What is Paediatric Massage?

The benefits of nurturing touch don't stop at infancy. As a natural progression from infant massage, paediatric massage can be carried out through the teen years (ages 1-18), providing children and adolescents with a wide range of benefits, from improving physical health to enhancing emotional well-being. The science is clear, and we've compiled some of the key research for you here.

  • Improved Physical Development:

    Massage can enhance muscle tone and joint mobility, while also improving a child's respiratory and gastrointestinal function.

  • Enhanced Emotional Well-being:

    It can help children improve their ability to self-regulate, calm themselves, and foster a strong, secure bond with their caregiver.

  • Boosted Sensory Integration:

    Massage helps a child's brain better process and organize sensory information, which can be particularly helpful for those with sensory dysfunction.

  • Stress Reduction and Mood Improvement:

    Therapeutic touch reduces the stress hormone cortisol and increases mood-boosting hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin.

  • Aids in Various Conditions:

    Research has found that paediatric massage can be a valuable complementary therapy for many conditions, including asthma, ADD/ADHD, autism, cancer, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, Down syndrome, fibromyalgia, HIV, and trauma/PTSD.

More than just a massage:

We hear from parents all the time that the massage routine becomes a precious opportunity to stay connected with their growing child. It's a dedicated time to simply be together, a quiet ritual in a busy world.

For one parent, it's a trusted space to discuss issues, with the rhythm of the massage providing a calm backdrop for difficult conversations. For another, it's a way to connect without words.

"Having their back to me while I give the massage makes problem-sharing so much easier," one parent shared. This simple act creates an open, non-confrontational space that allows for true connection.

Useful Resources:

© 2025. All rights reserved.