A child’s economic and sensory development is equally as significant to Esperanza as their physical and cognitive development, in our opinion. Many kids may struggle to control their emotions, concentrate, or remain composed, especially those who have sensory processing issues. Proprioceptive input is a useful strategy for assisting kids in developing emotional control and a sense of calm.
Proprioceptive input is defined in this article along with its effects on children’s behavioral emotions and how our skilled therapists at Esperanza employ proprioceptive strategies to help kids relax and manage tension and anxiety.
Does Proprioception Exist?
It is common to refer to proprioception as the “sixth sense.” The body can sense its motion and location in space. Without having to look at them, we can sense the force, position, and movement of our muscles and joints thanks to proprioception. These receptors in the muscles, tendons, and joints filter this information before sending it to the brain, which enables us to comprehend our body’s location in space and motion.
Children can benefit from various kinds of proprioceptive exercises, including
- Jumping or bouncing on a trampoline
- Hugging or squeezing soft items like pillows
- Carrying or lifting heavy objects
- Pushing or pulling items like a sled or cart
- Rolling or spinning
Proprioceptive input can vary in strength; lighter, more subtle inputs may be stimulating or alerting, while stronger, more powerful impulses may have a soothing or organizing effect. When used properly, proprioception may be a very powerful technique for relaxing children and is essential to their sensory processing and emotional control.
The Relaxing Effects of Proprioceptive Input on the Nervous System
Proprioceptive input has a significant impact on the nervous system, especially when it comes to assisting kids in controlling their emotions and self-regulation. Children with sensory processing disorders, such as those with anxiety, autism, or ADHD, may find it easy to activate their neural systems. They may find it difficult to concentrate or stay composed as a result of increased tension or worry.
Using proprioceptive input gives the nervous system an anchoring and organizing impact. The deep sense of pressure in the muscles and joints is activated, which effectively “reboots” the body’s sensation of calm. In order to assist in regulating the body’s stress response, lower the synthesis of stress hormones like cortisol, and encourage relaxation, these receptors transmit signals to the brain. During times of worry, frustration, or stress, this relaxing effect is very helpful.
The Benefits of Proprioceptive Input for Emotional Control
Proprioceptive input can help kids manage their feelings in several ways:
Increasing Alertness and Concentration:
Because they are more sensitive to emotions or sensations, children with sensory processing disorders may find it difficult to concentrate or pay attention. The youngster may feel more grounded and less affected by external factors if proprioceptive feedback is given to the body. Calm proprioceptive exercises can be included in therapy or everyday routines to help children focus, learn, and process information more efficiently.
Lessening Nervousness:
Proprioceptive exercises are beneficial for calming the nervous system in kids who are anxious or tense. Activities that offer proprioceptive input, such as weighted blankets, hard embraces, or deep pressure, might cause endorphins to be released, which can promote relaxation and a sense of security. This is especially beneficial at times of transition or new experiences, when a youngster feels overburdened or anxious.
Supporting Self-Control:
A stronger feeling of self-regulation may be developed in kids through proprioceptive activities. Children can better control their emotional reactions and develop self-soothing skills by regularly using soothing proprioceptive strategies. Children who learn these strategies feel more in control of their bodies and emotions, which helps them cope with stress.
Putting an end to tantrums and meltdowns:
Children who frequently lose control of their emotions when overstimulated might benefit from proprioceptive feedback. Offering proprioceptive input to a youngster through actions like leaping, squeezing, or forceful pushing might help them relax when their emotions start to rise. By soothing the overloaded sensory system, these activities help the youngster restore self-regulation and better control their emotions.
Esperanza’s Therapeutic Use of Proprioceptive Input
Proprioceptive input is a component of Esperanza’s holistic therapeutic method, which addresses both physical growth and emotional balance. Our therapists are educated to identify each child’s particular sensory demands and provide customized treatment regimens using proprioceptive methods. We include proprioception in our therapeutic services in the following ways:
Techniques for Home and Parent Learning:
We think that treatment should be provided outside of the clinic and that parents are essential in helping their children with their sensory demands at home. Families are taught by our therapists how to integrate relaxing proprioceptive input into their child’s everyday routine. Simple techniques like supplying deep pressure input during distress, allowing opportunities for leaping or swinging, or utilizing a weighted blanket during rest periods may be part of this.
Customized Therapy Programs:
Each child’s requirements, preferences, and developmental objectives are taken into consideration while designing proprioceptive exercises during treatment sessions. Weighted vests, compression clothing, or body squeezes are a few examples of deep pressure exercises that we may do with a hyperactive or nervous youngster. Children who exhibit broader sensory seeking behaviors might benefit from exercises like rolling, moving heavy items, or jumping on a trampoline.
Cooperation with Families and Schools:
We work with caregivers and schools to make sure proprioceptive input techniques are included into the child’s larger surroundings. This might involve offering guidance to educators on how to set up sensory breaks during the school day, implementing movement exercises that offer proprioceptive input, and making sure kids have access to relaxing resources like weighted lap cushions or fidget toys.
Interludes for the senses:
Frequent sensory breaks that incorporate proprioceptive input are advised for kids who get overwhelmed in treatment sessions or classroom environments. Activities that can be done during these periods include pushing or pulling, bouncing with a therapy ball, or wearing a weighted backpack. Children may rest and relax during these intervals, which helps them focus and control their emotions better when they resume their duties.Ā
Calming and Proprioception: A Lifetime Ability
Since it affects not only their mental health but also their social connections, learning, and general development, children must learn how to control their emotions and deal with stress. We help children develop resilience and acquire the skills necessary for lifelong self-regulation by integrating proprioceptive input into treatment and everyday routines.
Final Remarks
Children can benefit greatly from proprioceptive input, which can help them regulate their emotions, lower anxiety, and relax their nervous systems. By using evidence-based methods, our skilled occupational therapists at Esperanza offer relaxing proprioceptive input through a variety of exercises that cater to the individual sensory needs of each child. We collaborate with families and kids to develop customized techniques that support emotional health, self-control, and relaxation, whether it be through movement, deep pressure, or sensory breaks.
Get in touch with Esperanza right now if you have concerns about your child’s ability to control their emotions or understand their senses. As your kid progresses toward better emotional equilibrium and general growth, our staff is here to support them.
