What is joint compression therapy?
Joint compressions, which may also be referred to as joint tractions, can be a calming strategy for children with sensory issues, as well as a way to improve proprioception. A joint compression involves applying deep pressure (compressions) to joints, particularly in the arms (from the fingers up to the shoulders).
What is proprioception occupational therapy?
Proprioception is the sense that lets us know where our different body parts are, how they move and how much strength our muscles need to use. Proprioception activities can either be heavy muscle work activities or activities that apply deep pressure to the muscle and joints.
How often do you do joint compressions?
The brushing is done followed by joint compressions every 2 hours for at least 2 weeks. After the initial two weeks, the occupational therapist may recommend decreasing the amount of times the protocol is preformed per day.
How do you give proprioceptive input?
Ideas for Proprioceptive Activities
- Weightbearing activities e.g. crawling, push-ups.
- Resistance activities e.g. pushing/pulling.
- Heavy lifting e.g. carrying books.
- Cardiovascular activities e.g.running, jumping on a trampoline.
- Oral activities e.g. chewing, blowing bubbles.
- Deep pressure e.g. tight hugs.
What is the difference between proprioception and vestibular?
The vestibular system, also known as our balance center, is responsible for receiving information regarding our bodies movement in space, as well as, acceleration and deceleration of movement. Proprioception informs us of our body position in space.
Who needs proprioceptive input?
Proprioceptive input is received through heavy work that requires use of our joints and muscles through activities such as pushing, pulling, and carrying. Proprioceptive receptors are found in our skin, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
What does proprioception help with?
To put it simply, proprioception is the sense that tells the body where it is in space. Proprioception is very important to the brain as it plays a big role in self-regulation, coordination, posture, body awareness, the ability to attend and focus, and speech.
What are joint compressions, and how do pediatric occupational therapy?
If you are new to the field of pediatric occupational therapy, “joint compressions” may be a new term, but this therapeutic strategy can be extremely helpful when used safely and appropriately. Joint compressions provide proprioceptive input that helps children know where their body is in their environment.
How are joint compressions related to sensory processing?
What Are Joint Compression’s? Joint Compressions are a sensory processing activity that stimulates proprioceptive receptors in the joints by squeezing, or compressing the joints repeatedly for a few seconds at a time.
What do joint compressions do to the body?
Joint compressions provide proprioceptive input to the body Proprioceptive input is the information that a child’s body gets from the movement and input to their muscles and joints Based on the pressure or stretch our joints feel moment by moment, our brain is able to understand the location of all of our body parts in relation the environment
How does the body enhance its proprioceptive senses?
We can enhance proprioceptive sensations ACTIVELY by giving more input to our joints and muscles through resistive activities. Proprioceptive sensations can also be enhanced by PASSIVE input through compressing the joints. 1.