The current generation of children leads a very sedentary lifestyle, which can affect the he alth of the spinal column and the body as a whole. The collar zone is the most vulnerable and requires attention. Lack of movement causes swelling and s alt buildup, which is the first step towards back pain. Able to cope with such problems in a child massage of the collar zone.
Causes of pathologies in the neck and back
Prolonged static sitting in a sitting position, especially in schoolchildren, can cause phenomena associated with stagnation, as the cervical area is constantly tense. Because of this, the state of fatigue, headaches and back pains will become constant companions of the child. If parents do not attach due importance to the problem, then the child's spine may bend and posture change.
Why do children need neck massage?
To avoid the unpleasant consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, you should pay enough attention and carry out prevention aimed at maintaining proper posture by conducting massage sessions in the neck.
There are a large number of receptors in the cervical-collar zone and therefore massage will have a positive effect on the brain in the area of vegetative centers. This was the reason for the appointment of this type of massage for VVD (vegetative-vascular dystonia). This zone is associated with organs such as the stomach, lungs, and heart. By acting on certain points with the help of massage, you can increase the amount of incoming blood, nutrients and oxygen to the above-mentioned organs.
In addition, massage for children of the cervical-collar zone is considered a good way to influence the endocrine system, normalize hormonal levels and restore the ratio of sex hormones. This is especially important when puberty occurs.
In what case is a massage of the cervical-collar zone prescribed?
Specialists prescribe a relaxing neck massage for a child in a number of cases, including:
- presence of developmental delay;
- presence of pain in the head;
- there is increased fatigue in the muscles after exercise;
- discomfort and overexertion as a result of physical activity on the neck and shoulders;
- hypertension;
- problems with the spine (curvature, s alt deposits andother);
- neurasthenia;
- state of the body after a stroke.
Also, children may have other problems associated with dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, which can be solved by prescribing therapeutic massage. But before using it, you should consult a specialist.
Sequence of actions during the procedure
First you need to prepare a place for the session. Place the stool on which the pillow for the patient's head is placed in front of the table. After that, you can proceed to the procedure by performing a certain sequence of actions:
- Before conducting a session at home, it is necessary to seat the child on a stool (you should not use a chair, otherwise its back will interfere with the massage therapist).
- First, you should gently stroke the neck from the center to the sides with movements directed from top to bottom and to the side.
- Gradually need to increase the pace and force of pressure, gradually moving to rubbing.
- After rubbing, you should begin to knead the neck using 3 fingers of two hands (middle, index and thumb). More attention should be paid to the trapezius muscle. At this stage, the patient may feel pain. Depending on his reaction, you need to either continue the massage as well, or weaken the pressure and try to relax the muscle.
- Complete the massage of the neck and collar zone of the child with rubbing and kneading movements of the upper dorsal region and shoulder joints.
Durationsuch a session is about 15-30 minutes long.
Massage technique for babies
Massage of the cervical-collar area for infants has several distinctive features that are mandatory for a young mother. These include:
- procedure is performed only in the supine position on a hard flat surface on the stomach;
- legs should be directed towards the massage therapist;
- massage is performed only with superficial strokes;
- movements directed from the head towards the back are made with the palm of the hand, and back - with the back of the hand;
- if the baby starts to act up, the pressure should be reduced or the session should end;
- massage is done only with warm hands using special oils.
Massage time should be increased gradually up to 10 minutes, starting from 2-3.
Rules and features of the procedure
When performing a massage of the collar zone, a child must take into account all the structural features of the body of the person to whom the procedure is intended. And, in order to avoid negative consequences, some rules and features should be taken into account:
- the patient should be as relaxed as possible;
- massage movements should be directed exclusively from top to bottom;
- it is strictly forbidden to massage the spine;
- you can have the most successful effect on the muscles by rubbing the proximal part of the phalanges clenched into a fist.
Differences in baby massage
Cervical zone massage is considered by everyone to be a simple procedure that even those who have nothing to do with it can do. However, it is much more difficult to massage the collar zone for a child than it seems at first glance. It requires more responsibility and dexterity and has a number of nuances:
- babies can only be massaged after 7 weeks;
- the first 4 weeks it is only allowed to stroke the neck-collar area, like other parts of the body;
- After reaching six months of age, rubbing is allowed;
- baby aged 2 to 6 months can gradually knead the neck to add vibration;
- it is necessary to pay attention and monitor the cervical-collar area in schoolchildren, since they spend a lot of time sitting.
In addition, when the first signs of spinal disease appear, you need to see a doctor to get appointments for their correction.
Contraindications
When conducting a massage session of the collar zone, the child must make sure that there are no contraindications for this procedure. Massage should be rescheduled or abandoned altogether if:
- the child has swelling, abrasions or other injuries;
- there are cardiac pathologies;
- the child is sick, especially in case of fever;
- girl's period;
- there are disorders in the work of the central nervous system (central nervous system);
- if the child has tuberculosis or testHIV positive.
You should also be attentive to this type of massage in children with cerebral palsy, it has a number of features and it is better to perform it under the supervision of a specialist.
Helpful tips
Before doing massage of the collar zone of children on their own, parents should visit the massage room to learn the technique and not harm the child.
Don't be shy to ask a professional massage therapist why he performs certain manipulations. On the contrary, it will help you better understand all the subtleties and nuances.
There are exceptional cases in which it is strictly forbidden to independently massage a child in order to avoid unpleasant consequences. For example, congenital or acquired damage to the vertebrae or short neck syndrome. In this case, you can not do without the help of a doctor.
You can also learn the details of the procedure by watching online video tutorials.
Thus, by paying due attention to the massage of the child's collar zone, you can avoid the occurrence or development of many diseases, such as curvature of the spine, osteochondrosis and other pathologies. After all, it is much cheaper and easier to undergo a massage course than to treat advanced diseases later. In addition, this procedure is painless for children.
