levels (promoting healing), provides a safe and easy release from frustration and hyperactive behavior, and stimulates the Vagus nerve which influences food absorption hormones.
Many of these advantages have been documented in research studies, and there are many other benefits that are more subjective and more difficult to quantify.
Of course, massage therapy for infants is not intended to replace other healthcare forms, but it is a great complementary healthcare option.
Would You Like Your Little One to Experience the Benefits of Massage and Touch Therapy?
As a Certified Infant Massage Teacher® I offer classes to teach parents and caregivers how to utilize the techniques of infant massage therapy. These classes are offered in a 4 week series typically geared to babies 3 weeks to crawling age (approximately 6-9 months old).
I am also a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist® and as a practitioner of pediatric massage I offer massage appointments for children age 1 year to 17 years old.
Class options as well as pediatric massage appointment options are listed below:
Group Infant Massage Classes
Individual Infant Massage Classes (In-Home)
Virtual Infant Massage Classes
All courses are offered in a 4 week series either in a group setting, individually in-home, or virtually. Click the button below to see class availability and register.
3o Min Pediatric Massage Therapy (In-Office or In-Home)
45 Min Pediatric Massage Therapy (In-Office or In-Home)
