Feeding Therapy Program
For Infants with Poor Suck and Children with Motor Impairment.
Oromotor Massage Techniques
Oral-massaging techniques are often an effective part of feeding therapy. These techniques focus on improving the use and function of the face (lips, tongue, and jaw) through movement, coordination, and strength exercises. Adequate oral function of the lips, tongue, and jaw is necessary to perform common activities of daily living such as eating, drinking, and speaking.
What's Oral Massage Techniques and Who can benifit from Oral Masage Techniques ?
Feeding Therapy Techniques
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be very calming and enjoyable
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mitigate drooling, mouth stuffing, and/or oral fixations
Gum massage is a simple yet effective way to provide oral stimulation to a large surface area within the mouth. This tactile input can:
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decrease oral aversions for hypersensitive individuals.
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increase oral awareness for hyposensitive individuals
For example, I once worked with a child who was mouthing inappropriate objects – her hands, pencils, rulers, etc. So during therapy, I massaged her gums every 10-15 minutes throughout the session. She completely melted as soon as I started.
she enjoyed it so much! I showed her parents how to do this at home, and eventually her need to chew subsided.
There are many ways to massage the gums, so I’ll describe what is most comfortable for me (right-handed):
1. Place your pointer finger just above the upper middle teeth. Move it across the gums to the back right molars and back to where you began. Repeat about 3 times. Then repeat the same motion on the lower gums.
Gum Massage
2. Use your thumb to repeat the same movement on the other side of the mouth. Start above the upper middle teeth and move your thumb along the gums to the back left molar area. Repeat about 3 times. Then repeat the same motion on the lower gums.
How to Teach Bitting and Chewing Skills ?
Different Types of Oral Massage and Why use Oral Massage Techniques ?
Gum Massage " Oral Massage Techniques"
Referent : ARK therapeutic
3. During each step, notice his response and adjust accordingly. Is he relaxing? Great! Is he tensing? Try decreasing the number of repetitions, slowly working up to more over time. Even just a slight touch is progress. Make a note of the progress and try to go further in the next session. Repeat this exercise several times throughout the day, as often as possible. It MUST be done on a routine basis to have effect.
Food Refusal - Is it Oral Motor or Sensory Related ?
How to Develop a Rotary Chewing Pattern ?
At Mums, Tums and Kids we also apply oral motor stimulation equipments for a gentle massage and provides additional sensory input.
Oral Motor Stimulation Equipments we apple for our standard treatment.
