Can my child have a massage? Yes, in most cases, it’s very safe and effective.
All RMTS are trained to work with children.
Renée Caines RMT does have additional training as a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist, and additional training for Cerebral Palsy. Renée is a trained Behaviour Interventionist and is very comfortable with children on the ASD spectrum or ADHD. As a Certified Infant massage Teacher, Renée can educate parents on how to massage their baby to support healthy development.
Indications for a child to have massage:
*Anxiety *Autism/ADHD *Birth trauma *Car accidents *Chronic pain *Depression *Growing pains *Heavy sports schedule *High stress levels from life situations *Injuries from falls *Physical disabilities *Poor sleep *skin conditions *and more.
Please discuss your concerns regarding your child with your therapist, before treatment , via email or phone, to see how we can help.
How is a treatment different for a child?
In general, the treatment is very similar to an adults treatment. We will take health history from a verbal and competent child. If that is not possible, the parent or guardian of the child will answer questions. We aim to have the child apart of the process no matter what the child’s situation is. We will want consent from the child in every circumstance.
How is that possible? We all have behaviours and body language that communicate how we feel. A content and happy child wanting to participate will nod, or smile or reach to touch the table or therapist as a few examples. Once an agreed upon treatment plan has been established, we begin. We encourage parents to stay in the treatment room, but if the child is older – above 9, and the parent /child/ therapist relationship is such that child feels safe and responsible for themselves, then parents are welcome to stay in the lobby or leave the clinic.
The massage pressure a child will receive will be determined by the child and the therapist. We encourage your child to communicate in a way that they can to inform us of pain or discomfort.
In general, Massage appointments for children are booked for 30 mins. The actual hands on time will vary depending on the child. The time will be fulfilled by stretching or exercises demos or conversation regarding the need for treatment. Sometimes ending the appointment early is the best thing to do to leave a positive association with Massage Therapy and self care. Older children (teens) maybe be more capable of handling 45 mins or longer.
Please call 604 545 0618, or email SparrowRegisteredMassage@gmail.com for discussion of your child’s situation.
If you are ready to book for your child please choose “INFANT MASSAGE/UNDER 9” for a 30 min appointment with the RMT of your choice.
References
Benefits of Massage Therapy for Kids with Autism | Oriole Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Center. (2018). Oriolephysio.com. Retrieved from http://www.oriolephysio.com/benefits-of-massage-therapy-for-kids-with-autism/
Can my kids get massages? – The Pure Escape. (2018). Thepureescape.ca. Retrieved 26 April 2018, from HTTP://WWW.THEPUREESCAPE.CA/MASSAGE-THERAPY/FAQS/FAQ12/
Children and Massage. (2018). MassageTherapy.com. Retrieved from https://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/children-and-massage
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.cmto.com/
Growing Up Easier Publishing © 2009; Customized Mary Smith Design, h. (2018). Massage For Children & Youth. Growingupeasier.org. Retrieved from http://www.growingupeasier.org/index.php?main_page=page&id=160&chapter=3
How young is too young for massage therapy?. Garden, H., & Health, S. (2018). Retrieved from https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/spa-health/too-young-for-massage-therapy.htm
Kids Massage | Massage For Kids NJ | Children’s Massage Therapy | NYC Kid Massage At Home. (2018) Mobile Massage in NJ and NYC by Mountainside On-Site Massage Therapy. Retrieved from http://kids-massage.njmassage.info/
Massage for Children | Pediatric Massage. (2018). Aromatherapy and Massage, Somatics, and Self Care. Retrieved from https://www.aromatherapyandmassage.com/massage-for-children.html
Massage Therapy and Its Benefits for Children. (2018). Pacific College. Retrieved from https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/30/massage-therapy-and-its-benefits-children
Wellness for kids. (2018). Spafinder. Retrieved from https://www.spafinder.com/blog/trends/2016-report/wellness-for-kids/