asthma and massage for children

[carol a glick]

Hi I would like to find out if massage helps children that have asthma. If anyone there can help me. I would be most greatfull.

[Tina Allen | Liddle Kidz]

Hi Carol,

There has been research done that shows many positive effects of massage for children with Asthma. One such study was performed by Dr Tiffany Field and her colleagues at The Touch Research Institute. Below I have pasted information about this study:

This study showed positive effects of parents massaging their asthmatic children including increased peak air flow, improved pulmonary functions, less anxiety and reduced stress hormone (cortisol) in the children. Parental anxiety also decreased.

Field, T., Henteleff, T., Hernandez-Reif M., Martinez, E., Mavunda, K., Kuhn C., & Schanberg S. (1998). Children with asthma have improved pulmonary functions after massage therapy. Journal of Pediatrics, 132, 854-858.

[Gayle]

I read somewhere that massage is helpful for babies with Cerebral Palsy. Do you know what is best to do for them? What kind of massage and how does it help?

Thank you

[suzieQ]

I have read many studies, and also know from my personal experience that massage does help babies with Cerebral Palsy.

When children with Cerebral Palsy receive massage therapy they can experience reduced muscle spasticity, and gain more muscle flexibility.

The type of massage you use would really depend on the factors of the baby’s condition. Some children have low muscle tone and some have high muscle tone. It would be best to find someone who has worked in providing pediatric massage to get the best advice for the specific child.