Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz™ with Cerebral Palsy | Massage for Children with CP | Training

About the Trainer | Tuition & Registration | Training Includes | Who Should Attend | CEH | CEU

The comprehensive Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz™ with Cerebral Palsy (Massage for Children with Cerebral Palsy) Course for massage therapists and healthcare professionals provides educational and professional training to those who wish to enhance their skills. Through this advanced training, participants learn to provide massage therapy, nurturing touch techniques, range of motion and touch therapy for children who have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term that refers to many possible injuries to the brain usually occurring during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; during infancy; or early childhood.  CP is not a disease, not progressive, nor communicable.  The United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation estimates between 1 ½ - 2 million children and adults have cerebral palsy in the United States.  10,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy annually.  1,200 - 1,500 preschool age children are also recognized to have cerebral palsy each year.

There are several types of cerebral palsy which involve damage to different parts of the brain, and affect body movement, posture and muscle coordination.  These types are categorized into four types: spastic, athetoid, ataxic, and mixed.

• Spastic cerebral palsy
  
  This is the most common form of cerebral palsy and accounts for nearly 50-80 percent of all cerebral palsy cases.  The symptoms include stiff, difficult and limited movement.  Children with spastic cerebral palsy have stiff and jerky movements. They often have a hard time moving from one position to another. They may also have a hard time holding and letting go of objects.  In some areas of the body muscle tone is so high that the tight muscle's antagonists have completely let go.
   
• Athetoid cerebral palsy
  
  This form is less common than spastic cerebral palsy and accounts for up to 20- 30% of all clients.  The symptoms include very weak muscles, involuntary and uncontrolled movement.  Athetoid cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia. These areas of the brain are responsible for processing the signals that enable smooth, coordinated movements as well as maintaining body posture.  These movements may also interfere with everyday functions such as speaking, feeding, reaching, grasping, and other skills requiring coordinated movements.
   
• Ataxic cerebral palsy
  
  This form is more rarely seen and involves chronic shaking, tremors and poor balance.  It affects approximately 5 - 10% of all CP clients.  These clients have low muscle tone and poor coordination of movement.  Children with ataxic cerebral palsy look very unsteady and shaky. This rare form of cerebral palsy also affects the child’s sense of balance and depth perception.
   
• Mixed cerebral palsy
  
  Approximately 10 -20% of Cerebral Palsy clients live with combinations of the CP forms.  These children have both the tight muscle tone of spastic cerebral palsy and the involuntary movements of athetoid cerebral palsy. This is because they have injuries to both the pyramidal and extrapyramidal areas of the brain.   A child’s CP may also be classified by what part of the body is affected.  For example: hemiplegic CP means the left or right side is affected; diplegic CP means either two arms or two legs are affected; and quadriplegic CP means all the extremities are affected to some extent.  
   

Without question massage therapy can have a valuable role in improving the quality of life of a child with cerebral palsy.  Research performed by the Touch Research Institute has indicated children affected by cerebral palsy receiving massage therapy showed fewer physical symptoms including reduced spasticity, less rigid muscle tone overall and in the arms and improved fine and gross motor functioning. In addition, the massage group had improved cognition, social and dressing scores on the Developmental Profile and they showed more positive facial expressions and less limb activity during face-to-face play interactions. 
In a study published in Nursing Times. (Massage for Children with Cerebral Palsy.) Researchers noted an increase in circulation in paralyzed limbs, with a change in color and temperature.  Massage may also be helpful in decreasing tone in spastic muscles, relieving tension and spasms, and improving blood circulation and digestion.

Because CP is the result of brain injury, it is important to also consider gentle nurturing touch which can stimulate the cranial areas helping the muscles to release.  Passive range of motion movements can assist in maintaining and increasing flexibility, provide movement in the joins and prevent contractures of the muscles.

Pediatric Massage for cerebral palsy requires specific skills to adapt massage and nurturing touch techniques suited for the child’s specific cerebral palsy condition(s), treatment and treatment plan.  This course is designed for students who want to work specifically with children with cerebral palsy.

During the Liddle Kidz™ Foundation Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz with Cerebral Palsy, you will learn about Cerebral Palsy, Pediatric Massage for Clients with cerebral palsy, massage techniques, nurturing touch techniques, and the most common types of childhood cerebral palsy including spastic, athetoid, ataxic, and mixed cerebral palsy.

We will discuss various symptoms, and commonly seen conditions associated with cerebral palsy such as various muscle tone (Hypertonicity, Hypotonicity), spasms and contractures, therapies and methods used to treat children with cerebral palsy, what to do when a child has a contracture, and what to do to help prevent/delay the formation of contractures, benefits for children and caregivers, current research and the importance of communication and attachment in building healthy emotional relationships and bonding. You will learn how to communicate with parents and healthcare providers, and how best to reach children who need your services most.

