Is Massage Therapy Kid Friendly?
There is a widespread misperception that massage therapy is not essential or vital for a child’s growth. Conversely, it offers a plethora of advantages to kids with certain medical concerns or those aiming to enhance their academic and extracurricular achievements. Continue reading to find out the advantages of pediatric massage therapy, how it varies from traditional massage treatment, and how to start your child off at home.
Top Benefits of Massage Therapy for Children
Is your child an athlete or musician? Does your child struggle with stress, anxiety, or depression? You’re in luck! Here are four ways massage therapy services New Orleans, can help children live and perform better.
1. Stimulates Growth and Development
Though it can also help older children grow and develop, massage therapy has long been utilized to support the development of preterm infants. Touch enhances a child’s senses and strengthens their sense of safety and acceptance.
2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The body releases dopamine and lowers cortisol during a massage. Children who get massages on a regular basis are therefore more likely to experience a reduction in tension and anxiety at school.
3. Helps Manage ADHD
Massage therapy might be helpful for parents looking for a natural way to help control their child’s ADHD, a common childhood disorder. Research indicates that massage therapy may help children with ADHD become more focused, happier, and less fidgety.
4. Increases Sleep Quality
One expected side effect of receiving a massage is feeling relaxed. Many kids say that the extra serenity and tranquility improves the quality of their sleep and provides them more energy to focus in class and extracurricular activities.
How Massage Therapy for Children Works
Giving a massage to a youngster differs from giving one to an adult. When giving a pediatric massage to a kid, a massage therapist will adhere to the “Five P’s”: positioning, pressure, pace, permission, and parents.
Permission: Before touching a child or giving them a massage, a therapist will always ask their permission. If your child isn’t ready or is tight during the massage, the therapist will stop.
Pace: Kids won’t enjoy an hour-long massage, but adults could. The majority of therapists will give kids 15 to 20 minutes of massage therapy.
Pressure: Although the deep tissue may feel wonderful to you, most children find it to be far too powerful. Kids will help the massage therapist choose the ideal pressure by guiding them on what feels comfortable.
Positioning: Since kids are usually fully clothed during a massage, the therapist can test a range of positions to determine which one is most comfortable for your child.
Parents: A massage therapist will discuss your child’s requirements with you, address any concerns you may have, give you basic takeaways to practice at home, and explain the reasoning behind a suggested movement.
The majority of massage therapists will ask you to sign a consent form, explain their plan for your child, and insist that you remain in the room during the entire session. The therapist will also most likely be a member of the same sex, depending on availability. Lastly, keep in mind that working with children can be challenging and that many offices might not take on any clients who are younger than 18.
Introduce Your Child to Massage Therapy at Home
Most kids have received massages in one form or another when they are babies, but once they are toddlers, we usually stop. If parents want to take their kids to massage therapy sessions, they might think about giving them massages at home to help them get used to the feeling. For up to fifteen minutes, two or three times a week, gently concentrate on the arms, hands, fingers, legs, toes, and back.
Ready to Book Your Kid an Appointment? Use Cynosure Care
The best candidates for massage treatment are children. Childrens massage treatment can be very helpful for everything from treating ADHD to lowering stress. Even though pediatric massage differs greatly from regular massage, it nevertheless gives kids the ability to unwind and become more at ease. In order to acclimate their child to touch, parents who are thinking about getting professional massage treatment should begin massaging at home several times a week.
It’s now simpler than ever to find your child a licensed massage therapist with Cynosure Care. To choose the best massage therapist for your child, check reviews for certified and experienced professionals in your region. With a few clicks, you may quickly schedule an appointment once you’ve found a fantastic fit. In addition, we will send you appointment reminders to help your youngster remember when to get their massages.
