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Massage for hypertonicity of the muscles in a child: how to do a relaxing baby
Hypertonia is observed in infants immediately after birth. It occurs for various reasons and causes discomfort to the newborn. Massage for hypertonicity is the most effective way to get rid of this condition.
General relaxing massage for babies
Newborn babies need such a massage from birth to 3 months. Touching the body stimulates the baby to independent, extension movements.
Massage for hypertonicity is done at home
In order to weaken the tone, lift the baby, holding it in the armpit area, and gently swing in different directions. This exercise is called “Swing”. You can relieve stress using the Cradle exercise. Place your hands under the baby’s head and back, lift him up and swing to the right and left, moving up and down.
How to massage hands and feet
With increased tone, it is necessary to act on the baby’s limbs. Lay the baby on a flat surface and do the following:
- To massage the upper extremities, place your baby’s hand in your palm and gently stroke it with the inside and back of your hand. First stroke the inner and then the outer side of the palm. After that, let the baby grab the index finger and hold the baby by the joint. With your free palm, massage his hand, moving from hand to shoulder.
- When massaging the lower extremities, the legs should be relaxed and rest in the palm of the masseur. In this position, stroke the legs alternately outside and on the sides, moving from bottom to top. Massage them in the direction from the foot to the thighs, do not touch the kneecap. After that, use the cone of your thumb to press on the entire surface of the foot, from toes to heel.
The duration of these procedures is from 1 to 3 minutes, while all movements should be smooth. In addition, rub your limbs in different directions, holding them in your palms. Shaking the limbs will also be helpful. To do this, put your thumbs in the child’s fists, and with the rest, hold his knuckles. Smoothly spread your arms to the sides, shake them slightly, and then stroke.
With severe hypertonia, there may be problems with performing massage, then give up exercise for a while.
Massage for newborns consists of stroking different parts of the body. Stroking the palm from the neck to the buttocks and back with the back will help relieve tension from the back. The stomach should be stroked clockwise, from top to bottom. The chest is stroked from the center to the sides, along the intercostal spaces.
Do not make sudden movements, the baby should be pleased.
Actions for residual hypertonia in a child
The increased tone in young children can persist even after 3 months. Then, along with the usual procedures, stroke the baby’s buttocks, holding him by the shins.
At 4 months, apply a spiral massage on the outside of the shoulder, and also work on the lower leg, moving from the foot to the thighs. Periodically lift the straightened legs of the child, keeping them in the calf area. After 5 months, rub your legs from the lower leg to the knees and thighs. Bend and unbend your legs at the joints as if a baby were pedaling a bicycle.
Relaxing massage should not be done before and immediately after breastfeeding.
In six months, along with all procedures, stretch your arms, forearms and shoulders. Massage your legs, buttocks, back while the baby is lying on his stomach. Tap lightly on the area between the ribs, moving away from the spine.
If the body and limbs of the crumbs remain tense after six months, then you need to contact a specialist and undergo an examination.
Monitor the baby’s condition from the first days of his life, help him adapt to new conditions.