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Pediatric Massage Therapy

"Nothing can compare to or replace the healing touch of another human being"
~ Kehrey Anne Dean, LMT, CPMT
A mixture of massage, gentle touch therapy and energetic therapy for children... including infants, toddlers, elementary, middle school children and teens.
Pediatric Massage Therapy offers a variety of health benefits for infants, toddlers, children and teens....
  • Improved quality of sleep
  • Reduced chronic pain
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved mood and positive affects
  • Improved psychological functioning in children with mental conditions
  • Positively impacts body awareness and mind-body connection
  • Positive influence of hormones associated with trust and social connectedness
  • Increased serotonin levels
  • Elevated dopamine levels in children with ADHD
  • Calming effects and overall positive impact on behavior
  • Reduction in depression and anxiety
  • Decreased fidgeting, improved on-task behavior and increased feelings of happiness
  • Positive trauma recovery
  • Relaxation responses that positively affect and reduce cortisol levels
  • Decreased stress, blood pressure and heart rate due to the activation of the parasympathetic system
  • Nervous system improvement via vagal tone / through the activation of vagal afferent fibers
  • Activation of the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex of the brain and activation of the insula
  • Infant weight gain
  • Stimulates motor development
  • Stimulates cognitive development
Massage has been found to be very effective for children suffering from medical issues, hyperactivity disorders (such as ADHD) or psychiatric problems (stress, anxiety, depression). It is now even being recommended for children with cancer because the reduction of stress on a child's mind and body in order to boost the immune system and its ability to resist diseases is so significant.

Children have been known to benefit extensively from massage therapy if they suffer from medical, hyperactivity or psychiatric disorders.   

Children can benefit from Massage Therapy whether they be infants, preschoolers, elementary school age or even young adults (teens). Children find their stress and anxiety is significantly lessened by therapeutic massage therapy.  Making Massage Therapy a routine in the child’s life can help them to grow into a balanced, calm and mature adult.

Pediatric Massage Info...

  • Gentle touch and compression therapy
  • Gentle friction, wiggling or stretching
  • In most cases (for children 10 and under), pediatric clients stay fully clothed or partially clothed (tank tops / shorts).
  • Parents MUST be present in the room for the entire duration of the session
  • For older clients that are still considered kids (11-14), I still require the parents to be in the room.  After age 14, parent must stay onsite (such as in the waiting room).  but are not required to be in the same room.  Minor waiver must be signed.
  • Sessions are 30 - 60 minutes (depending upon age)

Some adults and older teens may also benefit from a pediatric massage therapy session

For teens or adults who have been through abuse or trauma (particularly sexual trauma), Pediatric Massage is a good option because the client has the option of a fully clothed session. 

In most cases for children 10 and under, I recommend the child stay fully or partially clothed (partially meaning tank tops and shorts).  However, for instance, infant massage... infants benefit from hand to skin touch (with diaper on). 

A fully clothed session is similar to a relaxing massage with a touch of reiki / energy therapy.... but without having to take any clothing off.
Articles on Child Massage: