Attention Deficit Hyperactive Order, otherwise known as ADHD is frustrating for parents and teachers to deal with in controlled settings such as classrooms or even family dinners. As frustrating as it is for the adults dealing with adolescents with ADHD, it is even more frustrating for the child. Imagine always being yelled at over something you have little to absolutely no control over. Many teachers are requesting these students be medicated to be easier to handle, however more and more parents are looking toward alternatives to medications to help lessen the affects of ADHD. Massage is a viable option for those parents who do not want to medicate their children.
In a study published in the 1988 journal of Adolescence, Dr. Tiffany Fields, a well known child mental health researcher shared her results regarding the effects massage has on adolescents with ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. The study used two mediums - relaxation therapy and massage therapy for 10 days on 28 adolescents with ADHD. The results of the study were amazing! At the end of the 10 school day study, those children who had received massage versus the relaxation therapy reported feeling happier. The teachers scored them as being less fidgety, more attentive, less hyperactive, and longer attention span on tasks. The teachers were not privy to which of the two therapies the students received.
In a more recent study, massage was delivered to children aged 7-20 with ADHD. Each child received a 20-minute massage session twice a week over a period of several weeks. The results were dramatic showing improved mood; long term improved behavior, and increased attention.
Massage helps calm the body, improve alertness, and gives and over all well being feeling. Massage has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone. Massage has been known to help improve performance in computing (mathematics) as shown through EEG's as well as improve concentration and reduce depression. It is obvious with that alone how massage can help an adolescent with ADHD.
Simple deep muscle massage for adolescents with ADHD can be apply with moderate pressure to the childs head/shoulders, arms/torso, and legs/back with as little as 4 minutes to each specific areas twice a week by professional massage therapist. Children with ADHD already feel exposed in general so it is best to keep them fully wardrobe during these massage times. It is great if the parent will alternate with massage at home for their child. Not only does this increase bonding between child/parent but will also increase the results dramatically. If you are unsure just how to effectively massage your child, ask your massage therapist for tips or lessons.
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