Written by Cathy Lynn Gonzales, M.S., OTR/L
Has your child’s occupational therapist touted the magic that deep pressure input can bestow upon one’s body?
Avid movie watchers may have seen the great effects of the [squeeze machine] depicted in Temple Grandin’s 2010 biography drama film Temple Grandin or the [magic blanket] in 2021 psychological thriller Fear of Rain. Die-hard fans of medical drama Grey’s Anatomy may have also caught a glimpse of the effect a simple [hug] can give autistic people.
There is no escaping the fact that deep pressure input can do wonders to the body for people of all ages and abilities.
Our Body, Our Senses, Our Stress
Our skin houses all types of touch receptors that are responsible for detecting pain, light touch, heat, or vibration. A specific receptor, the pacinian corpuscle, is a touch receptor that detects deep pressure. Deep pressure input then ignites our body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for physiological reactions associated with restoration and relaxation. This part of our sensory system is especially important as it helps regulate the sympathetic nervous system – the system responsible for the “fight or flight” response in stressful and worrisome situations. When some of us think “fight or flight” we may think of the worst possible event, such as running from a lion or a pack of wolves! However, there are an abundance of everyday situations and various medical conditions that can trigger this pesty, yet important, part of our nervous system.
Everyone feels stress and everyone feels worry, no matter what age. As an adult, that daunting important monthly work meeting that you have can cause nervous jitters. For your child, going to school for the first time without your presence can trigger major social anxiety. While these are both common reasons to feel stress and anxiety, what if I told you that everyday sensory experiences can trigger your child’s fight or flight response such as going down your local mall’s elevator or escalator (vestibular)? Or that attending that big, crowded, and loud 5th birthday party (auditory) could trigger a fight or flight response for your child? What if I told you that even the feel of peanut butter (tactile) could trigger your child’s fight or flight? There are everyday sensory experiences (touch, movement, sound, smells, tastes) that could cause your child, or even an adult’s cortisol (stress hormone), heart and breathing rate to skyrocket.
A variety of medical conditions and diagnoses can also be the cause of an increase in stress and anxiety including:
- Autism
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
- Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sleep disorders
- Chronic pain
- Mental health conditions such as, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (BPD)
There are several medications and strategies that could help combat stress. One of the biologically proven ways to help relieve these feelings is the use of deep pressure input.
How to Receive/Provide Deep Pressure Input
You are in luck! Deep pressure input is an easy to implement tool that you could introduce today. Sure, you could go the costly route and purchase a massage for you and your child to help relieve some stress but that seems a bit silly. However, alternative ways which I, as an occupational therapist, prefer include:
- Using a weighted lap buddy
- A weighted blanket
- Self administered arm and hand squeezes
- Heavy Work
- OR asking for a glorious hug from a friend or loved one
A weighted lap buddy can be used when completing seated tasks at home, school, or at work. They come in different textures, colors, shapes, and forms. Prices on Amazon range for $20-$60 and range from 1 to 5 lbs. Make sure you talk to your child’s teacher beforehand about using a lap buddy during class.
A weighted blanket can be used during lounge times, nap times, and during sleep at night. Blankets can vary in texture, color, bed size, and weight and are available for $30-$70 on Amazon. Weighted blanket weight should be determined by an individual’s weight, and can vary from 3 to 20 lbs. If your child currently receives occupational therapy services, consult with your treating therapist to determine what texture and weight is suitable for your child. Weighted blankets are not recommended for those that have asthma, respiratory issues, low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea.
Squeezes are free! In times of stress and anxiety at school or work, apply deep pressure squeezes to your child’s hands or arms. Start with their fingers, and make your way up to their arms. This can be taught to the child so they can do it to themselves. Heavy work and hugs are also great options for getting deep pressure input.
Deep pressure input is one of the many great ways to alleviate stress, anxiety, pain, and help support a restful sleep. With all the hustle and bustle of our sensory-enriched world, we might as well give these tools a try, OR ask for more hugs!
Parham, L. D. (2021, October). Neuroanatomy of the Somatosensory System. The Somatosensory System. Online; Online.
