5970 Centre St S, Unit 100 Calgary, AB, T2H0C1
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Pediatric and Infant Massage
What is Pediatric Massage
Since massage therapy assists with emotional regulation, tone and spasticity, range of motion, and pain management, it can create a more enjoyable and productive pediatric physiotherapy or occupational therapy therapy session for the child.
A combination of stretch and soft tissue massage that would assist with lengthening muscle and regulating the nervous system, fostering relaxation. This combination would work immensely well for an adult or child with high spasticity (high tone).
With children with low tone, we would use more stimulating techniques to assist with tissue health and range of motion. These techniques are a great way to promote the flow of fluids back to the heart, which the muscles of low tone kiddos are not quite as efficient at.
Depending on a child’s needs, massage can be provided either on the table, the floor, in a wheelchair, or a parent’s lap. Additional toys and distractions can also be utilized based on the child’s interests and what keeps them feeling most calm and engaged. The length of treatment is extremely flexible (choose between 25 or 50 minutes) and can easily be adapted based on the child’s tolerance, which may vary day to day.
Massage is immensely complimentary as a pre physiotherapy and occupational therapy treatment or post-treatment experience. Prior to a treatment session, massage can prepare the child’s nervous system to regulate and focus on the task at hand throughout therapy. Similarly, massage after treatment can also assist with regulating the child and allowing them to relax after a strenuous session.
What is Pediatric Massage for?
Everybody can benefit from massage, and kids receiving massage are no different. It can help regulate the nervous system, assist with calming, help with spasticity, and digestion.
Parents can also utilize massage to ease the physical and mental stresses they experience. With the flexibility to take advantage of massage services during your child’s therapy sessions.
At the Canadian Centre for Development, we offer more traditional forms of massage, as well as fascial stretch therapy.
It can also be a parent training, where we teach parents how to provide massages specialized for their children!
Fascial Stretch Therapy
Fascial stretch therapy is a form of passive facilitated stretching that uses the down-regulation of the nervous system, whereas massage is more manual manipulation of the muscle tissue. FST targets the muscle, joint, and connective tissue and is completely pain free.
Benefits of Pediatric Massage
Kids can immensely benefit from massage. We especially recommend massage for children on the Autistic Spectrum, kids with hypertonia, kids with sensory regulation challenges, and those with digestive issues. Our Liddle Kidz certified pediatric Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is knowledgeable about dozens of specialized techniques to help target all of the below areas.
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Improved digestion, including resolving of constipation.
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Reduced tone/spasticity in Hypertonia
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Improved range of motion / flexibility
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Reduced joint and muscle pain
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Lessened sensitivity to touch and
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Improvement mental health and reduced anxiety
Story Massage®
Story Massage® is a gentle, evidence-informed touch therapy that combines simple massage techniques with storytelling to promote calm, connection, and emotional wellbeing across the lifespan. Story Massage® is available at our clinic at the Canadian Centre for Development, delivered by a certified practitioner and trainer to ensure safe, respectful, and meaningful experiences for every participant.
This adaptable approach has been successfully used with preschoolers, school-aged children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors. In schools, Story Massage® has helped reduce anxiety—particularly in highly vulnerable communities—by teaching children simple techniques through demonstration and peer practice. Core principles include always asking permission, honoring a “no,” and expressing gratitude at the end of each session, fostering trust, autonomy, and respect.
Story Massage® is especially powerful for individuals who are seated, use wheelchairs, are in hospital beds, or communicate verbally or non-verbally. Safe, nurturing touch can be deeply calming and connecting. For seniors, including those living with cognitive or mental health challenges, Story Massage® offers comfort, joy, and meaningful human connection in a population often deprived of touch. Touch is healing—and Story Massage® helps make that healing accessible to all.
Reflexology
Pediatric reflexology is a calming, hands-on therapy that involves gentle pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond to different systems of the body. This relaxing approach may help support your child’s overall well-being, encourage relaxation, and promote better sleep and stress regulation. Sessions are adapted to your child’s age, comfort level, and sensory needs, creating a soothing and supportive experience. Reflexology can be a wonderful complement to massage therapy, offering a nurturing way to help children feel balanced, relaxed, and at ease.
K-Taping
Kinesiology (K) Taping is a gentle, non-invasive technique used to support muscles and joints while allowing full, natural movement. For pediatric clients, K-Taping may help with posture support, muscle fatigue, coordination, and recovery from physical activity or injury. The tape is lightweight, flexible, and designed to move with your child’s body, making it comfortable for daily play and sports. Our therapists carefully assess each child’s individual needs to ensure taping is applied safely and appropriately, with a focus on promoting confidence, mobility, and overall function.
TMJ release
Our pediatric massage therapy includes gentle TMJ massage designed for children with disabilities. This treatment helps reduce jaw, face, and neck tension, ease discomfort, and support comfortable jaw movement. Sessions are adapted to each child’s abilities and needs, providing a safe, supportive, and calming experience.