Speech therapy massage: how, to whom and why

Логопедический массаж: как, кому и почему

There are various methods that promote the development of speech, among them speech therapy massage. This new, but already beloved by many, procedure is bearing fruit where standard methods do not work.

In most cases, parents who want to eliminate speech defects in children aged 4-5 turn to a speech therapist for help. But, in fact, teenagers and adults can resort to a massage session.

The editors of estet-portal.com figured out why the technique is relevant, who needs it and how the massage technique is performed.

Speech therapy massage: essence and impact

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Technique involves mechanical action, with the help of which the muscles, nerves, vessels and tissues of the peripheral apparatus change their state. Logomassage – nothing more than a technique of influence by the hands of a specialist on certain areas of the body, which helps to normalize the emotional state of a person and improve pronunciation.

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Main outcomes of the impact of the methodology:

• improvement of blood circulation and activation of the secretory function of the skin;

• strengthening muscles and increasing their efficiency;

• stimulating proprioceptive sensations;

• strengthening of the pharyngeal reflex.

Massage is performed on the face, neck, head. In most cases, the tongue, lips, palate and cheeks of the patient are involved in the procedure.

Speech therapy massage: who needs the procedure

Despite the popularity of the technique, you should not immediately pull the child for a massage, – decide if he needs it. The implementation of the technique requires the appointment of a specialist, in most cases a speech therapist and a neurologist. The latter determines the psychological state of the patient and the need to apply the technique.

Correction method is up-to-date:

• with delayed speech development;

• for dysarthria;

• with mental retardation;

• for dyslalia;

• in post-stroke condition;

• after traumatic brain injury.

Speech therapy massage is prescribed for adults and children. For children aged 4.5-5 years, the technique helps to develop the articulatory apparatus correctly.

When should I refuse speech therapy massage

The beneficial effect of the technique has been proven, but in some cases, sessions can be delayed. For example, when a neurologist insists on regular sessions with a speech therapist or a child is afraid of the procedure.

There are a number of other contraindications:

• diseases of the skin, both in a speech therapist and in a patient;

• active tuberculosis;

• blood diseases;

• vascular thrombosis;

• damages on the area being massaged;

• oncological diseases;

• viral diseases;

• urticaria;

• infectious wounds;

• strong sensitivity;

• colds.

Rules for speech therapy massage

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The technique is performed by a speech therapist or rehabilitologist, although some parents master the technique on their own in order to carry out rehabilitation manipulations at home.

Before starting a session, it is important to remember what rules speech therapy massage has:

• the room where the procedure is performed must be well ventilated and the air warm;

• the duration of the session depends on the age of the patient and his individual characteristics, on average, the duration is from 2 to 20 minutes;

• The massage course consists of 10-20 sessions with breaks of 1-2 months.

• The position of the patient should provide a relaxed state, so the best option: lying down or semi-sitting.

Speech therapy massage: what are the types of techniques

When prescribing a procedure, a speech therapist also determines the type of massage, among the main classifications:

• classic logo massage, which is performed with hands on or near the damaged area, the specialist strokes, rubs and kneads the skin, and also uses vibration;

• point technique consists in the influence of the master on the points, which, depending on the disease, should be stimulated or relaxed;

• hardware technique is performed using special devices of vibration, vacuum and other types;

• probe technique was developed by E.V. Novikova;

• self-massage consists in the manipulations that the patient independently performs on the face.

Facial massage roller – available influence on validation

How to perform the speech therapy massage technique

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If you or your child has been prescribed a corrective procedure, then try to master it yourself by following these points:

• Massage your facial muscles with a mitten, do not press on your face and avoid unnecessary friction;

• start by massaging the frontal lobe from the center to the sides;

• stroke your eyes from one corner to another and vice versa;

• massage the area of the eyebrows and hairline;

• End the session by rubbing your cheeks and lips.

After doing a massage on the face, proceed to the hands, because by influencing the hands, you develop fine motor skills, which is directly related to the activity of the brain. Motor skills affect human speech, so stretch your fingers, press the pads, starting with the little finger.

Speech therapy massage – this is a modern addition to the process of corrective measures aimed at improving speech. Technique has a multifaceted effect on the speech apparatus. The procedure can be done on your own, but a speech therapist will help determine the appropriate technique to get the best effect.