Registered Pediatric Massage Therapy

What is Pediatric/Infant Massage?

Pediatric Massage Therapy is the “the manual manipulation of soft tissue intended to promote health and well-being” for children and adolescents. Pediatric massage therapy takes into consideration each child’s individual physical and cognitive development as well as their heath care needs.

What does Pediatric/Infant Massage Look Like?

Pediatric/Infant massage doesn’t always look like an adult massage. Children may move around a lot more, they may talk a lot or they may want the therapist to move to different areas and then back again. This doesn’t mean that it is not relaxing; children are different and relax in different ways. Each treatment is child guided while using massage therapy techniques in a fun way the child connects with. For example; story use, imagery or music.

Children have different physical, emotional and developmental needs than adults, and pediatric massage therapy is designed to address these individual childhood considerations.

As young people are growing, their bodies undergo significant physical and developmental changes. Some of these developmental considerations include recognizing that their skin is thinner, more fragile and has much more compact sensory receptors.

Their bones are not yet completely fused or ossified, and require a more gentle approach. These considerations are of great importance to those practicing hands-on techniques. Especially, when surrounding a child's growth plates.

Benefits to Pediatric Massage Therapy may include:

  • Helps to relax
  • Improves sleep quality and quantity
  • Increases body awareness
  • Improves sensory awareness
  • Assists with stress release
  • Promotes growth and development
  • Stimulates the brain to grow new neural pathways