For example, hospitalized newborns who are receiving gentle daily massages gain more weight on the same amount of formula and have decreased levels of stress hormones than those newborns who do not receive massage. They are also ahead of non-massaged babies in their motor and neurological development. During childhood, when there are periods of rapid brain growth and the child's self image is being formed, massage can be especially significant.

Most disabled children are under constant stress. This can take a toll both physically and emotionally. Massage is a lovely nurturing way for these children to release their stress and tension. As a massage therapist working with children with disabilities, I have seen this first-hand.

Children who are emotionally shut down from stress become much happier and emotionally relaxed when they begin to receive massage regularly. Because they are more likely to be socially isolated and touched less than other children are, massage can be especially important in satisfying their need for touch. Children with limited mobility, such as those in wheelchairs, may be deprived of a tremendous amount of normal sensory stimulation. Massage can help meet this need. It can be readily adapted to the specific needs of children with a variety of disabilities, including developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome; physical problems such as spinal cord injuries, juvenile arthritis and spina bifida; and illnesses such as AIDS and cancer.

Besides exercises, other forms of sensory stimulation can be easily incorporated into massage. For example, you might cover your child's back with a thin cloth and slowly roll a small ball up and down the back for a minute or two. Or you may choose to brush the back gently with a soft brush at the end of a massage. Try massaging your child in a warm bath, using soap instead of oil. You might add variety by using a hot pack on a tight area before massage, or gently washing lotion off after massage with a warm wet washcloth. All of these sensory stimulation forms can be enjoyed by your child, and can help him or her be more comfortable being handled.

Not only can massage be fun, but it is a wonderful time to help your child as well. For example, a child whose hands are hypersensitive could be treated in a fun way by letting her first play with bathtub toys in a pan of warm water, then in a pan of cold water, and then having her hands massaged in the water with soap or even a gritty substance such as salt while she is distracted. Gradually, as she learns to tolerate more stimulation, her hands can be massaged out of the water. This was done daily by a mother of a girl with Behr's Syndrome in one of my massage classes. After two weeks, the little girl's occupational therapist reported she was finally able to tolerate holding a spoon. Now she could begin to learn to feed herself!