Massage case study

Child background and condition

This child is 9 years old and attends a special school. They have been coming to Tiny Tim’s Children’s Centre for 5 years. In the past they have had some physiotherapy and occupational therapy at school and at the centre. The child presents with autism and hypermobility. They attend weekly sessions at the centre.

Why is the child coming for massage therapy?

Their mother came into the centre to see if massage therapy could meet an aim for the child’s sensory diet. The aim had been set by their school occupational therapist. She wanted the child to do deep pressure activities to help them calm down and relax.

Goals of the therapy

The massage therapist’s first aim was to establish eye contact, body language communication and acceptance of touch. This would make it possible to give deep pressure massage in a way that engaged the child.

How sessions were conducted

Because of the child’s behaviour the sessions include singing songs as well as deep pressure work. The songs help the child engage with others and focus so they will sit or lie still. During sessions the child is free to go where they want. They usually choose to stay on the treatment bed and fidget if they want to.

Over time the child has started placing the therapist’s hands on certain parts of their body. They move the therapist’s hand in the technique they want. The child shows when they’ve had enough by stepping off the treatment bed. On some occasions they have fallen asleep during deep massage sessions.

Changes seen in the child’s behaviour since starting massage sessions

In the first 6 months with their current therapist the child gave good eye contact. They asked for things such as songs or activities. This showed confidence in asking and engaging with others.

Over the last year the child’s communication with the therapist has grown a lot. They have developed sounds linked to different requests and commands. Before this they used only hand gestures, such as pointing to objects, as they had for the previous 3 years.

Impact on the family

Massage techniques have been shown to the child’s guardians so they can use them at home. The family now use these techniques confidently at home when the child asks for them. The guardians and the child’s siblings say they enjoy the response they get from the child. It has helped them develop their interaction skills with the child.