A child who is affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can have difficulty controlling their behavior and paying attention. Some symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. A lot of times, these children are seen as “problem children” who just can’t “sit still”. Many children can seem restless and distracted, but ADHD children’s hyperactivity and distractibility can start to affect performance in school, in social relationships and behavior at home. There are many different theories on what causes ADHD, and it is estimated that 2 million children in the United States have it. There are many treatments for ADHD, including Ritalin. Ritalin increases dopamine levels within the brain which has been shown to decrease hyperactivity. While the choice to medicate your child is an incredibly personal one, there is another type of treatment that can help; massage therapy.

Regular massage therapy for children diagnosed with ADHD has been shown to improve their short-term mood state, their ability to focus and improve their behavior in the classroom. Studies report that two 20-minute massages a week are enough to show significant improvement in ADHD children. Because these children have trouble staying still for prolonged periods of time, shorter massage sessions are best. Massage therapists should focus on slow, stroking movements that have a sedating effect, rather than fast and firm strokes. Parents can even get pointers from massage therapists on various massage techniques so that they can massage their children themselves and create more of an emotional bond. Also purchase a massage table or massage chair for your ADHD child’s massage.

The benefits of massage therapy for a child that has ADHD:

· Decreased anxiety

· Pain reduction

· Improved muscle tone

· Enhanced pulmonary function

· Enhanced body image

· Increased bonding and attachment

· Increased self esteem

· Healthy sense of boundaries

· Stress reduction

· Overall sense of well being