TOTSAGE (Massage for Kids)

Comment

Comment by Tina Allen on November 4, 2009 at 1:23pm

Hi Marla,

I have numerous stories of having fantastic success applying massage therapy for children. Not only do I develop pediatric massage programs in hospitals, but being so inspired by my own success with children's massage therapy, I started the Liddle Kidz Foundation to support infant & pediatric massage training, education and certification. Now with my foundation I offer certification programs internationally, as well as take volunteer groups overseas to apply their learned skills in infant and children's orphanages. If anyone has any questions about infant or pediatric massage I would be happy to answer them. There are also numerous free resources on my website: www.LiddleKidz.com

Comment by Bruce Cote on August 11, 2009 at 11:06am

If you want more info. you can also look on my website www.hands-hope.org. Look forward to hearing from you.

Comment by Paula Martin on August 11, 2009 at 7:31am

Thank you all for you words of wisdom. I will have my 10 year old son design his own massage session and I will let you know how it goes.

Comment by Bruce Cote on August 10, 2009 at 10:52am

Hi Paula. I whole-heartedly agree with Marla. Unfortunately, most children in our society are touch deprived, therefore, massage therapy can initially seem strange to them. Every child adjusts differently. A lot depends on their age. I feel the most important part of pediatric massage is it teaches safe and nurturing touch. Done right it empowers children as they experience what it's like to be in charge.I tell the little ones they are "the boss" when they are on the table. Establishing a therapeutic relationship where the child is in charge and knows they will be listened to is fundamental. Even though most children love to be massaged, true healing happens before they are touched. By modeling this relationship we educate parents on ways to communicate and connect to their children. (A parent should always be in the room.) Keep in mind that simply by being present with a child and listening to them you are giving them a great gift that will last a lifetime.
I am a holistic pediatric therapist. I specialize in massage therpay. I primarily work with children who are diagnosed with ADHD, PTSD, depression and anxiety. I use this approach and it really works, especially for the more severe cases. I realize it may seem too simple, or like you're not doing much sometimes, but it works. Patience is key! Pediatric massage is art that comes from the heart. It requires Being the peace you wish to see (not doing). Good luck!

Comment by Marla Bishop on August 7, 2009 at 10:14pm

Paula~ Thanks for your question. As Larry said it is very important to allow your child to design or "control" the massage. In Totsage we never force touch. A lot of the kids I have worked with have procedures forced on them due to their medical needs. We view Totsage as a "treat' for them. The age of your child is important for me to know to best answer your question. I will say at most any age with a child that doesn't want to sit still long enough, you will need to ease into it. With ADHD consistency is going to be first ~ designate a time of week/day that you will set aside for massage. Make sure the environment is conducive for massage. Very little to no distractions (T.V., siblings, identifiable music, etc.) for younger kids, we have special games we do that involve massage, yet don't focus on massage ( makes it fun ) - ages 2-4 we may even work on a baby doll/ or a big stuffed animal first. When the child begins to assist me then I introduce their own doll to work on. Kids are giving by nature, and sometimes once they learn how to give massage, they will become better receivers. I have had them draw letters on their parents back - and the parent guess what letter it is, some like to spell words. The goal is to relax them, and I have found they can become just as relaxed giving as they do receiving. In working with attention disorders this is also great for them, as they began to focus on trying to write the letter good enough for you to figure it out. Before you know it~ as Larry said that frustrating few minutes will turn to 5, 10, and then 30 "happy"minute sessions. Try not to use circular motions, it can be disturbing to those of us with hyperactivity. Use the figure 8. Again depending on your child's age, pressure is important, too little can be irritating. Once your child is tolerable of the massage, communicate the pressure level, "they will let you know" =)... If you should become the slightest bit frustrated discontinue, until another time. They feel your mood! I hope this helps ~ HappyTotsaging ~ Marla

Comment by Larry Warnock on August 3, 2009 at 8:28pm

Often a massage with an ADHD child is not a normal one, especially in terms of time. You need to guage his attention span prior to the work. If he can stay focused for 5 minutes, then plan a 5-minute massage. Once he starts to fidget, then stop; let him check himself or do what he needs and ask if he wants to start again. Often he will. He needs to manage the time, not you. After several times, he might be able to tolerate longer times.

I have a 10-year old that only let me rub his arms at first. But then, one day he asked me to rub his shoulder...then the other. After 5 sessions, I can work for 30 minutes. He designed the sessions..

Comment by Paula Martin on August 3, 2009 at 7:57pm

I have a child that has been diagnosed with ADHD and when I have him on the massage table I get frustrated with him because he won't lay still. Any suggestions on how long a massage a massage should last on a child like mine?

Comment by Larry Warnock on July 30, 2009 at 2:28pm

as a psychologist and massage therapist, I have worked with kids from 2-18 but focus on the 12-18 group with ADD, Autism, asperger's, depression and other disorders. Been doing my work for 25+ years. I am looking forward to the dialogue.


Larry