The current generation of children leads a very sedentary lifestyle, which can affect the health of the spinal column and the body as a whole. The collar area is the most vulnerable and requires attention. The lack of movement causes swelling and the accumulation of salts, which is the first step to back pain. It is able to cope with such problems in a child's collar massage.
Causes of pathologies in the neck and back
A long static sitting position, especially among schoolchildren, can cause phenomena associated with stagnation, since the cervical zone is constantly tense. Because of this, the state of fatigue, headaches and back pain will become constant companions of the child. If the parents do not attach due importance to the problem, then the child's spine may curve and the posture may change.
Why do children need collar massage?
To avoid the unpleasant consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, you should pay enough attention and carry out prophylaxis aimed at maintaining proper posture by conducting massage sessions in the neck.
In the cervical-collar zone there are a large number of receptors and therefore massage will have a positive effect on the brain in the area of vegetative centers. This is precisely what caused the appointment of this type of massage for VSD (vegetative-vascular dystonia). This area 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, substances for nutrition and oxygen to the above organs.
In addition, massage for children of the cervical-collar zone is considered a good way to influence the endocrine system, normalize hormones and restore the ratio of sex hormones. This is especially important when puberty occurs.
In which case, massage of the cervical-collar zone is prescribed?
Specialists prescribe a relaxing neck massage in a number of cases, including:
- developmental retardation;
- the presence of pain in the head;
- there is increased fatigue in the muscle area after exertion;
- discomfort and strain after exposure to physical activity on the neck and shoulders;
- hypertension;
- problems with the spine (curvature, deposition of salts, etc.);
- neurasthenia;
- body condition after a stroke.
Also, children may experience other problems associated with impaired function of the musculoskeletal system, which can be solved by prescribing therapeutic massage. But before using it, you should consult a specialist.
The 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 start 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 his back will interfere with the massage therapist).
- First, gently stroke the neck from the center to the sides with movements directed from top to bottom and to the side.
- Gradually, you need to increase the pace and pressure, gradually moving to rubbing.
- After grinding, you should begin to knead the neck using 3 fingers of two hands (medium, index and large). More attention needs to be paid to the trapezius muscle. At this point, the patient may feel pain. Depending on his reaction, you must either continue the massage as well, or weaken the force of pressure and try to relax the muscle.
- The child should complete the massage of the neck and collar zone with rubbing and kneading movements of the upper dorsal region and shoulder joints.
The duration of such a session is about 15-30 minutes.
Massage Technique for Babies
Massage of the cervical-collar zone for infants has several distinctive features that are binding on a young mother. These include:
- the procedure is carried out only in a prone position on a solid flat surface on the abdomen;
- legs should be directed towards the masseur;
- massage is carried out only with the help of superficial strokes;
- movements directed from the head to the back are made by the palm of the hand, and back - by the back of the palm;
- if the baby begins to act up pressure should be reduced or end the session;
- massage is done only with warm hands using special oils.
The massage time should be increased gradually to 10 minutes, starting with 2-3.
Rules and features of the procedure
When carrying out massage of the collar zone, the 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;
- to exert the most successful effect on the muscles by rubbing the proximal part of the phalanges, compressed into a fist.
Differences of baby massage
Massage of the cervical zone is considered by everyone to be a simple procedure, which even those who have nothing to do with it can do it. However, it is much more difficult for a child to massage the collar zone than it seems at first glance. It requires more responsibility and dexterity and has a number of nuances:
- babies can be given such a massage only after the 7th week of life;
- the first 4 weeks are only allowed to stroke the cervical-collar zone, like other parts of the body;
- upon reaching six months of age rubbing is allowed;
- for a child aged 2 to 6 months, you can gradually knead the neck and add vibration;
- it is necessary to pay attention and monitor the cervical-collar zone in schoolchildren, since they spend a large amount of time sitting.
In addition, when the first signs of a spinal disease are manifested, you need to see a doctor to get an appointment to correct them.
Contraindications
When conducting a massage 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;
- the girl has menstruation;
- there are disorders in the central nervous system (central nervous system);
- if the child has TB or an HIV test.
You should also carefully consider 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.
Useful Tips
Before they do massage of the collar area for children, parents should visit the massage room to learn the technique and not harm the child.
Do not be shy to ask a professional massage therapist why he performs these or other manipulations. On the contrary, this will help to better understand all the subtleties and nuances.
There are exceptional cases in which it is strictly forbidden to independently conduct massage sessions for the child in order to avoid unpleasant consequences. For example, congenital or acquired vertebral damage or short neck syndrome. In this case, you can not do without the help of a doctor.
You can also familiarize yourself with the details of the procedure by watching training videos on the Internet.
Thus, paying due attention to massage of the child’s collar zone, it is possible to 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 take a massage course than to deal with the treatment of advanced diseases later. In addition, this procedure is painless for children.