Massage for Under 18s

Massage can help to reduce anxiety and tension in children, stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system and calming the mind and body. Deep pressure also increases the body’s production of dopamine (happy hormone) and reduces the production of cortisol (stress hormone) to help with emotional regulation and improve general well-being.

Deep pressure massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system,  which helps the body to process sensory information and prevent sensory overload. By relaxing muscles through deep pressure the body releases tension and reduces the urge for hyperactivity. This can increase concentration and aid emotional regulation.

Massage can improve quality of sleep and help children get to sleep quicker as it increases blood circulation, relaxes the muscles and balances the production of sleep hormones serotonin and melatonin in the body, which help to realign a child’s sleep-wake cycle . Massage also reduces stress and anxiety which can be a barrier to deep sleep.

Shorts (and a sports bra where appropriate) is recommended for Sports Massage. Deep Pressure massage is fully clothed and based on Thai yoga massage which involves passive movements and stimulation of pressure points and energy lines in the body.

Massages are generally 30 minutes but times can vary according to the child’s needs and in an introductory phase we may do 15 -20 mins of massage. 45 min massages are possible for teenagers and for young people.

I explore massage at the young person’s pace so I will introduce the props in the first consultation and discuss what they are comfortable with. This includes discussion of whether they are comfortable with deep pressure on parts of the body or passive stretching movements. Props include stretchy bands to explore tight muscles prior to the massage and a weighted blanket to facilitate relaxation.

Massage can help with pain in all areas of the body as it simulates blood circulation which releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which disrupt the nerve signals that transmit pain. Massage also increases blood circulation which promotes healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients to specific areas of the body. It also relaxes muscular tension which can contribute to headaches or chronic pain in the body.

For under 18s an adult or carer should be in the adjacent room during the massage where they can observe if they wish. Curtains between rooms can be drawn if this is preferable for the child.

I am a level 3 qualified Sports and Deep Tissue massage practitioner, accredited by ITEC, and a Thai Yoga massage therapist accredited by the Sunshine Network. I have been practicing massage for 6 years.

I can show children and parents easy techniques for head and foot massage which can be incorporated into an evening or bedtime routine to help with getting to sleep and aiding deep sleep. If a child is motivated there are also self massage techniques I can teach which can be used for emotional self regulation if they are anxious or experiencing sensory overload.