When Kids Learn to Listen to Their Bodies: A Gentle Look at Massage for Growing Humans

By Audrey Lambert (Remedial Massage Therapist)

When we think about massage, we often picture adults seeking relief after long days or busy schedules. But children and teenagers also place demands on their bodies. Growing bodies are constantly adapting while managing school, sports, heavy backpacks, long periods of sitting, and emotional stress.

Sometimes discomfort appears before children have the language to explain what they are feeling. Helping young people learn to notice and listen to their bodies can be an important part of supporting their wellbeing as they grow.

What I Focus on When Working With Children

When I work with children, my goal is not only to reduce discomfort but also to help them feel confident and safe in their own bodies.

During sessions I aim to:

• Encourage body awareness

• Help them understand what their body is feeling

• Reinforce that they have choice

• Create a safe and respectful environment

Consent is always central. I explain everything in simple language and check in throughout the session so children know they can say stop, softer, or no at any time.

Learning that their voice matters in a healthcare setting can help build confidence and body awareness from a young age.

Why Growing Bodies Can Feel Sore

As children grow, their bones and muscles change quickly. These changes can sometimes lead to feelings of tightness or discomfort, even without injury.

Common contributors include:

• Growth spurts

• Heavy school bags

• Long periods of sitting

• Sports and physical activity

• Stress or fatigue

Musculoskeletal discomfort is relatively common in school-aged children. Research suggests factors such as backpack weight, posture, and prolonged sitting may contribute to neck and back discomfort in this age group (Ahmed et al., 2024, Nourbakhsh, A., 2025)

Helping children notice how their bodies feel, take breaks from sitting, and maintain supportive movement habits can all play a role in promoting comfort.

Body Changes During the Teen Years

As children enter puberty, their bodies go through significant hormonal and physiological changes. For some adolescents, these shifts may also influence how their bodies feel, including experiences of muscle tension or back discomfort.

Research suggests that when adolescents experience painful menstrual cycles (dysmenorrhea), it is not unusual for discomfort to extend beyond the abdomen or pelvis. Some teens report pain across multiple body regions during their cycle, including the lower back, reflecting how cyclical hormonal changes may be associated with broader musculoskeletal pain patterns (Seidman and Payne, 2026)

While these experiences are common for many young people, it is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional if pain is intense, persistent, or affecting daily activities.

Why Some Families Explore Massage

Massage isn’t just for pain. In my practice, many families explore massage to help their child relax, especially during busy or physically demanding times.

Parents sometimes bring their child in when they:

• Feel stiff after sport or activity

• Are going through a growth spurt

• Have sore or tired muscles

• Find it hard to relax or fall asleep

• Seem tense or stressed

Massage can be one way to help children unwind and feel more comfortable in their bodies. Some research suggests massage therapy may support relaxation and sleep in children, although research in this area is still developing (Field, 2019).

Professional Standards and Child Safety

As a certified massage therapist, I am a registered member of the Australian Massage Therapists Association (AMT). This means my work follows nationally recognised standards for professional conduct, safety, hygiene, and continuing education.

I also hold a current Working With Children Check NSW, which is legally required for anyone providing services to children in New South Wales.

All practitioners at Realign Health Clinic hold a valid Working With Children Check so families can feel confident that care is provided in a safe, respectful, and professional environment.

Supporting Kids to Feel Comfortable in Their Bodies

At Realign Health Clinic, my focus is always on helping children feel safe, listened to, and respected.

Whether it’s supporting relaxation, encouraging body awareness, or helping young people feel more comfortable in their bodies during periods of growth and change, the goal is always to support both the child and their family.

You can easily book a kids massage online here. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to the clinic.

References

• Ahmed, N.A., Ahmed, M.M., Ahmed, N.A., Shahid, A. and Mittal, G., 2024. Schoolchildren’s musculoskeletal pain and backpack weight impact on posture: A short-term study. Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, 16(Suppl. 3), pp.S2497–S2499. https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_339_24 

• Field, T., 2019. Pediatric massage therapy research: A narrative review. Children, 6(6), p.78. https://doi.org/10.3390/children6060078

• Nourbakhsh, A., 2025. Review: Musculoskeletal symptoms and risks in school children associated with cellphone and backpack use and strategies that parents and teachers can adopt to prevent them. Medical Research Archives, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v13i6.6563 

• Seidman, L.C. and Payne, L.A., 2026. Multi-site pain during menstruation in adolescents is associated with impaired functioning across various domains: A cross-sectional observational study. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 39(1), pp.50–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpag.2025.10.009