Specific concerns associated with massage use among younger children and adolescents may include fear of massage being administered by a stranger and apprehensions around touch and body image. In order to gain the child’s trust, during this course we will discuss appropriate approach to safely introduce massage and nurturing touch.  Since some clients with cerebral palsy may not be able to communicate verbally, we discuss how to pay very close attention to your clients' breathing patterns and facial expressions in order to develop an acute sensitivity to the clients' needs and comfort level. Massage and touch therapy techniques for working with children with varied pediatric cerebral palsy diagnoses will be demonstrated and practiced during hands-on in class sessions. The benefits and importance of individualized adaptations for using massage therapy will be explained.

Our Advanced Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz with Cerebral Palsy
(Massage for Pediatric Cerebral Palsy) Training Course includes:

• Review of Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Diagnoses
   
• Review of a variety of therapies currently employed with children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy
   
• Massage techniques and nurturing touch techniques with adaptations for children with Cerebral Palsy
   
• Contraindications and Precautions for the use of Massage Therapy for Pediatric Cerebral Palsy clients
   
• Methodology for the use of pediatric massage therapy
   
• Age appropriate approach and communication, and unique methods of communicating with children who have cerebral palsy
   
• Overview of growth and development
   
• Benefits for both children and caregivers
   
• Recognizing Children’s verbal and nonverbal communication
   
• Working with the entire family and healthcare team
   
• Current pediatric massage research and how best to stay in touch with current research developments
   
• Teaching and facilitating skills to impart simple ideas and techniques to parents
   
• Networking and Marketing Skills for reaching healthcare professionals and families
   
• Considerations for providing massage therapy for children of all backgrounds, including cultural considerations
   
• Medical, healthcare and parental consent considerations
   
• Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz with Cerebral Palsy (Massage for Children with Cerebral Palsy) Guide (provided in class)
   
• Supervised Practical Experience: In-class hands on practice.
   
• Exam – the exam is administered and graded in class to ensure full understanding of the material presented, and to give participants any additional guidance prior to completing the course
   
• After course mentoring from our Master Teacher
   
• Processing of CEH/CEU paperwork and certifications as applicable
   
• Recommended Pre-Course Study: Attendance and completion of Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT) Course

Finally, an advanced pediatric massage therapy training program for healthcare professionals who wish to provide touch therapy for children with cerebral palsy.  The Liddle Kidz™ Foundation course is an intense, fun and effective way to advance your pediatric massage therapy skills and embrace children who have been diagnosed with one of many forms of cerebral palsy that includes spastic, athetoid, ataxic, and mixed cerebral palsy.

Founded by master teacher and philanthropist Tina Allen, the Liddle Kidz™ Foundation offers a new, comprehensive, research based training course and teaches students what they really need to know to become an advanced professional in the area of pediatric massage therapy.

Any experienced healthcare professional will tell you that there is a world of difference between learning how to massage a child from a book or DVD, and knowing how to provide the best care to meet a child and families needs, however, there are few opportunities to learn the skills they really need from a working healthcare professional who has provided infant and pediatric massage education throughout the world.

With specialized advanced training in Pediatric Massage Therapy, you have the unique opportunity to impact a child with Cerebral Palsy for a lifetime.

About the Trainer

Tina Allen is an internationally respected author, lecturer and authority on infant and pediatric massage therapy.  Ms. Allen managed the United States first comprehensive pediatric massage program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), and developed pediatric massage programs at Mattel Children’s Hospital (UCLA) and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.  She is currently consulting on the development of comprehensive pediatric massage programs for some of the world’s leading medical institutions including for The Mayo Clinic, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.   Her innovative approach to children’s health has allowed her the unique opportunity to educate families and professionals throughout the world in the many benefits of nurturing touch.

She understands the varied physical and emotional needs of hospitalized and medically complex infants, children and their families. One of Tina’s passions is bringing the nurturing touch of pediatric massage to as many children as possible.

Read Tina Allen’s Entire Biography

Tuition & Registration

Please see our Calendar for upcoming Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz with Cerebral Palsy Training Dates and Registration Information.

Training Includes

In-class hands on practicum

Touch Therapy for Liddle Kidz with Cerebral Palsy (Massage for Children with Cerebral Palsy) Guide (provided in class)

After course mentoring from your Liddle Kidz™ Foundation International Trainer.

Who Should Attend

Health care professionals, professional massage therapists and body workers, parents and caregivers of children with specific medical conditions which may benefit from the use of massage therapy.  Those who attended and completed the Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT) Course, and wish to provide advanced Pediatric Massage Therapy.

Nursing CEH – Continuing Education Contact Hours

Liddle Kidz is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 15018

Massage CEH - Continuing Education Contact Hours
Massage CEU - Continuing Education Units

Liddle Kidz Foundation is approved by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider.  Provider Number 450613-08

Tina Allen is approved in Canada by: College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMT), The College of Massage Therapists Ontario (CMTO), The Massage Therapist Association of Alberta (MTAA), The Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba (MTAM), New Brunswick Massotherapy Association, Northwest Territories Massage Therapists Association

For more detailed information please visit our Continuing Education Approvals page for State, Provincial, National and International CE Approvals

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