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
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton & 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!
Taylor McKee
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton
- Pediatric Massage
- Cupping Therapies
- Therapeutic Massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Relaxation Massage
- Sports Massage
- Trigger Point Release
- Hydrotherapy
I have always been a very active person, from my years as a National level competitive swimmer, to now being a CrossFit junkie. Years ago, when I was still swimming, I got a terrible back injury which started my love for self-care. Going for massages was what helped me the most to heal from my injury, which is what made me want to become a massage therapist myself. After doing some yoga teacher trainings, I went to school for massage therapy and received my honours diploma in January 2020 from the Alberta Institute of Massage. In August of 2021, my husband and I decided to move from our hometown Medicine Hat to the big city of Edmonton! We have been loving it and decided to call the city home.
I absolutely love being a massage therapist. I love being able to help my clients every day and see how much better they feel after their treatments. I very much believe in a multidisciplinary approach to healing, and I want to be able to help my clients with a proper treatment plan to get them back to feeling their best. I have special interest in prenatal and postnatal massage, and I have taken further courses to become a birth doula. I also very often treat clients with neck and shoulder pain, back pain, sciatic pain, and am able to provide therapeutic treatments, deep tissue, or relaxation massage.
Carrie McFetridge
Registered Massage Therapist – Edmonton
-
Pre & Post Natal Craniosacral Therapy with Visceral Manipulation
- Infant/Paediatric Craniosacral Therapy with Visceral Manipulation
- Advanced Myofascial Therapy
- Manual Lymphatic Treatment
- Trigger Point Release
- Joint Mobilization
Biography:
Carrie, “The Baby Osteo”, is a Manual Osteopathic Therapist who started as a Massage Therapist. She graduated from the Manual Osteopathic College of Canada and the Alberta College of Massage Therapy, both with Honours with Distinction and is part of ACMT’s faculty. She has always had a passion for helping people and problem solving- the perfect combo for this career!
When she’s not working, she’s spending time with her 3 kids and dog and planning her next kayaking adventure with her partner.
Philosophy & Style:
Carrie is a facilitator of healing. She believes that our bodies want to be healthy and balanced and are always trying to communicate what they need. It’s her job to listen to your body and give it the helping hand necessary to return to health and balance. Carrie’s holistic approach aims to find the root cause of the issue and treat it in a gentle, long-lasting way. Her skills allow her to treat all stages of life, but she does have a special interest in moms and babies.
Qualifications & Treatment Modalities:
- Manual Osteopathic Therapist
- Registered Massage Therapist
Additional Training:
- Paediatric Osteopathic Apprenticeship
- Tethered Oral Tissues in Osteopathy
- CranioSacral Therapy for Cranial Nerves
- CranioSacral Therapy for Conception, Pregnancy, & Birth
- CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatiatrics
- SomatoEmotional Release
- Visceral Manipulation
- Access Consciousness: Access the Bars
- Usui Ryoho Reiki, Levels 1-3
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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