Pediatric massage therapy is an evidence-based, safe and nurturing way to provide appropriate touch (tactile) stimulation to support and encourage a child’s growth and development. Touch therapy is provided with nurturing intention, respect for the child and fun!
Pediatric Massage Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of massage therapy for my child?
Clinical research has shown that pediatric massage can have a variety of physical, behavioral and developmental benefits, including:
- Improved sleep patterns
- Decreased anxiety and stress hormones
- Improved respiratory function
- Reduced hypersensitivity to tactile input
- Improved gastrointestinal function
- Increased bonding
Are there age restrictions for pediatric massage therapy?
There are no age restrictions for pediatric massage therapy. It includes infants up to individuals with a physical or cognitive age of 18.
What if my child does not want massage?
That’s ok! In pediatric massage, the child makes the rules. We use a permission process to obtain consent from your child before we start any massage treatment. Allowing your child to choose massage for themselves helps to build respect between your child and the massage therapist. The process also supports healthy touch and helps them to establish good boundaries.
Before any treatment, we describe the treatment and see if the child will grant permission. We use fun ways to introduce massage to children and make it a positive experience.
You child may end massage at any time, if they choose.
If your child falls asleep, their consent has ended.
If your child is not interested in massage on the day of your treatment appointment, we will utilize the time to educate both them and their parents on aspects of healthy touch, self-care and home-care.
What if my child won’t sit for a massage, i.e. what will this treatment look like?
We do not expect all children to want to sit or lay down for an entire 60-minute massage. Many toddlers and preschoolers don’t like to spend much time sitting at all. And again, that’s ok.
Pediatric massage therapy sessions are scheduled for 30-minutes at a time and we will work with your child to figure out what is the best way to provide the session for the day. The next treatment could look extremely different from the last visit. It all depends on how your child is feeling on the day of treatment.
My child has a pediatric diagnosis. Is massage ok for them?
Pediatric massage therapy is an evidence-based modality, so much clinical research has been done on the efficacy of massage on many diagnoses. We will discuss the medical history of every child who comes in for massage and can answer any questions you may have.
*Please note that certain conditions or medications may require a release from a physician.
Here is just a short list of some Pediatric Diagnoses that we work with:
Asthma
ADHD
Anxiety
Autism
Burn Treatment
Cancer
Cerebral Palsy
Cystic Fibrosis
Depression
Diabetes
Down Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
HIV
Leukemia
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Skin Conditions
How do I set up an appointment?
New pediatric client appointment set-up is a bit different from new adult client appointment set-up. Initially, all intake paperwork will be filled out by the child's parent/guardian and returned back to the office. A phone call to review the intake paperwork will be set up prior to the first appointment. This allows the massage therapy treatment to begin right away at the first appointment, to avoid having the child-clients wait around during review. This also allows the massage therapist to be better prepared to meet your child. At this time, we ask you to call the office for initial introduction and intake form request.
How much does pediatric massage therapy cost?
Our pediatric massage therapy program rates are based on time, just like all of our treatments. The initial treatment package for a new pediatric client includes intake review and three 30-minute massage therapy sessions. We like to work with all new pediatric clients a few times, so that the benefits of massage therapy can be seen. Three sessions allows the child to get to know the massage therapist and become comfortable working with them.
The cost of this initial treatment package is $135. After that, our regular pediatric treatment rates apply.