Kid from Missouri travels

Propreceptive is the idea that you know where your body is in proximity to other people. Some Children with Sensory Processing issues do not have that understanding, or struggle with standing long enough to know where their body is. Christian would run into walls, people, and objects. We began working on various games and exercises to help him gain a clearer sense of who he was and where he stood in relation to others.

Proprioception games provide “heavy work” (pushing, pulling, lifting, jumping) that stimulates muscles and joints, improves body awareness and coordination, and calms the nervous system. Key activities include: animal walks, wheelbarrow races, tug-of-war, tunnels, grounding exercises, obstacle courses, Heavy lifting, sitting in a laundry basket, and pushing or pulling around the house. These exercises are essential for sensory regulation and help children feel more grounded. Some children love deep-pressure exercises; one that was always fun from my Theraplay days was the hot dog or taco. It involved wrapping the child in a blanket and putting toping on a top in the form of deep pressure, back rubs, chopping motions on the legs and arms – mainly a nice, fun, and relaxing massage.

Propreception work does not require anything special, just things around the house. Lifting cans, stacking books, putting on a backpack, and wearing boots are all easy ways to use skills to support proprioception.