Massage for Children: Benefits and Guidelines

The stresses of modern society, long hours of study and sitting, physical activity (or lack of it), or staring into a smartphone can have a negative effect on a child's body. The results include pain, tension, and bad posture. Massage for children can help relieve these problems and provide nurturing touch that helps kids develop into well-adjusted adults.

I once had a client who told me that when her son was young and started to have an asthma attack, she would massage his back. She was sure the massage saved them many trips to the emergency room.

Benefits of Pediatric Massage

According to Pediatric Massage Therapy Research: A Narrative Review (2019), massage therapy benefits the following conditions:

• Chronic illnesses, including diabetes, asthma, cancer, and HIV
• Digestive issues, including constipation and diarrhea
• Muscle tone and movement disorders, including cerebral palsy and down syndrome
• Painful procedures and pain syndromes, including burns and sickle cell
• Psychological problems, including aggression, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder

Effects that bring about these benefits include increased dopamine (the feel good hormone), decreased cortisol (the stress hormone), reduced muscle tension, and improved sleep.

Guidelines for Massaging Children

Here are a few guidelines for child massage, adapted from the article "Touching the Future: Gentle Massage for Children" by Shay Beider of Integrative Touch for Kids.

Ask children if they want a massage, and do massage only with their OK.

Understand how the bodies of children are different from adult bodies. For example, it's easier to overstimulate children because they have more touch receptors than adults. 

Be aware of the child's level of psychological development and explain massage in an age-appropriate way that the child can understand. 

Other factors to take into consideration:

• 15 to 20 minutes is usually enough time for a young kid's massage. Longer is OK for older children and teenagers.
• Make sure the child is in a comfortable position for massage and in a calm and relaxing environment.
• Use an appropriate massage oil such as a light vegetable oil or a natural oil like almond or coconut. Make sure the oil is not too hot or cold. You can also do massage through clothing.
• Discuss what you are going to do with your child before the massage. Ask if they are comfortable with it and answer their questions.
• Adjust your pressure to the child's comfort. Pay attention to your child’s reactions and stop if they become uncomfortable.
• Usually, kids will find a slower massage more appealing than a vigorous one.
• Do not massage cuts, open wounds, bruises, broken bones, burns, or skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or severe acne.
• Do not massage a sick child without the OK of a healthcare provider.

Also, see massage for babies.

Massage Techniques for Children

Child massage techniques are the same as those used for adults, adjusted to suit a child-size body:

• Effleurage: light, smooth, gliding strokes to relax muscles.
• Petrissage: gentle kneading to relieve tension and promote relaxation (for older children 6+ years)
• Foot reflexology: pressure applied to points on the feet for general relaxation and to support overall health support.
• Stretching: gentle, light stretches can improve flexibility and relieve stiffness. Especially good for active children ages 6+ years.
• Tapping: gentle tapping with the fingertips to stimulate muscles and improve circulation.
• Rocking: rhythmic rocking motions can soothe and comfort, especially if a child is distressed.
• Feather light touch: delicate, light touches to calm and relax. Helpful for calming anxious or sensitive children.

Video Demo

More Information About Massage for Children

For parents who want to massage their children, the following books offer instruction:

Healing Touch for Children: Massage, Acupressure and Reflexology Routine for Children Aged 4-12

Tui Na Massage for a Healthier, Brighter Child

Swedish Child Massage: A Family Guide to Nurturing Touch

A Modern Day Guide to Massage for Children is beautifully illustrated.

For children with autism:

Easing Autistic Behaviors with Massage Therapy (article)

Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers (book)

If you are a massage therapist or healthcare professional who wants to learn pediatric massage, Liddle Kidz offers training, or see the textbook Pediatric Massage Therapy by Marybetts Sinclair or Chinese Pediatric Massage by Kyle Cline.

You can also combine massage with using essential oils for children.

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