Deep Pressure Therapy Mat

The use of a weighted vest provides the child with unconscious information from the muscles and joints.

Deep pressure therapy mat.

Use the mat for 20 to 40 minutes. Deep pressure touch stimulation is easily achieved. Deep pressure can be given as positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors but should not be withheld as a punishment. At a physiological level deep pressure therapy helps the two main systems in the autonomic nervous system balance each other out so as to help with emotional regulation.

This exceptional functional form therapeutic aid was ergonomically designed to calm reorganize and redirect the energy of children and adults living with autism or who are cognitively disabled and would benefit from deep pressure therapy. Used by physical therapists for patient rehabilitation mat tables are lower in height to allow easy access and have a weight bearing strength of 600 pounds providing a stable surface for manual techniques of deep tissue massage myofascial release joint manipulation and flexibility stretching exercises to increase range of motion. This is the so called switch from fight or flight to rest and digest. How deep pressure stimulation works.

If deep pressure is given during meltdowns or other problem times it can reinforce inappropriate behavior. Bear hugs give a big hug wrapping arms all the way around the child while maintaining constant and firm pressure. The sympathetic nervous system sns is the alert system in the body. An occupational therapist can offer further information and training regarding deep pressure as a way to manage spd.

The only thing you need is a weighted lap pad. A typical treatment session lasts about half an hour. Don t sleep on your mat or extend your treatment time much beyond 40 minutes. Deep pressure is often used to assist the child to self calm and relax so that sensory stimulus can be processed.

Put it in your child s lap while you are playing a social game or doing homework. Position a small bolster or pillow under your neck. The increased production of serotonin and dopamine counteract the effects of cortisol to hormonally regulate your body s response to sensory information. An acupressure mat also sometimes called a needle stimulation pad nsp is covered with hundreds of plastic nubs.

These small bulges deliver pressure to parts of the body in contact with the. Mummy wrap wrap the child up tightly in a sheet or blanket like a mummy tucking the ends of the material in. If the pain is too great lay a towel over the spikes to relieve some of the pressure.