A lot of the time, people don’t know that Pediatric Massage is even a thing.
But it is.
And, it’s not new. Pediatric Massage is a well-researched modality that shows promise in helping infants to adolescents benefit in many ways.
People are usually surprised when I tell them that my specialized training is in Pediatric Massage.
In fact, Pediatric Massage is thoroughly researched, and there’s a lot of data demonstrating that the benefits are real, and not merely a placebo effect.
This modality is better-studied than many more popular types of complementary modalities for kids, and gets better results, yet it’s mostly unknown.
Many have no clue that kids can get massages.
In fairness, it’s probably one of the lesser-known complementary modalities for kids.
However, it’s an established health modality and has helped countless children, worldwide.
There are even specializations within the modality of Pediatric Massage, such as Massage for Child-Athletes, Kids with Autism, Infants, NICU babies, to name but a few.
I’ve taken over 120 credit-hours in this field of study, all in-person classes for licensed health care professionals.
I’ve done many sessions for young people of all ages, from child-athletes to kids with serious health issues.
I even have actual certifications from the Little Kids Foundation.
And, that’s where we get to Tina Allen.
Tina Allen is one of my most revered teachers I’ve encountered in this life.
I really appreciate meeting her and having the good fortune of being trained by her, “IRL,” as people now say, meaning, in the real world and not virtually.
Tina Allen is definitely among the most amazing instructors I’ve encountered from elementary school to university, teachers who were so supportive and positive that they helped me to be my best in all things.
I actually had many good teachers, but I also had the great fortune of having some really exceptional teachers.
Inspiring people.
Tina is one.
Her courses are always a lot of fun, and non-stop learning.
She presents everything in an analytically-sound, science-based context, and so everything we learn is accurate and based on research and scientific knowledge.
At the same time, Tina is totally from the heart, and such a good example of someone being their best, putting their all into the cause of Pediatric Touch Therapy and her foundation.
Tina is *the* world pioneer bringing Therapeutic Massage to young populations everywhere.
I feel blessed, in fact I *know* I’m blessed, to have spent so much time with her as a student.
Kids everywhere have thrived more, felt less pain, and experienced a better life because of Tina and her tireless efforts.
Being in her presence, she’s a real person. Tina brings out the best in her students and is an amazing instructor.
If you were expecting an encyclopedia entry, I mean, why would I write that?
Why bother? Go read about the details of Tina Allen’s life and achievements on your own if that’s what you were looking for.
I will say this: I’m lucky I ever had even ONE amazing teacher in this life.
That I’ve had more than one, I can say I am thankful. Truly.
I know this was probably not what you, the person reading this, might have expected to read.
But this is my first entry on this subject on Be Healthy for Life.
So, I didn’t want to get into any real details about Massage for Children.
I have future articles in which to do just that. And, I plan to!
Thank you, readers, for your time today.
D.F.
Title Image by Couleur, image enhanced digitally by DF.
16 comments to “What Is Pediatric Massage And Who Is Tina Allen?”
The Actual Karen - May 19, 2025
My daughters at gymnastics and their friends have all been approached by the Physical therapist that works with the place they’re enrolled at. I did not choose to work with the PT. He did not convince me that it’s worth the money or the time taking them back and forth to his office. His best argument was, “Don’t you want to prevent injuries for your kids?” and I was like, “Your PT isn’t literally like fluoride for their teeth. Is it now?! Injuries happen!” He was speechless. Priceless moment.
My daughters are 7 and 11 and both are devoted to gymnastics. They sometimes do have minor issues but I feel that having a physical therapist work with them is too much. I did softball and soccer and we never complained. So, they get aches and pains it’s off to bed you go or a hot bath. In this house that are the choices for my daughters.
Colleen - May 19, 2025
Using fluoride as an example is probably not the best ground to stand on. Karen, if you don’t know why, look into the information that’s out there. Check sources. There’s an ongoing controversy. I think vaccines are important. Having my kids get fluoride treatment every six months is a waste of time and a potential hazard. They have no cavities. They brush after every meal, when they get up, when you go to sleep. That is the answer.
