Certified Infant Massage Teacher - Special Healthcare Needs - CIMT II

Course overview

This educational course is for those interested in expanding upon their knowledge in teaching infant/children’s massage to families and caregivers. During the Infant Massage Teacher –Special Healthcare Needs Training, participants will learn information about the global use of infant massage as a parenting practice, infant massage techniques and methodology, recognizing infant/young child cues in regards to special healthcare needs, benefits for both infants and caregivers, current research and the importance of communication and attachment in building healthy emotional relationships. Information shared will include how to adapt massage therapy for infants and young children with special health care needs, who may have been hospitalized, have medical, emotional and physical challenges, or have been diagnosed with a variety of healthcare conditions. Massage techniques for working with children with varied physical, developmental, and mental challenges will be demonstrated and practiced during hands-on in class sessions. Adaptations for working with babies born prematurely, infants with special healthcare needs and adaptations for the growing child are included during the course.  Some of the specific situations discussed include; premature birth, FASD (fetal alcohol syndrome), in utero drug and narcotic exposure, adaptations for down syndrome, cerebral palsy, failure to thrive, neurological and sensory disorganization, high and low muscle tone, contractures and onset of contractures, seizure history, tactile/sensory defensiveness, spasticity, autism spectrum disorder considerations, respiratory concerns, visual and hearing differences, as well as special routines to aid in sleeping, relaxation, reflux/GERD and digestive concerns. In addition considerations for providing classes to all families, and the benefits and importance of individualized adaptations, including cultural considerations, for using massage therapy will be explained. During this training, we will review respectful, mindful considerations and suggest how to introduce touch therapy in the correct manner for young children and their families. Unique communication skills to expand interaction and engage children in massage therapy are also learned.   The course materials cover methods of group facilitation, teaching skills, techniques for setting up and marketing successful infant massage classes, and how to best reach parents. Appropriate touch and massage techniques will be demonstrated and practiced in-class. In-class practice includes practice on appropriate dolls, and hands-on sessions. Group facilitation skills are practiced during in-class supervised practice sessions.