Cerebral Palsy Massage Therapy

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Cerebral palsy massage therapy is a complementary treatment that involves massage and manipulation of muscles and connective tissues by a trained therapist. Potential benefits for someone with cerebral palsy include reduced pain, improved motor function, better sleep, improved digestive health, and more.

What Is Massage Therapy?

During massage therapy, the body’s connective tissues and muscles are massaged and stimulated through direct contact by a massage therapist to promote healing and well-being in the patient.

Massage therapists apply direct pressure with their hands to various parts of the body. The pressure can range from light to heavy, depending on which part of the body the therapist works on. Therapists use several types of massage techniques. Therapists can use over 180 techniques with their hands, elbows, and arms.

How Can Massage Therapy Benefit Children with Cerebral Palsy?

According to research, many children with cerebral palsy utilize massage therapy. Parents report that it helps relax their children, improves mobility, and improves communication.[1] Many doctors recommend massage to relieve symptoms and provide other benefits:

Benefit 1: Fewer Physical Symptoms

According to a study published by scientists and physicians at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital and Integrative Touch for Kids, massage has physical benefits for children with cerebral palsy, including lessening painful symptoms.

“It is well established that massage increases blood flow to the tissues and that enhanced blood flow encourages the growth of new tissue and healing of wounds,” the study stated.[1]

Benefit 2: Cranial Stimulation Promotes Well-Being

Massage also stimulates the brain’s pressure receptors. Cerebral palsy develops due to a brain injury, and when the cranial area is massaged and stimulated, it helps to promote a sense of calmness. It also allows children to improve focus and concentration.

Benefit 3: Improved Fine and Gross Motor Functioning

Fine and gross motor functioning improves when muscles are relaxed and less rigid. This can help children with cerebral palsy in all aspects of their lives, including playing, socializing, learning, and carrying out daily tasks.

Benefit 4: Increased Circulation and Better Digestive Health

People with cerebral palsy often have circulation and digestion issues. Immobility can lead to circulatory problems, while structural abnormalities in the central and peripheral nervous system can lead to digestive issues.

Since massages can relieve tension in the abdominal area, it can lead to improved digestive health by:

• Reducing gasiness and bloating
• Stimulating peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move food), leading to better digestion
• Aiding in the release of digestive enzymes
• Stimulating kidney and liver activity

Benefit 5: Improved Sleep

One of the main reasons parents enroll children with cerebral palsy in massage sessions is to help them sleep better. Many adults with cerebral palsy also enroll in massage sessions for the same reason.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage can improve sleep quality in children with cerebral palsy.[2]

Although more research is needed to determine how many people exhibit long-term, positive sleep patterns after the massage, many parents report that massage therapy helps their children fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Benefit 6: Integumentary System Protection

The integumentary system is the body’s organ system consisting of the skin, exocrine glands, hair, and nails, which act as the body’s first line of defense against outside factors. Children with cerebral palsy often have skin infections and other integumentary system problems because of their decreased ability to care for themselves. Massage can help protect the integumentary system by:

• Stimulating the skin
• Improving skin tone and texture
• Assisting in body temperature regulation
• Promoting tissue repair
• Moisturizing skin
• Removing dead skin
• Stimulating sensory receptors

Where Can My Child Get Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy takes place in various settings, but before you choose a place for your child, make sure the massage therapist is certified in massage therapy and experienced in working with children with cerebral palsy.

The following are common places where massage therapy takes place:

• Physical therapy centers
• Private massage therapy offices
• Hospitals
• Chiropractic centers
• Athletic clubs and sports centers
• Spas
• At home (there are private massage therapists who visit the home)
• Health clinics

When Should a Child Not Get Massage Therapy?

It’s important to talk with your child’s primary healthcare provider before starting a massage therapy program. Although massage therapy has shown numerous benefits to children with cerebral palsy, it’s not advisable in some instances. The following are among the most common reasons a healthcare provider may warn against massage therapy for your child:

• Muscle or joint inflammation
• Fever
• Acute infections
• Skin disorders
• Open sores
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Vaccinations within the past 72 hours
• Blood clots
• Diarrhea
• Osteoporosis
• Varicose veins

What Massage Therapy Does NOT Provide

The following is a general list of what is not provided during a massage therapy session for your child. If you have any questions, ask the massage therapist beforehand.

Massage therapists cannot:

• Offer any form of medical advice regarding your child’s disorder or any other medical issue
• Provide any type of psychological counseling
• Provide diet or nutrition counseling
• Touch the private parts of the child’s body
• Perform any type of surgery
• Provide skin or cosmetology services

Since massage therapy is not yet considered a primary form of treatment for cerebral palsy, your insurance may not cover the expenses. Be sure to check with your insurance provider before enrollment. If your insurance does not cover massage therapy, your primary healthcare provider may be able to suggest affordable massage center options.