Paediatric Massage

Physical Benefits

Massage therapy can have incredible benefits for youth, children, and babies. Paediatric massage techniques can ease discomfort caused by digestion, growing pains, sinus congestion, and even teething. Massage is also helpful for relieving constipation and gas, helping your child feel better. 

Emotional Benefits 

Children of all ages can also benefit from the emotional support that massage therapy provides. Learning to relax, lie still, and reduce stress helps foster healthy emotional regulation and development. Feeling less tense and physically better also helps to boost your mood, regardless of your age. Massage is also a great way to introduce safe touch and encourage self care for years to come.

Mental Benefits

Mental wellbeing is more important than ever for youth and children. Paediatric massage is a straightforward way to encourage focus. Massage has also been shown to be beneficial for kids with lots of energy and stimulation. It can also improve their ability to focus and use their memory for school and other activities. 

What Is Paediatric Massage?

How the Treatment Works

We require parents or guardians to sign a consent form to book an appointment on behalf of children under the age of 12. Paediatric massage therapy focuses on relaxation and gentle release of muscle tension to help calm their mind and improve their range of motion. 

During the Appointment

If you are the parent or guardian of a minor with a paediatric massage appointment, you are required to wait in the building for the entire appointment. You may be required to help your child prepare for the session or be in the room for support.

Gentle Relief

Paediatric massage is a gentle treatment for youth, children, and infants. Your child may be coming to our clinic to treat a digestive condition, constipation, or nerves. The soothing power of touch and muscle massage helps children focus and sleep better while boosting their mood with the release of calming hormones. Massage also helps focus an excess of energy in children. 

Paediatric Massage in St. Albert

Infants and Toddlers

Paediatric massage is helpful for infants and toddlers who need relief from gas, colic, and constipation. The gentle massage strokes and stretches help relax tense muscles while stimulating essential systems in the body. Massage also helps increase the ability to process touch, which helps reduce hyper-sensitivity and improves sleep cycles. 

Young Children

Massage is beneficial for young children with active bodies and active minds. The gentle massaging of muscles and limbs helps your child’s muscles relax and grow stronger for sports, dance, and other physical activities. Massage also promotes calmness and focus of the mind, which can help make learning activities easier at any age.

Youth

Your pre-teens can also benefit from paediatric massage, not only for muscle treatment but also for emotional health benefits. Massage increases the release of the “feel-good” hormone, oxytocin, which reduces feelings of anxiety. Making massage therapy part of your child’s wellbeing at an early age teaches them to take care of their body and mind for life.

What You Should Know Before You Book an Appointment

Consent Form

Before the appointment, parents or guardians must fill out the paediatric massage consent form online. We also ask for a detailed and accurate medical history for the child, so we are aware of any concerns or considerations. If your child is 12 years of age or younger, you will be required to stay in the building for the entire appointment.

The Benefits

Paediatric massage offers relief from muscle tension due to stress, growing pains, or athletics by using gentle techniques. Massage also stimulates several core systems in your body, including the musculoskeletal, digestive, circulatory, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. 

Young Achievers

Massage therapy is beneficial for active children whether they participate in sports or excel in school and extracurriculars. Paediatric massage helps soothe and relieve tension for physical exertion and mental concentration. It also releases hormones that reduce stress, helping to lower anxiety and support feelings of calm. 

Safety and Risks

The focus of paediatric massage is relaxation. This type of massage is relatively safe for all ages. However, some medical and health conditions are not suited for massage. We highly recommend reading the paediatric massage consent form and consulting with your family physician before booking an appointment. 

Paediatric Massage FAQs 

At what age should I start baby massage?
Paediatric massage can be beneficial as early as your baby’s first three months. The gentle touch of massage supports physical, intellectual, and motor skill development. The primary purpose of infant massage is to help relieve digestive trouble, colic, or constipation. 

Is it safe for children to get a massage?
Yes, paediatric massage is specifically targeted to benefit muscle tension in growing children. People can benefit from the stress-relieving effects of massage at any age. The main priority is their comfort level and relaxation. Our paediatric massage therapists are highly trained in this type of therapy and are always careful to ensure children are comfortable, feel safe, and enjoy excellent benefits from treatment.

Can I be in the room during my child’s massage appointment?
Yes, you can be in the room during your child’s massage appointment. With young children, it may be necessary to be in the room with your child, while with older kids who are comfortable with massage, you may have the option to wait in the waiting room during their appointment. Feel free to discuss this with your massage therapist at or before your appointment. 

Enjoy the Benefits of Paediatric Massage

Paediatric massage can help soothe colic, growing pains, digestive issues and calm an active mind. Help your kids reduce their anxiety and boost their overall health with a massage session tailored to them. With gentle techniques and a calm, relaxing atmosphere, your child can benefit from massage just the way you do.