Infant Massage
November 12, 2020
Infant Massage is a touch-based modality in which the parent is trained by the massage instructor in touch and movement activities
Infant Massage is a touch-based modality in which the parent is trained by the massage instructor in touch and movement activities. It can be used from birth, and adapted for older children. Infant massage facilitates bonding between the infant and caregiver along with promoting the decrease of physical symptoms of some medical issues.
Benefits of Infant Massage:
- Interaction- bonding and attachment
- Relief- may decrease physical discomfort caused by gas, colic, and reflux. It promotes digestion by stimulating the release of insulin, as well as the release of endorphins that are a body’s natural pain killers
- Relaxation- Relieve tension in the infant’s body when a baby is overstimulated, which aids with sensory integration. The parent receives a release of oxytocin, which helps to relax them as well.
- Stimulation- The skin is the largest organ of the body. All body systems are affected by touch and it increases overall healthy development.
Conditions Infant Massage is appropriate for, but not limited to this list:
- Gas
- Colic
- Reflux
- Cerebral Palsy
- Premature Birth
- Constipation
- Slow weight gain
- Communication Difficulties
- Poor sleeping habits
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By Hayden Migneault, DPT
By Hayden Migneault, DPT
By Hayden Migneault, DPT
By Mallory Goettl, MS OTR/L
Coloring is more than just a fun activity, it is a powerful tool therapists use to help children build important developmental skills while keeping therapy engaging and playful. Coloring can support communication, movement, coordination, focus, and creativity all at the same time. Best of all, children often do not even realize how much they are learning because they are having fun! We recently hosted a coloring contest in our clinics, and the kiddos had so much fun showing their creativity! At the end of this post, we've included two coloring page designs that you can download, print, and color at home or on the go!
By Emily Benningfield, SLP
By Alyssa Turner, OTR/L
Try this fun Easter-themed feeding activity to encourage food exploration and positive mealtime experiences.
Help your child adjust to time changes with simple sleep strategies that support healthy routines.
Silly books build language, imagination, and connection. Learn why they’re great for development.
![We’ve loved seeing your stories roll in over the past couple weeks and wanted to share one of our own, thanks to therapists Lauren & Maya and their friend Tiffany. ❤️
Last week, OT Ms. Lauren and ST Ms. Maya accompanied Tiffany on a HUGE adventure, attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky for activities, friendship, and growth ? Headquartered in Bath County, SNCKI is free to attend, with nearly 100 campers enrolled this year! Ms. Lauren shared her thoughts with the HTP team when she got home: “The other campers welcomed [Tiffany] with open arms, and she made so many new friends…A space where 76 teens/adults with disabilities of all kinds were free to just be them and make those connections with each other while having tons of fun. We have had moments that were trickier to navigate, but we did it together.”
One of the nights was family and community night, featuring a group dance and a talent showcase. ?Lauren said, “The amount of love and support in the gym was out of this world. For her mom to see that, to know that we’ve got her girl no matter what, means more than any treatment code or note I could ever write. She is already asking when she gets to come back…and even told her mom to ‘buy a new house at camp’? If you are not already, follow Special Needs Connections of Kentucky, Inc on facebook. They are doing such AMAZING things for our community here and deserve so much support.” ? We couldn’t agree more!
Therapy isn’t about treatment codes, billable hours, documentation, or recertification. It’s about the meaningful moments and the love we pour into these children every single day. This is why Hogg Therapy exists—to give every child the opportunity to experience a meaningful, joyful life. ✨ Thank you, Lauren and Maya for your support both in and outside of the clinic and for sharing this story! ?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/747807719_18212073508337241_9129116297997701917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=YQTZF8KmrEEQ7kNvwFIY6CT&_nc_oc=AdoVE_Rvhy4T-HLjLvHiZLG9vBbtSeJ4Dbk2SLgM5xwrWDnipvYDUpl3pdnrjk8KfLA&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=yypZnItHQ1wu9BPG80WnoQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQKScZUtLgnVkrZpgWU7j8e4isqw_-tDfM1TDiKnHDNU0er8DX7VrkaL2tZ3oRgXwmdNwwVSeFFhag&oh=00_AQGPM31xmth4-1QZoejaXgk9DeMHfaf7aarcfH5NeI2i4g&oe=6A8E5D8A)
![We’re sharing an occupational therapy success story from OT Mrs. Abby today! ? Meet Grayson! When he first started occupational therapy, everyday life felt hard. He was experiencing significant picky eating, struggled with daily routines and transitions, and had a difficult time managing big emotions.
Since then, Grayson has put in so much hard work. Through OT, he has built confidence, strengthened his self-regulation skills, and learned to take on new and challenging tasks with courage. Every small step has added up to something truly amazing! One of the biggest reasons for Grayson’s success has been the incredible partnership with his parents. They fully embraced therapy beyond the clinic by consistently practicing strategies at home through his Home Exercise Program (HEP). Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to try new approaches have made all the difference.
Today, Grayson is trying new foods every week, navigating daily routines with greater independence, and enjoying more successful, joyful moments with his family. His growth is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a determined child, committed caregivers, and a supportive therapy team work together.
?Congratulations, Grayson! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we’re celebrating your amazing parents, too. Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork are inspiring! ?
[This story & all photos shared with parent permission ??] #occupationaltherapy #hoggtherapypediatrics #hoggtherapy #feedingtherapy](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/742695277_18211398901337241_3568386461214310976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=IldVya9aWWMQ7kNvwFcVgtE&_nc_oc=AdqJCUGccT0c7197fhARAID-UgM5b-T3dTLdYUmRcFS1ZGMJ9iWnSt_J5mxDsVP1xjQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=yypZnItHQ1wu9BPG80WnoQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQIp4QS73_qX1LxqoQpcGz7452HCiFycPVFKzed09_FZg2o2EFQkF8h-l_Z_u-BZn7I8G2fDpdstVw&oh=00_AQGPfzq8z_-kT2sw_iH85vi8mylL5yUXtTgZrFV1Wnoceg&oe=6A8E3C0E)
