Benefits of Massage Therapy for Children
There are many potential benefits of massage therapy for children. Some of the potential benefits of massage therapy for children include:
- Stress and anxiety reduction: Massage therapy can help children relax and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- Improved sleep: Massage therapy can help children sleep better, which can improve overall health and well-being.
- Pain relief: Massage therapy can help alleviate pain associated with various conditions, such as growing pains, muscle spasms, and headaches.
- Improved circulation: Massage therapy can help improve blood flow and oxygenation to the tissues, which can help support overall health and wellness.
- Increased flexibility and range of motion: Massage therapy can help improve flexibility and range of motion in children, which can be especially beneficial for children who are active in sports or other physical activities.
- Improved immune function: Massage therapy can help improve immune function by increasing the production of immune cells and activating the immune system.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Massage therapy has been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function in children, including improved concentration, memory, and learning.
It is important to note that the potential benefits of massage therapy may vary from child to child and may depend on the specific techniques and approaches used by the therapist.
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Therapy Modalities for Children
What is the youngest age you can get a Massage?
There is no specific age at which it is considered safe for a child to receive a massage. The age at which a child is ready for a massage will depend on their individual development and maturity level. In general, it is best to wait until a child is at least a few months old before giving them a massage. This will give their skin and muscles time to develop and become stronger. If you are unsure whether a child is ready for a massage, it is a good idea to consult with their healthcare provider or a massage therapist. They can assess the child’s physical and emotional development and advise you on whether a massage would be appropriate.
Meet Our Pediatric Massage Team
Vanessa Shynkaruk
RMT, Doula
Registered Massage Therapist – Sherwood Park Location
Pine Community Building Lead – Sherwood Park
Treatment Populations:
- Youth/Teens (11-18)
- Pediatrics (2-11)
- Infants (0-2)
Treatment Areas:
- Infant/Newborn wellness – postural issues, feeding challenges, digestive/reflux, birth trauma, etc.
- Digestive challenges – constipation, reflux, gas/pain, etc.
Post-Secondary Education:
- Registered Massage Therapist, Alberta College of Massage Therapy, 2019
Additional Training:
- Craniosacral Therapy – Upledger Institute
- Visceral Manipulation – Barral Institute
- Myofascial Cupping – AIM
- Kinesiology Taping – Udemy
- Labour/Birth Doula – CAPPA
- Postpartum Doula – CAPPA
- Standard First Aid Level C CPR – Red Cross
Philosophy:
Vanessa believes the human body is SO incredible and has such a beautiful way of speaking to individuals, it’s just knowing how to listen! She believes strongly in treating the body as a system, not just the symptoms. Vanessa integrates different types of manual therapy and functional bodywork during each one of her sessions, and no treatment is often the same. Working towards specific goals, “figuring out the why”, and focused work are her forte! She loves to teach her patients about their bodies in a way that makes sense to them, so they can feel safe, equipped, and empowered to heal & grow.
Fun Fact:
One of my odd jobs in my twenties was working at a Freight & Shipping company overseeing all the OS&D (Overages, Shortages, and Damages) that showed up in the warehouse. It was one of my most favorite jobs, and I’ve recently realized how much I use those same investigation skills as an RMT!
Christine Jackson
RMT, BSc
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton and Sherwood Park Locations
Treatment Populations:
- Youth/Teens (11-18)
- Pediatrics (2-11)
- Infants (0-2)
Treatment Areas:
- Torticollis
- Plagiocephaly
- Pre & post frenectomy care
- Feeding challenges
- Migraines & headaches in kiddos
- Constipation
- Reflux
- Youth Athletes
Post-Secondary Education:
- Massage Therapy Diploma, West Coast College of Massage Therapy, 2009
- Bachelor of Science Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, 2004
Additional Training:
- Visceral Manipulation 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 – The Barral Institute
- Advanced Visceral Techniques for Pediatrics – The Barral Institute
- Craniosacral Therapy 1, 2 – Upledger Institute
- Somatic Emotional Release 1 – Upledger Institute
- Craniosacral Therapy for Pediatrics – Upledger Institute
- Conscious Conception, Pregnancy, and Birthing – Upledger Institute
- Craniosacral Therapy for Infants with Special Circumstances – Upledger Institute
- Craniosacral Therapy for Cranial Nerves – Upledger Institute
- Advanced Craniosacral Techniques for Infants and Pediatrics – Craniosacral Institute
Philosophy:
The body is the most amazing machine & has the inherent ability to heal itself. Christine believes it is her job as a therapist to remind the body of that, then get out of the way so it can do its job.
Fun Fact:
I have a slight obsession with dog rescue & unlikely animal friends videos (especially those involving goats, I love goats!)
Taylor McKee
MOT, RMT, Birth Doula
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton and Sherwood Park Locations
Treatment Populations:
- Pediatrics (2-11)
- Infants (0-2)
Treatment Areas:
- Visceral Manipulation
- Myofascial Release
- Cranial Osteopathy
- Osteoarticulations
- Pediatric and Infant massage
Post-Secondary Education:
- Diploma of Manual Osteopathy, The Manual Osteopathic College of Canada, 2024
- Diploma of Massage Therapy, The Southern Alberta Institute of Massage, 2020
Additional Training:
- Prenatal/ Postnatal
- Advanced Cupping
- Fire Cupping
- 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
- 50 Hour Yin Yoga Training
Philosophy:
Taylor believes that the gentlest touch can have the most profound impact. Taylor’s philosophy centers on creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported. By addressing structural imbalances early in life, she strives to help children achieve their full potential, laying the groundwork for a healthy and active adulthood.
Fun Fact:
I have two rescue dogs and a rescue cat at home.
Kelsey Byers
RMT, PTA, CYT
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton Location
Treatment Populations:
- Youth/Teens (11-18yrs)
- Pediatrics (6-11)
Treatment Areas:
- Stress and anxiety
- Muscle and joint pain (growing pains)
- Mobility limitations
- Acute and/or chronic injury
- Constipation, gas
Post-Secondary Education:
- Therapy Assistant, MacEwan University, 2020
- Massage Therapy Diploma, MacEwan University, 2015
- Additional Training:
- 300hr Earth Wisdom Yoga Teacher Training Program, Wild Song Yoga School, 2024
Philosophy:
Kelsey graduated from the MacEwan University massage program in 2015. Throughout her practice she has had experience with various types of massage including relaxation, therapeutic, deep tissue, and prenatal. She is passionate about patient centered care and enjoys building her treatments around the specific needs of each client. Kelsey recently completed the Therapeutic Assistant program at MacEwan, and throughout her studies explored the fields of occupational and physical therapy. Kelsey’s schooling has reignited her passion for therapeutic exercise and the role it plays in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She is determined to improve her skills throughout her career and continue to bring her clients an excellent standard of care.
Fun Fact:
I recently completed a 300hr Yoga teacher training in Mexico and am offering group classes and yoga massage treatments at Pine.
Are Massages Good for Kids?
Yes, massages can be beneficial for children. Massages can help children relax, improve their circulation, and reduce muscle tension. However, it is important to use a gentle touch when giving a massage to a child, and to avoid applying too much pressure. It is also important to get permission from a child’s parent or guardian before giving them a massage. If you are not sure how to give a massage to a child, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a massage therapist.
We would love to help you find a Pediatric Massage Therapist in Edmonton that is the best fit for you.
Please contact us with any questions or book your appointment online today.
21
Team Members
2K+
Patients Treated
30
Kids Between Us
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