Massage & Aromatherapy | Learning Disabilities

Regular massage sessions can help an individual with a learning disability to form positive relationships and can help to build trust. Massage can be used prior or following a stressful event to help ease stress and anxiety. Massage therapy sessions can help with the progression of communication as during a session, clients are given opportunities to make choices about their treatment. This can help a person with a learning disabilties feel more confident in decision making. 

Regular massage therapy sessions can help individuals on the autism spectrum by encouraging the acceptance of positive touch. Most people who are on the autism spectrum will have the need for less or more sensory input. Often it is believed that people with Autism cannot accept touch of any kind. In many cases individuals with autism need more sensory input and so deep pressure massage is a positive way for these needs to be met.

Massage therapy can reduce anxiety and stress that may be caused by not receiving or interpreting sensory messages in the brain correctly. Deep touch massage supports individuals to focus on the one sense of touch, which can eliminate any sensory overload. Massage can be a positive way for an individual to receive more sensory input. This may prevent an individual seeking this sensory input by behaviours that challenge. 

It is important when massaging a client with epilepsy that the correct essential oils are chosen for their massage treatment. Essential oils may help to relieve the after-effects of seizures when used professionally during an aromatherapy massage session. The use of essential oils combined with a soothing massage can offer relief from sore muscles, fatigue and reduce anxiety after a seizure. 

Regular massage therapy sessions can help with getting a good nights sleep. Increasing the quality of sleep can prevent future seizures and can help speed up the recovery time.

It is important for all clients to remain on their prescribed medication and to use massage therapy alongside the doctors recommendations.