Pediatric Massage Therapy Benefits Children with ADHD
Pediatric massage is adapted for each child/adolescence on a specific case by case basis. This massage therapy will ease both physical symptoms as well as, emotional discomforts associated with pediatric medical conditions while alleviating pain, anxiety and depression in children. This healing touch therapy also provides comfort, relaxation, reduction of stress hormones and relief from chronic conditions such as asthma, nausea, constipation and muscle aches. This can be a great alternative to medicine for children with ADHD.
As many as 3-5% of school age children have this disorder. 50% of them are on some form of prescription medication for treatment! With statistics like this many parents are seeking alternative therapies for their children, and massage therapy is one such possibility.
ADHD is both a common and disabling disorder. It is characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity which significantly impairs social, academic, or occupational functioning. While medications and behavior modification management help control this disorder, they are not curative.
Massage therapy has been studied in a number of medical and psychiatric illnesses with positive results (American Psychologist, Dec.,1998). A recent study shows massage therapy to decrease fidgeting and improve scores on the Conners Scale (The Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale is used to better understand certain behavioral, social, and academic issues in children between 6 and 18 years old. It is often used to help diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in adolescents with ADHD. Massage therapy has also been shown to increase serotonin levels which might help modulate elevated dopamine levels thought to occur in children with ADHD. The massage methods used with children include Swedish, Craniosacral and Manual Lymph Drainage techniques.
Because children with ADHD have trouble sitting still for too long, they may tolerate shorter but more frequent massages. Studies recommend two 20-minute massages a week to assist in producing benefits for the child. During the session’s children are in normal school clothes while their parents attend. Parents involved have indicated that this is a positive experience for them and their children.
Parents have also reported a sense of closeness between them and their children, more periods of relaxation, and settling better at night. While every child is different and responds to massage in their own way, this can be a healthy substitute for medication.