Paediatric Massage: Children 4-12 years old

​​Touch is a sense that is one of the first to develop in humans, and probably all forms of life. It is said that touch can convey more than a thousand words, and children are known to thrive with the right amount of physical contact. 

Many children struggle with anxiety, depression, insecurity and trauma that can have a systemic effect on their bodies. Having a safe place with a parent and professional who respect and reinforce healthy boundaries and nurturing touch can allow a child to relinquish the defence mechanisms and allow their digestion, sleep and breathing to return to normal.

I have been a manual therapist for over 13 years. I am also the parent of a child on the autism spectrum. This means I can relate to exceptional children and their parents because I have lived a lot of the same experiences.

Working with children is incredibly special. They are not just small versions of adults, they are still developing in many ways and need to be supported and treated in an age appropriate and developmentally appropriate manner. I have become a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist through RMT-4-Kids with Sarah King, RMT.

I like to use a collaborative approach. This can mean working with other health care providers (Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Physicians, Psychotherapists), or just including YOU in an active role in your own treatment. I like to ensure that folks understand what I’m doing and why. There is almost always some kind of homework component to my massage therapy treatment plans, this gives everyone an opportunity to play a part in their healing process.​

What does Paediatric Massage look like?

Child massage doesn’t always look like adult massage and that’s ok!  

They are encouraged and empowered to take control of their bodies by telling me exactly where and how they want to be massaged. They are in the driver's seat and get to give the orders!
​
​Children may move around a lot more, they may talk a lot, they may ask the therapist a bunch of questions!  This doesn’t mean that it is not relaxing or calming for them. Children unwind differently and relax in different ways. But rest assured the massage is still having an effect and the effects will become more and more noticeable as the child becomes more comfortable with massage therapy and how it makes them feel.

Safety, trust and comfort are very important with any massage therapy session (especially pediatric massage therapy). Children feel much more comfortable the first time they visit the office, knowing that they can remain completely clothed during the session. I emphasize from the very first meeting with children that they are in charge of their bodies, explaining they get to determine what areas of the body I am allowed to touch, and that they can control the amount of pressure used. This tends to decrease the anxiety of the child for the first treatment.

Parents are encouraged to quietly stay in the room during treatments and are required to stay in the clinic for children under 14, or with special needs where the parent / care provider is required to be present.

Why is Paediatric Massage important to our children?

​Paediatric Massage as a therapy seems to work for children, whether they are infants, preschoolers, young children or teens. Furthermore, making massage a routine in the child’s life can help them to grow into a balanced and healthy adult.

​Massage can be helpful for children who experience a wide range of symptoms, from musculoskeletal pain caused by sports injuries or growing pains, to helping with neurological conditions or anxiety. It is a safe environment for them to begin to be body aware and understand what their body needs for wellness, balance, and growth. Children are inquisitive, and have a natural love of learning, especially about themselves! This is a wonderful opportunity for their discovery into self care and to begin a journey of proactive advocacy for their personal good health.

Parents are welcome to ask me about techniques for massaging their child at home. Massaging your child can help create more bonding time and increase a sense of acceptance, safety and calm especially in children with anxiety or mental health challenges.

Benefits of Massage for your Child

In our treatment, I will help your child learn basic breathing techniques for relaxation, skills to take control of their muscles and relax them at will. 

Some benefits of massage may include:
  • ⇣ anxiety / stress symptoms, aggressive behaviour
  • ⇣ musculoskeletal pain (growing pains) and increase healing
  • muscle stress and headache relief from devices and/or online schooling
  • decrease levels of cortisol (stress hormone)
  • ⇡ better sleep, improved sleep patterns
  • ⇡ body awareness, self-esteem, importance of self-care
  • ⇡ digestive function
  • ⇡ focus and attention span, and neurological development
  • ⇡ motor skills and proprioception
  • stimulates motor and cognitive development 

History

Paediatric Massage is a form of touch therapy that has been prevalent for centuries all over the world. Ancient cultures first introduced the practice of daily infant massage soon after babies were born, to promote weight gain, co-ordination, and bonding to increase the infants’ ability to thrive. It conveys to the child a sense of security and trust that is very essential for the newcomer into the world.

It has only been in more recent times that massage has been introduced to babies and children in western cultures. It is seen in hospital settings and even more recently in children with developmental or neurological conditions. Some parents are now even seeking the expertise of a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) to help teach them how to massage their own infants and are carrying these skills and rituals with their little ones through childhood and into adolescence.
Massage Therapy for Infants
​Whether your baby is a newborn or several months old, massage can bring immediate and lasting results. You can learn techniques to massage your infant by a qualified Infant Massage RMT or they can be performed on your infant by the therapist themselves, depending on your babies health needs. Massage can help with:
  1. Your baby/child sleep deeper and more soundly.
  2. Promote relaxation and help babies self-regulate and calm.
  3. Enhance neurological development.
  4. Relieve the discomforts of gas, teething, colic and congestion.
  5. Stimulate all of the physiological systems. Massage sparks the neurons in their brains to grow and branch out to encompass other neurons
My extra qualifications are in paediatric massage (not infant). However, I do have some amazing colleagues that I am happy to refer you to if you are interested in learning how to massage your baby, or having your baby treated. It is truly a wonderful experience, and one I would highly recommend for all new parents and babies.
Image: Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons
Clinical Evidence & Research:
Field, T., & Quintino, O. (2008). The Effect of Pediatric Massage on Stress and Anxiety in School-Aged Children. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 23(5), 331-337.
Murphy, S., & Field, T. (2014). Massage Therapy and Anxiety in Children: Effects of Regular Sessions. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(2), 120-125.
Bodnar, L., & Field, T. (2007). Effect of Pediatric Massage on Pain and Anxiety in Children Undergoing Medical Procedures. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 34(4), 415-419.
Donnelly, B., & Field, T. (2012). Effects of Pediatric Massage on Sleep Patterns in Children Aged 4-12 Years. Journal of Sleep Research, 21(5), 527-533.
Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2010). Massage Therapy for Children: Clinical Studies and Evidence-Based Research. International Journal of Neuroscience, 120(9), 651-659.
Tepper, D., & Field, T. (2004). Massage Therapy for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Attention Disorders, 7(4), 182-191.
Tepper, D., & Field, T. (2003). The Effects of Massage on Emotional Regulation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 33(1), 33-41.
Cohen, J., & Field, T. (2002). Massage Therapy for Children with Chronic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Pediatrics, 141(2), 187-192.
The information provided on this website is shared to the best of our knowledge and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, please note that Anne is not a medical doctor. The content shared is based on research from clinical papers, reputable sources, and professional experience in the field of massage therapy. This information should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy.
Let me know the best way to contact you and to stay in touch.

contact
e.  [email protected]
w. annethermt.com
c.  519.777.5055 (text)
​

social
youtube, instagram + facebook:
Anne the RMT

practice @
59 Bruce Street - Wortley Village
London, Ontario N6C 1G6
CLiENT PARKING AVAILABLE