Brushing and Deep Pressure

One of the many treatments we are doing for Jamil is The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique & Oral Tactile Technique (OTT)

Every 1.5 to 2 hours during the day I brush Jamil's arms, hands, legs, feet and back, followed by deep pressure to the feet, ankles, knees, hip, hands, wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

He needs it. I have skipped one day, and the next day it was very obvious he was uncomfortable and out of his skin. I shouldn't have to do it forever, because the body can learn from all the input we give it, but either way I would if I had to, and as he gets older he could learn to do the brushing himself, as well as applying the pressure.

Sensory deprivation can distract an individual from higher cognitive processing and functioning. Brushing and Joint Compression Techniques were developed as a way to provide sensory integration to wake up the nerves, muscles, and bones to relieve this distraction.

Sensory deprived individuals often crave tactile sensations and have difficulty tuning in to requests that require higher cognitive processing. One of the tools used to treat sensory deprivation includes deep brushing and joint compression techniques to “wake up” the tactile nerves. There are many benefits to the use of this brushing and compression combo treatment including increased awareness which may prepare the individual for higher stimulatory environments. Many researchers suggest that the optimum “dosage” of this treatment may be as much as every two hours every day. However, some research does suggest that excessive use may cause damage to the tibio-femoral joint, commonly referred to as the knee. This risk is likely due to bad technique by the one administering the joint compressions. Therefore, it is important to note that this technique is being described for the sole purpose of informing you about the procedure and it’s possible benefits, not to encourage you to try it unnecessarily without trained supervision. I strongly urge you to please seek a professional opinion before attempting to utilize these procedures in the comfort of your own home.

Now that you know the reason brushing and joint compressions may be used, let me explain the procedure and the basic idea behind the therapeutic technique. The first step includes using a surgical brush to stimulate the nerves. Holding the brush firmly and using controlled, deep strokes, the administer begins with the tips of the fingers and slowly works up to the shoulder area. This stroke is repeated ten times as allowed by the receiver. This step is most efficient when performed on both arms without interference from clothing or other material. Deep brushing strokes can also be used on the back and legs, but never on the stomach or face.

Deep brushing stimulates the nerves and superficial blood vessels in the extremities of the body and offers extra stimulatory input to the sensory-deprived child. The result is a boost in circulation to the skin and stimulation in the primary sensory cortex of the brain. The repition of strokes and moderately strong pressure allows the brain to satiate its desire for stimulation and thus be more ready for more appropriate stimuli, such as socially interactive cues.

After deep brushing to stimulate the nerves, joint compressions is often utilized as a follow up to stimulate the bones and muscles. This technique can be dangerous if used improperly, also offers several worthwhile benefits when administered or supervised by a trained professional. Starting again at the fingers, the administer until the child is relatively still and the joints of the fingers are in alignment, then “pump” the joint, being very careful not to bend, twist, or otherwise damage the fingers. Slowly work up to the elbow, both shoulders, the top of the head. This can also be used on the hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

The joint compressions allow for deeper stimulation at the bone, muscle, and deeper vascular level. Stimulation of these areas alerts a slightly different area of the primary sensory cortex, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the brain. In many ways, it’s similiar to stretching after being sedentary for a while- the extra stimulation to your body wakes your brain up and prepares it to pay attention. This is the same basic principle that is at the heart of the theory behind brushing and joint compression treatments.