Jesse - May 23, 2025
Also, don’t forget mouthwash. Fluoride-free you can make yourself. There are recipes online. They work to fight off harmful bacteria and biofilms.
Casper - May 19, 2025
Well, when the PT talked with your kids, obviously you spoke with them later. There are many good arguments for PT, OT, and Pediatric Massage. Preventing injuries is a real thing, BTW. I feel like whether you’re named Karen or not, you are sure living up to the stupid stereotype of a hapless woman-infant. You make us all look bad. You must be that parent who, when you leave, every other parent laughs together in unison.
And as for fluoride, it is a big controversy. Look into the facts. Teeth are not made of fluoride. neither are bones. Your family’s health is worth everything.
RFK is all for making America Healthy Again. He is questioning the decades-old fluoride policy.
Gustavo - May 20, 2025
Fluoride? Bad example, Karen. Fluoride is maybe good, maybe not good. Really depends who you ask.
... - May 20, 2025
Why? If they’re injured you’re being a neglectful parent “sending them off to bed.” Don’t carry on past generations of ignorance and neglect. Attend to your kids, if you need to go to a doctor, do that. But don’t simply ignore them.
Jenn Yu - May 21, 2025
What do you want a medal? I know discipline is good. Let me guess: Your father was a lieutenant in the armed forces? I am not even joking. I know the type. this is my fate as well. Let your kids be able to come to you with issues. What you’re promoting is not a safe environment. They need to be able to talk to you, in a mature way, of course not whine and complain, but all the same they need to have the communications channels open. Bullying is one issue and this takes kids’ lives every year.
Sharon Whipple - May 22, 2025
Hi, Jenn and everyone. This is my first comment on this platform. Bullying is no joke. I talked with a woman who lost her son. Very sad story. I think these kinds of events can be avoided when the kids know they can openly talk with parents. Bullying these days can be terminal. I read comments online and some people actually now advocate for letting bullies bully others. This does not make kids strong. That is terribly skewed thinking.
Jess the Demon Seed - May 22, 2025
I have read similar comments, mostly as you would expect from far-right individuals. They are all ‘Jesus Jesus’ and then other side of mouth it’s Social Darwinism. I’m not a Christian, BTW. I am a pagan. I don’t worship demons. My user name is joke. 😐 I know some Christians might have a conniption fit if I don’t explain.
The Actual Karen - May 23, 2025
My kids are not ever going to be bullied. They know to fight back. If they don’t, they will face ME. And I’m a lot tougher than some elementary school bully. So they maintain. And know how to be slightly aggressive. I teach them well.
Franny - May 29, 2025
“And know how to be slightly aggressive. ”
Are you teaching them it’s okay to bully other kids????!!!!!
Douglas - May 21, 2025
The thing is..if insurance doesn’t cover pediatric massage then I assure you families are going with PT or OT only. It is a shame but it is the reality.
Elizabeth Pringle - May 21, 2025
There are actual statutes that state that any licensed health care practitioner who can provide the coded service can perform the service and be compensated. There is no longer allowable discrimination against LMTs. By law they cannot be passed over by an insurance company simply because they are an LMT and not an OT, NP, or PT. Still, sometimes they try. Insurance company agents are not always the best-informed about massage. It’s not yet quite popular.
Irwin Shapiro - May 23, 2025
I always found the better doctors were out of network. Some charged way more than the usual, also. As a kid we went to an allergist in Brooklyn that was like $500 a visit. But we had bad allergies and stomach issues.
Dustin - May 26, 2025
Was it worth it?
Toshanna - May 23, 2025
I have many questions about Pediatric Massages, so I am looking forward to the upcoming articles. One question I can ask that I hope the author of the article can answer in a future article is this: How many session are necessary for a child and when can you start noticing a difference? Thank you, Toshanna