191409 Massage therapy for children: Review of research and technique demonstration

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 11:30 AM

Karen Boulanger, MS, LMT , University of Iowa, San Jose, CA
Massage therapy is evolving as a complementary therapy for children across all levels of health status. Increasing numbers of massage therapists are learning specific techniques to use with children and how to train parents and caregivers as well. Research supporting the safety and efficacy of massage therapy for this population is growing. This presentation will include 1) a review of the extant research related to pediatric massage, including common effects, contraindications, safety, and use for special populations, 2) a description of the assessment procedures that may be used with children, and 3) a demonstration of massage techniques for healthy young children.

Learning Objectives:
Recognize massage therapy as an emerging complementary health practice for children Identify the health conditions for which there is research evidence Describe a simple massage protocol for healthy children

Keywords: Children, Alternative Medicine/Therapies

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Certified in pediatric massage Nationally certified massage therapist
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Evidence Based Alternative and Complementary Health Practices Research
See more of: Alternative and Complementary Health Practices