Massage Therapy and ADHD in Children

Have you or your child ever felt distracted, anxious, or impatient? Do you have a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Did you know that massage therapy has been proven to help de-stress their mind and body and improve their emotions?

ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the child’s or adolescent’s attention span and concentration. There are three types of ADHD: predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type.

A study by Khilnani, S. et al. examined the effect of massage therapy on paediatric patients with ADHD. Thirty students aged 7 to 18 diagnosed with ADHD were assigned to receive massage treatment for 20 minutes twice weekly for one month. The results revealed that the students gained more happiness and saw a reduction in fidgeting, feelings of depression and anxiety.

5 ways that therapeutic massage can de-stress a child with ADHD:

1. Improves sleep productivity, relaxation, and social anxiety
2. Reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, helps the active fight-flight response, and increases the rest and digest response to ease your child mentally and physically
3. Eliminates pain/discomfort, improves joint mobility, reduces muscle tension, and increases relaxation and blood flow throughout the body
4. Provides a safe, quiet and nurturing space for your child
5. Improves social functioning and focus at home and school

Incorporating massage therapy into your child’s routine once a week may promote improved focus and confidence while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, receiving massage therapy can positively impact relationships, such as with teachers, peers, friends, and family members.

References:

1. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder
2. https://www.rmtao.com/massage-therapy/benefits-of-massage-therapy
3. Khilnani, S. et al. Massage therapy improves mood and behavior of students with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Adolescence. February 2003; 38(152):623-38.