SAPPHIRE CHILDREN'S THERAPY

Specialist Infant Massage

Clinical, therapist-led massage for infants and young children, including those with neurodisability, medical complexity, and sensory processing needs.

More than baby massage

Infant massage delivered by qualified physiotherapists with specialist experience in paediatric neurodisability.

Specialist infant massage group sessions in the Bexley and Greenwich area.

Why this is different

✦Delivered by qualified physiotherapists, not general massage practitioners

✦Our therapists work in neurodisability and sensory processing every day. This is our core clinical practice, not an add-on

✦Children with medical conditions are welcome, including those with NG/NJ tubes, gastrostomies, tracheostomies, epilepsy, and other medical lines or equipment

✦Safe and appropriate for medically complex and vulnerable infants, including those with genetic mutations, cardiac conditions, and respiratory needs

✦Evidence-based techniques with clinical reasoning behind every approach

✦Adapted for children with high tone, low tone, sensory sensitivities, and specialist positioning needs

✦Suitable for a wider age range than standard baby massage classes

Why baby massage works

The benefits of infant massage are well-documented. All benefits below have published research support. For children with neurological conditions, massage can help regulate muscle tone, improve body awareness, and support sensory integration. Delivering these outcomes safely requires clinical physiotherapy expertise.

Reduces neonatal jaundice

Increases bowel frequency, reducing enterohepatic circulation and speeding bilirubin excretion.

Supports weight gain

In preterm infants, massage increases vagal tone and gastric motility, leading to 31–47% greater weight gain than controls.

Reduces cortisol

Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress hormone levels in both baby and parent.

Improves immune function

Increased vagal activity leads to higher natural killer cell count and activity, supporting the body's defences.

Improves sleep

Reduces general arousal and promotes a parasympathetic state, supporting longer and more settled sleep periods.

Relieves colic and wind

Specific tummy strokes target the digestive system, moving trapped gas and stimulating peristalsis.

Supports bonding and attachment

Releases oxytocin in both parent and baby, strengthening the attachment relationship.

Reduces pain

Increases serotonin (the body's natural analgesic) and decreases substance P, the primary pain signalling compound.

Supports maternal mental health

Regular massage practice is associated with reduced symptoms of postnatal depression in the parent delivering it.

Supports motor development

Evidence for reduced spasticity in hypertonia and improved tone in hypotonia, including in cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Increases vagal tone

Higher vagal tone underpins many of the above benefits and is associated with better emotional regulation and socioemotional development.

Improves digestion

Stimulates gastric motility through vagal activation, supporting regular bowel movements and more comfortable digestion.

Key references

Field T. Massage therapy research review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014;20(4):224–9.

Field T. Pediatric massage therapy research: a narrative review. Children. 2019;6(6):78.

Field T, et al. Massage therapy facilitates weight gain in preterm infants. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2001;10(4):129–31.

Chen J, et al. Baby massage ameliorates neonatal jaundice in full-term newborn infants. Iran J Pediatr. 2011;21(2):184–9.

Rahmani A, et al. The lowering of bilirubin levels in neonatal jaundice using massage therapy: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Infant Behav Dev. 2017;49:31–6.

Diego M, Field T, Hernandez-Reif M. Preterm infant massage elicits consistent increases in vagal activity and gastric motility. Acta Paediatr. 2007;96:1588–91.

Additional references and full-text papers are available on request.

Fees

5-week infant massage programme (per family)£150

Individual physiotherapy session£100/hr

We are committed to helping families access funding. If cost is a barrier, our lists grant and charity funding options that may help.

Before your first session

Before attending your first infant massage session, we ask all parents and carers to complete an intake and consent form. This helps our therapist understand your baby's medical history, any current conditions or concerns, and ensures sessions are safe and appropriately adapted.

The form covers baby details, parent/carer contact information, medical history, current medications, allergies, developmental concerns, and consent for massage, photography, and communication with your GP or health visitor if a clinical concern is identified.

You'll receive a link to the intake form after booking your initial conversation.

Already worked with us?

If you have attended one of our infant massage courses, we would really value your feedback.

Takes about two minutes. You can stay anonymous.

Or email us directly: children@thrivephysiotherapy.org.uk