Working on kids?

[Pompal 09.]

I gifted chair massages at the last Really Really Free Market, and my first client was an 8yo (or so) boy... I hadn't even finished unpacking the chair when I heard a voice behind me ask, "Whatcha doooo-in?" ;-)I'd never worked on anyone under 18 before, and felt a bit dopey with my usual spiel about pressure and feedback. I'm sure my hands transmitted my uncertainty. About 5 minutes into it he announced, "I'm done!", hopped off the chair, and ran off to play.So. Anyone with experience in this area care to share stories, tips, etc?

 

[Jeanmarie]

Working on kids?

I worked on some kids at a dog show once. I don't remember how old they were but I think it was between 8 and 12. They kept coming back. It was pretty funny. Then they wanted their dogs massaged.

 

[Social Butterfly]

I work on my kids all the time at home...even though my youngest girls are only 8 and 11, they will lay there for over an hour and beg me not to stop.It's actually surprising how kids even this young can have many of the same problems as adults ...mine all are big time into sports...hockey and ball and both girls have minor injuries from overuse, bumps, etc. ( my older daughter plays full contact hockey and pitches so has a lot of strain in her shoulders and upper arms)I basically do relaxation massage on the younger two and then do some light work on any knots, etc I find along the way...like I said, they absolutely love it and it's tough to get them off the table.If you want to try to work on kids, maybe your best bet would be to offer to work on some ball, soccer or hockey teams instead of just kids at the mall.  Chances are they will actually need it and will appreciate it more.

 

[??Sophie??]

Working on kids?

I worked on some kids that were in gymnastics. Its a little tricky B/c there is less "surface area". Let me say this even though it has been talked about here before. Please, please please if you are working on children, require that a parent or another therapist be present. There is no reason to put yourself in any kind of situation where there could ever be any kind of question of what went on. Other than that, kids love massage just as muc as adults and babies dig it too!

 

[PoliceCopManOmg]

Working on kids?

Let me say this even though it has been talked about here before. Please, please please if you are working on children, require that a parent or another therapist be present.

..and might I add, get consent ... in at least some regulated states, treating a minor requires consent from a parent/guardian ... so, even if you don't do anything wrong, the fact that you did anything at all can get you into trouble.

:-/

 

[Sinfuel]

Working on kids?

Yeah, I got verbal consent. Perhaps not enough, but it was better than nothing.

 

[angelcake]

Working on kids?

I worked on a few kids at a health fair with their parents standing there watching. It was about the same, sat there for about 5 minutes, then said "that's enough" and got up to go play. Children in general don't have a very long attention span (generalizing, not saying every child is like this), so I didn't even expect to go that long.

 

[Arslan]

Working on kids?

I have worked on a couple kids other than relatives.The first one was the son of a salon owner i worked with. LOL He fell asleep in the chair. I held him there (So he didn't fall off the chair.) for about a half hour until he went outside to play. (He was about 8-9.)The second was an 11 year old girl whose parents had just gone through a divorce, and she came about 3 times per year to the salon. The girl loved massage and has been known to massage her team mates (she's in a couple different sports) before and after games and practices). Both the minor AND the parent sign my consent forms.

 

[pixiemeup82]

Working on kids?

I haven't had much opportunity to massage children, but I did give a little girl about 8 her first ever massage. Her mother was also receiving a massage in the same room.She actually saw me several weeks later and commented that I was the lady that gave her that massage. She loved the massage too and had no problems laying for an hour. After some initial anxiety, she relaxed completely, and just about fell asleep on the table!I agree kids can have the same problems we do, just look at how many books (and the size of them!) they are expected to carry! I know we need parent's consent, but I like the idea of having both the parent and the minor sign the form. At least they truly know they have a choice that way!

 

[M D]

I love to work in my infant granddaughter. She loves it!  When  I found out my daughter was pregnant, I started researching, and practiced on my lazy old cat. He loved it, too.

 

[Vote Repubs Nov 2010!]

Several of my regular clients are under 18.  A parent is always in the room, and the parent fills out the brief intake each session.  Sessions are done with the child in light clothing -- tshirt material tops and shorts or pants.  One boy (8) is a tense and anxious little guy whose parents are going through an ugly divorce.  His mother brings him, and he learned very quickly to use his breathing to self-comfort and relax.  They look thru my CDs each time they come and select together which one to use ---- and Mom has purchased for home the ones he likes best.  She says his sleeping is much improved.  His favorite part of his massage is the scalp work, and the work on his hands and feet.  His mom has learned to use some of the techniques.Another is a very active dancer (10) who is in physical therapy, but her mom brings her for massage prior to her therapy appointments.  Seems to make the manipulations easier.I find when I work with little ones that I need to be ready to let them change position often and the length of each session is completely under the control of the client.  Most times we are able to work for 30 minutes ---- but sometimes only 10 or 15 minutes.  I charge accordingly, and let it be whatever it is each session.  As busy as I am, if a session is short, I just send thanks for a small break, and gratitude for the honor of working on that child for however long we were able.Linda B. in NC

 

[Jessie]

Working on kids?

As someone fortunate enough to volunteer in the peds ward of a large hospital, I'd recommend any and all MTs to work on the little ones as often as possible. I've been lucky to work on infants all the way up to teens. It's great. The only drawback (if you wanna call it that) is that the younger they are, the less tolerance they have for lengthier sessions. But the look on even the youngest faces as a result of your gentle work is an amazing gift.I'd definitely have consent forms signed, a parent present in the room (or at least the door to the room where you're working opened).

 

[Caroline]

Working on kids?

Michael Stanborough has myofascial release techniques for kids in his book "Direct Myofascial Release"

Also there is techniques for kids supplement in his video:

http://www.terrarosa.com.au/mfr/mfr.htm

 

[whatrukidding]

Working on kids?

I love working on kids...they are open and honest...most of the kids I have worked on (8 weeks to 18) have watched mom or dad get one...so they are happy they get a turn...I even have one little girl (3 yr old) who will not let her mom have an appointment unless I work on her first...they are very cute...always ask mom or dad first...my daughters are in high school...I did a few of their friends for free...the moms call and book appointments shortly after the kids get home...