Disclaimer: Do not conduct joint compressions on children with hypermobility or low tone. Please contact and discuss how to conduct joint compressions with your treating OT. Joint compressions provide proprioception input into the body. This allows children to recognise where their body is in context to their environment. Start by having your child sit and check-in if they are comfortable. Ask your child to place their arm out. Now place one hand above and one hand below the joint you are wanting to compress. You typically compress joints between 5-10 times each. Gently but firmly, compress the joints together, then relax. Ensure you are not pulling the joints away from each other. Continue to compress, then relax. Once completed move on to the next and work around the whole body.
