Sensory Therapy
Sensory Therapy
The proprioceptive sense gives us information about our body’s position and movement via receptors on the skin, in the muscles, joints and ligaments.
Those with a poor proprioceptive sense have difficulty interpreting these sensations often resulting in behaviours that give them sensory feedback – for example jumping on a trampoline, chewing, spinning, flapping, running etc with seemingly limitless reserves of energy!
They can have difficulty switching off and usually do not sleep well at night. These “sensory seeking” behaviours can be calmed and controlled by the use of weighted therapy.
Weighted therapy is the use of weighted products to apply weight and deep touch pressure (surface pressure) to the body stimulating the proprioceptive sense enabling those who are “sensory seeking” to relax, focus and have a greater awareness of their body.
This deep pressure can be applied by the use of weighted blankets, weighted lap pads or weighted vests etc.
This can help improve sleep, aid focus and concentration, ease transitions and help prevent meltdowns Compression therapy achieves similar results without applying weight
Proprioception
The sense that helps with body awareness is known as Proprioception
Please download our free sensory guide covering all the major senses.
Sensory Therapy
Weighted / compression therapy is becoming widely recommended in the UK by Paediatricians and Occupational Therapists who work with children, adolescents and adults with:
- Autism
- Asperger Syndrome
- ADHD
- Dyspraxia
- Cerebral Palsy
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Retts syndrome
- Downs syndrome
- Sensory Processing Disorder
It is widely used as a safe and effective treatment for sensory integration and has been recommended and safely used in schools, hospitals & at home
Please speak to your Occupational Therapist or Health Professionals for advice on suitability before purchasing a weighted therapy product.