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.
Massage Therapists
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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
Registered Massage Therapist – Sherwood Park
Pine Community Building Lead – Sherwood Park
- Infant/Paediatric Massage
- Sports Massage
- Therapeutic Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Myofascial Therapy
- Trigger Point Release
- Relaxation Massage
- Joint Mobilization
- Hydrotherapy
Vanessa has worked in the healthcare field for over 18 years, and before Massage she has worked as Medical Office Assistant in a GP’s Clinic (Specialized Sports Medicine), as well as a Chiropractic & Physiotherapy-Assistant; but she is most well-known in the Edmonton Birth Community as a Certified Labour-Birth Doula (CAPPA 2013). She’s also a Certified Babywearing Educator (CBS 2013), trained Postpartum Doula (CAPPA 2015), Childbirth Educator, and has taken her Spinning Babies® Workshop Training (2017).
Vanessa is passionate about treating the body as a whole, she practices from an evidence-based approach sprinkled with a holistic mindset, and would best describe herself as a “solid mix of science and spirit!” She believes in meeting people right where they’re at and trusts that working together as a team, and as a community, is where the magic in wellness really happens!
Christine Jackson
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton & Sherwood Park
Ages 0+
Passionate about treating:
Infants:
- Pre/Post Frenectomy care
- Nursing Challenges
- Challenges with Suck, Swallow, Breath mechanism due to structural restrictions
- Torticollis
- Plagiocephaly or Change of Head Shape
- Birth Trauma or Difficult Births
- 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
Osteopath & Registered Massage Therapist
Treatment Populations:
- Pediatrics (2-11)
- Infants (0-2)
Passionate about treating:
- Visceral Manipulation
- Myofascial Release
- Cranial Osteopathy
- Osteoarticulations
- Pediatric and Infant massage
- Prenatal and Postnatal
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.
Wendy Mitchell
Registered Massage Therapist – Sherwood Park
Ages 7+
- Pediatric Massage
-
Pain Management
- Scar Release Therapy
- Stress Release
- Addressing physical symptoms through an energetic and spiritual lens
- Relaxation Massage
- Therapeutic Intra-Oral
- Cupping
- Myofascial
- MPS (Microcurrent Point Stimulation)
- Cranial Sacral
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Optician (1981)
- Optometric Assistant (1998)
- Massage Therapist (2000)
- Medical Office Assistant (2013)
Additional Training
- Cranial Sacral Therapy
- MPS (Microcurrent Point Stimulation)
- Cupping
- Reflexology
- Reiki
- Access Consciousness
Philosophy
It’s not so much about the job, as she has never considered massage as a job. She just get to hang out with some really cool people. It’s more about belonging to a community and helping other along the way in their journey. Giving our patients our knowledge & experiences, while using it to improve health. Wendy welcomes the freedom to shine in the family of Pine!
Wendy has worked with many clients over the years from children to seniors. As a result, her belief is at different stages of our lives, pain free may be too much to ask for. However, easement would be a gift. The miracle of easement, giving patients a sense of hope is as essential as the treatment itself.
Fun Fact
Wendy loves hanging out with her family at the lake, reading and learning & swimming!
Kelsey Byers
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton
Ages 8+
- Pediatric Massage
- Acute / Chronic Injuries
- Relaxation Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Fascial Stretch Therapy
- Myofascial
- Massage Therapy – Macewan University, 2015
- Physical / Occupational Therapy Assistant, 2020
Philosophy
Kelsey is passionate about patient centred care and enjoys building treatments around the specific needs of each client.
Fun Fact
Kelsey used to teach dance, and is still on the studios board of directors, She spends much of her free time helping with classes and performances
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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