Breathe Easy During Cold Season
February 10, 2025
Early Intervention Coaching Made Easy
April 21, 2025
Child-Led Massage: Making Infant Massage Work in Therapy
The Reality of Pediatric Therapy
As an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience, I can confidently say that most of my career has felt like a full sprint. If you work in pediatric therapy, you know exactly what I mean—the endless energy, the unpredictability, and, somehow, the constant presence of sticky fingers. Our world is anything but calm, yet we make it work every single day.
So, when I decided to incorporate infant massage into my sessions, I knew the traditional approach—dim lights, cozy blankets, and soft music—wasn’t going to fit. Instead, I had to adapt massage techniques to a setting filled with movement, noise, and controlled chaos.
Adapting Massage to Active Environments
At first, I struggled with how to introduce a technique that typically requires stillness in a setting where stillness is rare. But after much trial and error, I found the solution: integrating massage into natural activities and meeting children where they are.
Instead of expecting a child to sit still, I started incorporating massage into movement-based tasks:
-
Obstacle Courses: A quick foot massage while they crawl through a tunnel.
-
Standing Activities: A gentle back rub while they focus on a wall-mounted coloring page.
-
Sensory Play: Hand massage techniques while they explore textured bins.
By weaving massage into activities children already enjoy, it became a natural part of play rather than a forced intervention. And the best part? Kids didn’t just tolerate it—they started seeking it out.
The Power of Child-Led Massage
When therapy feels like play, engagement comes naturally. Allowing children to lead the experience ensures participation rather than resistance. Instead of fighting against their energy, I channeled it, making massage an organic part of their movement and exploration.
Another unexpected benefit? Parents and caregivers found it easy to replicate at home. Unlike complex therapeutic exercises, massage is a simple, hands-on way for caregivers to connect with their child. Once they saw how seamlessly it could fit into daily routines—after bath time, during story time, or even while waiting in the car—they were more likely to continue using it outside of therapy sessions.
Connection Over Perfection
Infant massage doesn’t have to fit into a perfect mold. It can happen in a therapy gym, on the floor, or even mid-obstacle course. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. When we prioritize connection, everything else falls into place.
So, if you’re hesitant about incorporating infant massage into your sessions because it feels incompatible with your environment, think outside the box. Try it during movement, blend it into structured activities, and most importantly—follow the child’s lead. You’ll be amazed at how naturally it fits and how much of a difference it can make.
Want to Learn More? Join Our Free Webinar!
If you’re ready to level up your skills and explore how infant massage can support your pediatric therapy goals, join us for our free livestream webinar: Level Up Your Skillset: 5 Ways Infant Massage Supports Your Pediatric Therapy Goals.
Each session includes weekly bonus materials and surprises to enhance your learning experience! Don’t miss out—sign up today and take your therapy sessions to the next level!
