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  Pediatric Massage(Ages 2-17)
Children
need nurturing touch from the moment they enter this world, throughout
their young lives and into adulthood to reach their full potential.
Children can suffer from aches and pains much in the same way
adults do. They may endure postural strains every day such as carrying
heavy backpacks, sports and physical activities or while sitting for
long periods in poor postures. Massage can alleviate their painful
muscles and joints, provide improved circulation, reduce muscle
imbalances
and most importantly, provide a positive touch experience. Massage and
nurturing touch are essential for helping children
develop into well-adjusted adults and can also provide comfort,
relaxation
and symptomatic relief from chronic conditions.
Benefits of pediatric massage
therapy: - Decreased anxiety
- Improved muscle tone
- Enhanced body image
- Increased bonding and attachment
- Increased self esteem
- Healthy sense of boundaries
- Stress reduction
- Overall sense of well-being
- Reduced pain
- Improved joint mobility
- Improved sleep patterns
- improved gastrointestinal function (regular bowel movements)
- Improved respiratory function
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Children with Special Healthcare Needs: To a child who has been hospitalized, or
diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition, their symptoms are
often accompanied by pain, anxiety, loneliness and fear.
Research has shown that massage
therapy can ease both physical symptoms as well as emotional
discomforts associated with pediatric medical conditions. Studies
conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami
School of Medicine show that massage can alleviate pain, anxiety and
depression in pediatric clients. Immediately after receiving massage, children with
mild to moderate juvenile rheumatoid arthritis notice decreased anxiety
and stress hormone (cortisol) levels. For young patients with Autism,
their aversion to touch decreases with massage, while their ability to
focus increases. Pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis report feeling
less anxious and improved breathing and pulmonary functions.
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Pediatric Cancer Care  Gentle,
individualized nurturing touch, combined with Swedish massage and acupressure, can help with discomforts of cancer or
other major illnesses in which children are gravely ill. Massage may be
able to reduce and relieve physical distress, such as pain and
discomfort (from being immobiized) and psychological distress, such as
anxiety, insomnia and feelings of isolation. Every
session is uniquely tailored to address each individual child's needs
and will be adapted with consideration to age and cognitive development
as well as contraindications resulting from diagnosis, surgery,
treatment and/or medical equipment. Children with cancer may have skin
problems from medication, chemotherapy or radiation. These areas will
not be massaged. ***A physican release/acknowledgment letter is needed by the child's physician before a massage can be given.
For more information or to discuss home visits for your child,
please contact me directly.
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