How Massage Can Help Kids

As a parent of a child with special needs, it has been an amazing discovery at how much massage can help with everything from sleep, digestion, emotion, and behavior. 

Often time’s children with special needs do not want anyone to touch them. However, when massage or safe touch is introduced it seems to build a trust with the child, that they understand this is helping them to either relax, feel calm and more centered. 

Professional Massage can be helpful in the following areas for children: 

• It improves circulation and skin nutrition, stimulates growth, and eases muscle aches and pains, increases flexibility of muscles and joints. 
• It helps children relax and learn to calm themselves and be better able to manage stress. 
• Helps relieve depression and anxiety.
• It enhances the immune system by increasing circulation and lymph flow.
  

We have been working with our son for about 3 years using massage. Mainly it is used for helping to relax before bed. We also use aromatherapy in conjunction with the massage and both work really well together. In my practice I work with children and their parents to find what works best for their child. It is a great way to bond with a child and develop trust and a relaxation plan for them. 

Contraindications: When Massage Should Be Avoided

• Medical consultation is needed before massage is given to children with critical and chronic medical conditions or emotional disturbances.
  
• Massage should be avoided with children who have any swelling, fever, open sores, active diabetes, acute infection, and/or staph infections.
  

If you should have questions about massage or would like a consultation with one of our amazing therapists here at Three Tree Wellness Center please don't hesitate to contact us.