Here is a safe, effective and child-friendly massage therapy routine specially designed for hyperactive children -ADHD -sensory seekers.
These techniques help reduce restlessness, improve body awareness, calmness, and promote sleep.
⸻
⭐ Massage Therapy for Hyperactive Child
(Occupational therapy–based calming protocol)
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1️⃣ Deep Pressure Massage (Most Effective)
✔ Helps calm the nervous system
✔ Reduces hyperactivity
✔ Increases body awareness
How to do it:
• Use both hands to give firm, slow pressure.
• Start from shoulders → arms → hands → back → legs → feet.
• Press like giving a “gentle hug” — firm but not painful.
• Move slowly, not fast.
Duration: 5–7 minutes
⸻
2️⃣ Joint Compression (OT technique)
✔ Excellent for reducing hyperactivity
✔ Provides proprioceptive (heavy work) input
How to do:
• Hold child’s wrist gently and push their elbow inward (toward shoulder) 10 times.
• Do the same for shoulders, knees, ankles.
• Push gently but firmly. Never jerk.
Duration: 1–2 minutes
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3️⃣ Slow Rhythmic Stroking
✔ Best for bedtime calming
✔ Reduces anxiety and restlessness
How to do:
• Use your palm and slowly stroke from back of head → neck → shoulders → back.
• Pressure should be slow, rhythmic, continuous.
Duration: 3–5 minutes
⸻
4️⃣ Coconut Oil -Sesame Oil Massage
✔ Natural calming effect
✔ Warm oil works best for relaxation
How to do:
• Warm the oil slightly (not hot).
• Massage legs, arms, palms, feet using circular motions.
• Combine with slow breathing.
Duration: 10 minutes before bath or sleep
⸻
5️⃣ Hand & Finger Massage
✔ Reduces fidgeting
✔ Improves attention
How to do:
• Rub each finger slowly
• Massage the palm in circles
• Apply firm pressure in centre of palm
Duration: 2 minutes
⸻
6️⃣ Foot Massage (Highly calming)
✔ Best for hyperactivity at night
✔ Helps sleep
How to do:
• Press the heel area (deep pressure)
• Massage toes one by one
• Stroke bottom of foot slowly
Duration: 3–5 minutes
⸻
7️⃣ Scalp Massage
✔ Reduces emotional overload
✔ Calms nervous system
How to do:
• Use fingertips and give circular slow pressure
• Avoid fast rubbing—keep movements slow
Duration: 2–3 minutes
⸻
⭐ Total Routine (15–20 minutes):
1. Deep pressure massage
2. Joint compressions
3. Slow strokes
4. Foot or hand massage
5. Warm oil (optional)
⸻
⭐ Best Time for Massage
• Before sleep
• After school
• During meltdown or restlessness
• After heavy activity
⸻
⭐ Important Safety Tips
• Avoid ticklish strokes (they increase hyperactivity)
• Do slow, not fast movements
• Pressure should be firm and calming
• Stop if the child is uncomfortable
• Avoid spine pressing—
These techniques help reduce restlessness, improve body awareness, calmness, and promote sleep.
⸻
⭐ Massage Therapy for Hyperactive Child
(Occupational therapy–based calming protocol)
⸻
1️⃣ Deep Pressure Massage (Most Effective)
✔ Helps calm the nervous system
✔ Reduces hyperactivity
✔ Increases body awareness
How to do it:
• Use both hands to give firm, slow pressure.
• Start from shoulders → arms → hands → back → legs → feet.
• Press like giving a “gentle hug” — firm but not painful.
• Move slowly, not fast.
Duration: 5–7 minutes
⸻
2️⃣ Joint Compression (OT technique)
✔ Excellent for reducing hyperactivity
✔ Provides proprioceptive (heavy work) input
How to do:
• Hold child’s wrist gently and push their elbow inward (toward shoulder) 10 times.
• Do the same for shoulders, knees, ankles.
• Push gently but firmly. Never jerk.
Duration: 1–2 minutes
⸻
3️⃣ Slow Rhythmic Stroking
✔ Best for bedtime calming
✔ Reduces anxiety and restlessness
How to do:
• Use your palm and slowly stroke from back of head → neck → shoulders → back.
• Pressure should be slow, rhythmic, continuous.
Duration: 3–5 minutes
⸻
4️⃣ Coconut Oil -Sesame Oil Massage
✔ Natural calming effect
✔ Warm oil works best for relaxation
How to do:
• Warm the oil slightly (not hot).
• Massage legs, arms, palms, feet using circular motions.
• Combine with slow breathing.
Duration: 10 minutes before bath or sleep
⸻
5️⃣ Hand & Finger Massage
✔ Reduces fidgeting
✔ Improves attention
How to do:
• Rub each finger slowly
• Massage the palm in circles
• Apply firm pressure in centre of palm
Duration: 2 minutes
⸻
6️⃣ Foot Massage (Highly calming)
✔ Best for hyperactivity at night
✔ Helps sleep
How to do:
• Press the heel area (deep pressure)
• Massage toes one by one
• Stroke bottom of foot slowly
Duration: 3–5 minutes
⸻
7️⃣ Scalp Massage
✔ Reduces emotional overload
✔ Calms nervous system
How to do:
• Use fingertips and give circular slow pressure
• Avoid fast rubbing—keep movements slow
Duration: 2–3 minutes
⸻
⭐ Total Routine (15–20 minutes):
1. Deep pressure massage
2. Joint compressions
3. Slow strokes
4. Foot or hand massage
5. Warm oil (optional)
⸻
⭐ Best Time for Massage
• Before sleep
• After school
• During meltdown or restlessness
• After heavy activity
⸻
⭐ Important Safety Tips
• Avoid ticklish strokes (they increase hyperactivity)
• Do slow, not fast movements
• Pressure should be firm and calming
• Stop if the child is uncomfortable
• Avoid spine pressing—
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