Calgary Pediatric Massage Therapy
Pediatric Massage Therapy offers numerous benefits for children's overall well-being and development. From motor skill milestones to competitive athlete injuries and everything in between - Pediatric Massage Therapy is an excellent treatment for any child.
Pediatric massage can alleviate muscle tension, enhance joint mobility, and improve coordination and body awareness. It may be especially helpful for children with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy or Muscular Dystrophy. From a mental wellness standpoint, Pediatric Massage Therapy can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which can be particularly beneficial for children who experience anxiety or have difficulty sleeping.
Pediatric massage therapy differs significantly from adult massage therapy due to several key factors. The techniques used in pediatric massage are modified and adapted to accommodate the unique needs of children and the pressure applied during a pediatric massage is generally lighter and gentler compared to adult massage. Treatments can take place on the table, on one of our therapy wedges, on the floor or even while your child is moving - whatever works best for them!
We put emphasis on communication and rapport-building in pediatric massage therapy. Our therapists use non-verbal cues, visual aids, and interactive techniques to engage and establish trust with children who have limited verbal communication skills which help the child feel comfortable and secure during treatments.
Our clinic provides a child-friendly and welcoming space, and we incorporate fun and elements of sensory stimulation to treatments! We use age-appropriate props, toys, and soothing or upbeat music to enhance the child's overall experience.
A trained provider is essential when it comes to pediatric massage therapy. Children have unique physiological and developmental needs that must be considered during the treatment. A trained provider possesses the knowledge and expertise to adapt the massage techniques to suit the child's age, condition, and comfort level. Our pediatric massage therapists have undergone specialized training to understand the physiological and developmental differences in children. They are knowledgeable about growth patterns, bone development, and the specific conditions and ailments that affect children. Their expertise helps ensure that the massage therapy is effective, beneficial, and tailored to the individual needs of each child.
Pediatric Massage Therapy is an excellent treatment for:
Migraine and Headache Conditions
Growing Pains
Motor Milestones
Anxiety and Depression
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely not! Children are generally treated over the clothes, unless in rare cases where access to the skin is necessary. If this is the case, consent is gained from both the child and guardian and the youth will be tucked under blankets and only the areas treated will be exposed (ex: shoulders, legs).
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Unfortunately NO! Treating pediatrics takes additional training in communication, treatment, pathology and ethics. Children are far more mobile, bones can be more fragile and they may take a bit longer to understand what will be going on during a treatment - so special care needs to be taken.
The current curriculums for both programs in Canada do not dive deep enough into treating children for us to consider it safe for the average therapist to offer pediatric treatments. Often times, we see pediatric patients for their first massage or acupuncture treatment - and we take great care to ensure that they look forward to coming back and will continue to care for themselves into adulthood!
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Yes! Head to our MOBILE SERVICES (link) page to learn more and select the pediatric options when booking online!