Massage therapy for hyperactive children is an effective way to reduce tension, increase concentration and improve social behavior in this group of children, many parents and teachers are facing challenges caused by hyperactivity at school and at home and are looking for less complicated solutions to manage their children's behavior. By stimulating the nervous system, reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles, massage therapy can increase the child's ability to focus and control emotions. As a safe and natural supplement along with behavioral therapy and educational activities, this method has significant results in improving the quality of life of hyperactive children and their families.
What is massage therapy?
Generally, massage includes rubbing and pressure on muscles, connective tissues, tendons and ligaments, when massage is used to improve individual health or treat symptoms of illness, it is called massage therapy. Massage therapy can reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, it helps to reduce pain, recover damaged muscles or organs.
Massage is mainly considered as a complementary or natural therapy offered by rehabilitation centers, occupational therapy or massage clinics. Massage is suitable for everyone and most people experience a relaxing feeling after a massage. People who are injured or sick for any reason also receive specialized massages according to the type of problems.
What effect does massage therapy have on hyperactive children?
As mentioned, many people (whether sick or healthy) feel relaxed immediately after massage, since stress, restlessness, anxiety and sleep disorders are among the symptoms of children with hyperactivity, so massage is considered a suitable treatment for these problems. Among its most important effects are:
- Anger reduction and its management
- reduction of restlessness
- Increasing relaxation and improving attention
- improving mood
- Reducing sleep disorders
- Controlling impulsive activity or slowing it down
- Improving social functioning and participation with other children
- Increasing the feeling of security and improving the relationship with parents
- Decreasing symptoms of depression and anxiety
Read more: Occupational therapy for hyperactive children
How to do massage therapy for hyperactive children
How to perform massage therapy for hyperactive children should be done carefully and paying attention to the child's physical and mental conditions so that its calming and concentration effects can be properly created.
- First, provide a calm and quiet environment with soft light and suitable temperature so that the child feels safe and comfortable.
- Put a mild oil or lotion such as almond or coconut on your hands to reduce skin friction and increase the feeling of relaxation.
- Massage movements slowly and gently on the shoulder, back and arms of the child and avoid too much pressure.
- Focus on key points such as the back, shoulders, neck and soles of the feet to reduce muscle tension and calm the child's nervous system.
- Keep the duration of each session short and gradual, about ten to twenty minutes, and over time, if desired, the duration of the sessions can be increased.
- Pay attention to the child's reactions and change the pressure or movement of the massage in case of discomfort or resistance.
- Massage regularly and several times a week to create better and more stable calming and concentration effects.
Difference of massage treatment of hyperactive children with other treatment methods
Massage therapy for hyperactive children is a complementary and non-medicinal method that helps reduce tension, increase relaxation and improve the child's concentration; In fact, by creating a sense of physical and mental comfort and relaxation, this method has positive effects on the child's behavior and emotional control, and can be used alongside other treatment methods such as behavioral therapy and drug therapy.
| Comparison | Massage therapy | Behavioral therapy and drug therapy |
| Treatment type | Non-drug and natural | Trial or psychotherapy |
| Aim Main | Calming the nervous system, reducing muscle tension and increasing concentration | Behavior control, social skills training and symptom management |
| Place of implementation | Home, school or medical centers | In specialized centers and under the supervision of a therapist or doctor |
| Complications | Low or zero | Probability that Medicines have side effects. |
| Effects on child and parent relationships | Strengthening emotional relationship and positive interaction | Has less direct effect on emotional relationship |
| Can be combined with other methods | Yes and without creating any interference | Can be combined, but some drugs are limited have |
starting time of massage therapy in hyperactive children
The time to start massage therapy in hyperactive children is better to start as soon as hyperactivity disorder is diagnosed and with the coordination of parents and specialists, in fact, the early start of this method helps to reduce the physical and mental tension of the child, increase the ability to concentrate and improve emotional control.
Massage therapy is used as a complement to other methods such as behavioral therapy and educational activities, and its effects are seen more with the continuation of regular sessions. Massage sessions should be short and gentle and gradually increase depending on the age and tolerance of the child so that the child has a positive and relaxing experience. Note that continuing treatment in a regular and stable manner will significantly improve the behavior, concentration and quality of life of the child and the family.
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Important points that we should observe during massage treatment of hyperactive children?
In massage therapy for hyperactive children, it is very important to follow the safety tips and correct principles of massage so that the positive effects of the treatment are maintained and the child has a relaxing experience. Paying attention to the physical and mental conditions of the child and his reactions during the massage is the key to the success of this treatment method.
- Provide a calm and quiet environment so that the child feels safe.
- Massage movements with gentle pressure and avoid excessive pressure.
- Use mild oil or lotions suitable for the baby's skin.
- The duration of each session should be short and gradual and increase depending on the child's tolerance.
- Pay attention to the child's reactions and stop or modify the massage in case of discomfort or resistance.
- Continue the massage regularly and with a schedule to strengthen the calming and concentration effects.
- Avoid massage movements on sensitive or wounded areas.
- Parents or teachers should interact with the child during the massage to increase the sense of security and peace.
Finally…
Massage therapy in hyperactive children is an uncomplicated and effective method that increases the quality of life of the child and family by reducing tension, calming the nervous system and improving concentration. Regular implementation of the sessions, observing safety points and coordination with other treatment methods, creates positive and stable results in the child's behavior and emotion control, and can be used as a valuable supplement in the hyperactivity treatment program.
