Baby massage

After several sessions of professional massage, the following are noted:

• beneficial effect on the nervous system;
• improvement of the digestive system;
• stabilisation of the respiratory system;
• improvement of the cardiovascular system;
• strengthening the immune system.

Periodic massage also contributes to the proper development of muscle and bone tissue in children of the first year of life:

• A course of sessions improves the condition of the feet in case of flat feet, massage is often prescribed for the treatment of torticollis.
• For older children, a course of sessions allows you to strengthen muscle tissue and get rid of muscle hypertonicity or hypotonicity.

In order to achieve all the goals set, the massage therapist uses various tactics of influence in his work – relaxing, developing movements and elements of gymnastics. The actions of the massage therapist largely depend on the goals of the patient’s doctors and parents.

When and who should do children’s massage

Massage for children is usually prescribed by a neurologist (neurologist). The first sessions can be scheduled from 1.5-2 months of age. The procedure should be entrusted only to trained professionals who have experience working with children. This is because the technique of massaging a child is significantly different from “adult” techniques, as there is a risk of harming their health.

How a children’s massage is performed

Any professional masseur knows:

• Before starting a session, he or she must establish contact with the child – talk to him or her, calm him or her down, and smile. Only after the baby has adapted to the environment can the procedure begin.
• During the massage, you should not make sudden movements or squeeze the tissues too much, as this can harm the child.

The session begins with gymnastics and relaxing movements. The table or couch should be covered with a cloth or a nappy beforehand. To achieve the maximum effect, paediatricians usually prescribe a course of 10 procedures.

Contraindications

Any health-improving and therapeutic procedures have their contraindications, and massage for children is no exception. The main contraindications include:

• Wounds in any area of the body.
• Skin diseases: allergic reactions, active dermatitis, insect bites, etc
• High temperature, fever, severe cough, runny nose and other signs of infectious or viral diseases.
• Changes in bone tissue caused by serious stages of rickets.
• Hypotrophies – muscular or musculoskeletal.
• Malformations in the cardiovascular system.

It is not recommended to have a massage if you have had any medical procedures on the day of the session, such as vaccinations. It is also worth postponing a meeting with a massage therapist if the baby is “not in the mood” – capricious, constantly crying and you cannot find contact with him or her.