The Benefits of Massage Therapy for ADHD Symptoms
When we think of treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), it is widely common to begin with medication or behavioural therapy, but did you know massage therapy is an incredibly supportive treatment which can positively impact ADHD symptoms? With its ability to calm the mind, soothe the body, and positively influence mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and dopamine, massage therapy has shown great promise in helping both adults and children with ADHD.
So how can regular massage therapy benefit individuals with ADHD and why is this hands-on approach potentially exactly what the body and mind need to feel more balanced and focused?
Massage Therapy Helping To Regulate Mood and Improve Emotional Stability
People with ADHD often experience heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and emotional dysregulation. This means they may have lower levels of serotonin and dopamine which are the "feel-good" neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, focus, and overall emotional well-being
Studies have shown that massage therapy can naturally increase the levels of both serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This surge in mood-enhancing chemicals can help people with ADHD feel more grounded, calm, and alert, reducing symptoms like irritability, emotional outbursts, and feelings of restlessness. Over time, regular massages can create a calming effect, helping those with ADHD maintain better emotional stability. And if you've experienced one of our therapies before, you know how much we prioritise encouraging a state of calm on the mind and body.
Reduces Hyperactivity and Improves Focus
Hyperactivity is one of the core symptoms of ADHD, especially in children. This hyperactivity can manifest as a constant need to move, fidget, or seek stimulation. As you can imagine, this can make it extremely difficult to focus, stay still, or relax.
Massage therapy provides a much-needed sensory stimulation that people with ADHD often crave. By offering a gentle and therapeutic physical touch, massage helps release pent-up energy in a controlled and calming way. The touch applied during a massage can satisfy the need for sensory input, leaving you feeling more relaxed and with a greater ability to focus afterwards.
Imagine all that built-up energy finally being channelled out... when the body is relaxed, the mind tends to follow suit. Regular massage therapy can help those with ADHD find calm in their bodies so that they can concentrate and complete tasks with more ease.
Soothes Sensory Processing Challenges
People with ADHD often deal with sensory processing challenges. They may experience sensory deprivation or sensory overload, which can make them hypersensitive to certain sounds, lights, and even physical sensations. This is why some people with ADHD may have an increased need for sensory experiences, whether it’s playing video games, craving a hug, or enjoying hot or cold showers.
Massage therapy helps soothe the senses in a way that feels controlled and safe. For those who are feeling overstimulated, a massage can bring the nervous system back to a state of calm. And for those feeling sensory-deprived, the physical touch of a massage provides the much-needed stimulation to feel more balanced and connected.
By helping the body regulate sensory input, regular massage can become a vital tool in managing sensory overload, while also preventing the feelings of restlessness that come with sensory deprivation.
Supports Sleep and Relaxation
Sleep disturbances are a common struggle for people with ADHD with challenges such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling refreshed. Lack of sleep can further exacerbate symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, and lack of focus.
Massage therapy is renowned for its ability to promote deep relaxation, which can help regulate sleep patterns. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the "rest and digest" system), massage therapy encourages the body to enter a state of deep relaxation and calm. It's not uncommon for our clients to often drift off into a deep sleep on the therapy couch. The more relaxed the body and mind are, the easier it becomes to fall into a restful, rejuvenating sleep.
Massage Encourages Positive Touch and Builds Connection
Touch is a powerful tool for connection and healing, but for anyone with ADHD, the need for positive physical touch is often even greater. This need can sometimes manifest as a desire for hugs, rubs, or other physical reassurance.
Massage therapy offers the opportunity for positive touch, which can not only improve mood but also gives a sense of trust and emotional safety. This can be particularly beneficial for children with ADHD, helping them feel more secure, grounded, and connected to their own bodies. The therapeutic environment created during a massage also allows clients to feel nurtured and supported both physically and emotionally, something that is so important to every member of the ABWR team.
A Holistic, Drug-Free Approach
While medication is often a standard treatment for managing ADHD, it’s not for everyone. Some prefer to explore more natural, drug-free approaches and massage therapy is a wonderful holistic option with no side effects.
By addressing the physical, emotional, and sensory aspects of ADHD, regular massage therapy can become a powerful complement to other ADHD treatments, such as behavioural therapy or lifestyle adjustments. It’s also a fantastic option for those looking to reduce their reliance on medication and anyone exploring alternative forms of treatment.
Is Massage Therapy Right for You?
If you are living with ADHD, regular massage therapy may offer significant benefits, from improving focus and reducing hyperactivity to regulating mood and soothing sensory challenges. It’s a gentle, nurturing approach that can help the body and mind feel more balanced, connected, and calm.
Heather, our ABWR massage therapist adores supporting people to reduce overwhelm and bring a sense of calm to your state and has worked with many clients diagnosed with ADHD. We'd love you to experience the benefits of massage therapy and how it can positively impact ADHD symptoms. Feel free to get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss in more detail or book your first session here.