Red Light, Green Light: A Primer on Pediatric Massage Therapy

Did you ever play the game “Red Light, Green Light” as a child? While I’m sure there are plenty of variations, the essence of this game requires one player to call out traffic signals (green light means go) and the other players have to follow the direction or they’re out. You’re probably wondering how in the world massage therapy relates to this childhood game, so let me explain.

Permission

I recently returned from a certified pediatric massage therapist training in Fort Worth, Texas with Tina Allen of the Liddle Kidz Foundation (look her up, she’s fantastic). In massage therapy, consent, or permission, to touch is critically important. It establishes boundaries and helps to develop trust between the therapist and client. In pediatric massage (we consider pediatric to include children from ages 2 or 3 through age 17), children MUST give the “green light” to touch. If a child gives you the “red light,” you better not touch them where they said not to or you’re the one who's out. While kids differ anatomically and physiologically from adults and they require far lighter touch, they still need our respect. There are so many things that are out of a child’s control that offering them a choice to have massage or not, is empowering. As a result, pediatric massage sessions are far more interactive than most adult sessions. Depending on the child’s age, we can use developmentally appropriate toys or tell stories to help the child relax. Let’s face it, a child is more likely going to be a wiggly worm rather than peacefully fall asleep like an adult. And if the child does fall asleep, the massage ends because the child can no longer give permission.

Ultimately, the fact is that the child is in charge during a session. This means that the massage might be very quick or that there will little hands-on contact and more parent education. Each session with a child is unique, and as a therapist, I have to be creative and patient.

Key points about pediatric massage for parents:

• Parents need to fill out a health history form for their child and sign a consent to allow massage.

• At times, it may be necessary to obtain physician approval.

• Parents must stay in the room with their child - this is for everyone’s safety and comfort.

• Have an open mind and allow your child to make requests that suit them.

• You know your child best - please help your therapist give your child a great experience and make sure to disclose any unique cues that indicate discomfort, distress, etc. as well as likes & dislikes (colors, textures, lighting). We’ll ask about this before you and your child come in for your first visit.

• It is perfectly okay for your child to move around during their session.

• Bring a snack and drink in case your child gets hungry or thirsty.

• Your child may stop the session at any time.

• If your child does not want physical touch, they may be okay with seeing me create massage strokes in the air above them.

• Feel free to ask questions during the session.

• I do not personally use aromatherapy (essential oils) with my pediatric clients because I do not think they are safe for kids. If you’re curious, I can explain why I think it is not appropriate to use aromatherapy with children.

• Oils, lotions, and creams, oh my: children’s skin is more porous, sensitive and delicate than adult skin. Therefore, I like to use simple oils like jojoba or coconut as opposed to lotions that may contain multiple ingredients.

• Your child may want to receive their massage in a chair, on a yoga mat or on the massage table - or all of the above!

Benefits of massage for children & contraindications

I could probably write another blog on the research that’s out there about infant and pediatric massage, so I will only briefly acknowledge this topic. When I tell people what I do, they often are surprised that children can receive massage. While no result can be guaranteed for each individual child (or adult), there is evidence that shows massage may help with digestive issues, sleep, and respiratory function in infants. Unfortunately, the body of research on pediatric massage therapy is slim, so there is room for improvement on the research front!

Of course, there are times when massage is completely contraindicated for children. Some of those contraindications might include: fever/temperature, acute infection/inflammation, swollen lymph nodes, high blood pressure, contagious conditions, etc. If you have questions about the appropriateness of massage for your child, talk to your massage therapist. If we aren’t sure, we will send you and your child to your pediatrician.

Have you ever considered bringing your child for a massage? Is there any question or concern you would like me to cover in a future blog?

Thanks for reading!