In addition to my NYS Massage Therapy License, I hold specialized certifications in pediatric and infant massage therapy through the Liddle Kidz Foundation:
Hospital-Based Pediatric Massage Therapy
Pediatric Trauma Massage Therapy
Massage Therapy for Liddle Kidz Living with ASD/Autism
Infant and Pediatric Massage Therapy
Special-needs Infant and Pediatric Massage Therapy
I offer massage to infants and kids who have experienced medical interventions in a hospital setting, as well as those who are healthy, and whose parents wish for them to experience the benefits of massage. I serve infants up 'til teens, in your home. No matter the population, nurturing touch by a trained professional yields a variety of benefits. I look forward to working with you and your child.
benefits
Massage/touch therapy offers a variety of evidence-based benefits, such as...
- Emotional well-being support. (decreases cortisol, the stress hormone, and increases dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain.)
- Improved muscle tone and circulation
- Alleviation of gastrointestinal issues (constipation, gas, diarrhea, and general abdominal discomfort)
- Improved sleep patterns, often boosting energy, focus and learning
- Strengthened sensory integration through more effective organization of sensory information and reduction in tactile sensitivity
- Reduction in pain and shortened recovery time after injury or medical intervention
- Increased tolerance to touch
Expectations
Often parents, especially those who have received massage themselves, are surprised by the ways that a pediatric massage/touch therapy session may be different from what they've experienced themselves. Here are some examples of the differences and what to expect...
- Your child will be completely clothed
- Sessions are generally shorter (typically, 30 minutes)
- A parent or other trusted adult must be present at all times. This is not only a legal matter. Touch therapy is an intimate experience for a child, and your child's sense of safety requires the mental and physical presence of a trusted adult.
- Pediatric massage therapy, like any massage therapy, requires the ongoing consent of the client, your child. This consent may be verbal or non-verbal and may change during the massage session.
- In pediatric massage, the first step is always rapport. If a child is nervous or new to touch therapy, I often prioritize trust-building over direct touch in the first session. This way, your child feels safe, empowered, and in control of their own body.
FAQs
