Pediatric Massage
Service performed by certified pediatric massage therapist for children with special needs
Pediatric Massage
Pediatric massage is the umbrella term for massage that is performed on children or adolescents. 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. The aim of pediatric massage is usually to help provide comfort and pain relief to children who are suffering from illness or a medical condition. At clinical massage & cancer care we service kids age between 6-18 years old.
What is a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT)?
A CPMT is a massage therapist who has received advance training to provide massage to children with a variety of health care needs. The training includes a variety of massage techniques for working with children with various physical, developmental, emotional, and mental challenges.
Why Pediatric Massage?
Many people think of massage therapy as a luxury and do not recognize the healthcare benefits associated with this noninvasive integrative intervention. For children and families living with and managing serious illness, pediatric massage is an essential and necessary component to provide comfort and quality of life.
Benefits of Massage for Children and Adolescents
Improved muscle tone
Improved joint mobility and range of motion
Improved respiratory function
Improved sleep patterns
Improved gastrointestinal function (regular bowel movements)
Decreased anxiety
Decreased stress
Improved concentration and ability to stay on task
Decreased pain
Assists in the recovery from injuries and accidents
Improved posture
Helps to treat and prevent sports related injuries
Benefits of Massage for Specific Conditions
Some of these conditions may require you to obtain permission from your child's primary health care provider prior to massage
Asthma: reduced hospitalizations, decrease in anxiety and stress hormone levels, improved peak air flow and pulmonary functions, possible reduction in need for inhalers
ADHD: improved classroom behavior in the areas of the Conners Teacher Rating Scales on anxiety, daydreaming and hyperactivity
Autism Spectrum: less stereotypical behavior and more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play observations, improved sleep patterns
Cancer: release of serotonin and increase in natural killer cells, decreased anxiety and depression
Cerebral Palsy: reduced spasticity, gained more muscle flexibility and motor function and had more positive social interaction
Diabetes: improved compliance with insulin and food regulation, improved mean glucose levels, symptomatic improvement and reduced parent anxiety
Down Syndrome: improved muscle tone and performance on motor tasks
Fibromyalgia: reduced pain, depression and anxiety
HIV: release of serotonin and increase in natural killer cells, decreased anxity and depression, increased weight gain, improved persformance on the Brazelton Newborn Scale
Leukemia: increased white blood cell and neutrophil counts
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: decreased anxiety
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): decreased anxiety, increased acceptance of touch, relaxation, possible decreased frequency of meltdowns and feeling overwhelmed
Contraindications for pediatric massage include:
Fever/Temperature
Acute infection, staph infection, illness or disease
Skin disorder/condition which may be contagious or cause inflammation (fungus, rashes, herpes)
Open sores, wounds or lesions
Recent immunization/vaccination (wait 48-72 hours)
Life threatening medical condition
Unhealed umbilical cord(tummy massage contraindicated)
Swollen lymph nodes
Blood clots or a blood condition
Diarrhea or other sickness
Inflammation
High blood pressure
Hernia
Osteoporosis
Varicose Veins
Broken Bones
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Pain
Lability
Thrombocytopenia