Sensory Deep Pressure Rolling for Calmer, Touch-Tolerant, Body-Aware Kids | Pediatric PT #23

👱‍♀️🔵 Deep Pressure Rolling for Sensory Input & Body Awareness | Leia (Age 10) | Pediatric Physical Therapy Many children benefit from deep pressure to help them organize their sensory systems, become more aware of their bodies in space, and tolerate touch more comfortably. In this video, my co-instructor Leia (age 10) participates in a simple whole-body rolling routine using a medium exercise ball — a helpful tool for children who are tactile defensive, sensory-seeking, or dyscoordinated. These techniques may help children who need: ✨ Deep pressure input to stay regulated ✨ More body awareness (“Where is my body in space?”) ✨ Graded exposure to tactile input ✨ Sensory modulation before participation in other motor tasks ✨ A calming, rhythmic activity that is often well tolerated We work through rolling in several positions: ✨ Prone (on the belly) ✨ Right and left side-lying ✨ Supine (on the back) ✨ Light pressure, deeper pressure, and gentle bouncing ✨ Options for adding rhythm, song, or timing cues I avoid rolling the ball over the head or face, and I maintain steady, predictable pressure throughout the routine. This activity can support: ✨ Sensory organization ✨ Body awareness ✨ Tactile tolerance ✨ Relaxation and regulation ✨ Readiness for higher-level motor tasks 👉🏽 These strategies are part of my broader Ball Gymnastics Playlist, where we use therapy balls in many ways — including sensory input, balance, strengthening, and coordination. Watch the full playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkJbMrHyKjPlhWjeNnIY3PWbHwrSUtgN 📚 My Books for Kids & Therapists Children’s Books "P is for Poop and Pee Accidents" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLSRJ483 "A is for Anxiety" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LXQ3W6V "A is for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QH9H5HR "C is for Cerebral Palsy" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088TSJCYP "D is for Down Syndrome" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P8HH49 "A is for Autism" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F4FFTB Professional Books "Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Hips" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156736 "Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Knees" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156760 "Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Ankles" – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX2ZCFD 🌍 Captions Help Everyone I carefully review all captions so more people can follow along, even if English isn’t your first language. To turn on captions: Click CC To change the language: Settings (⚙️) → Subtitles/CC → Auto-translate → choose your language 🙏🏼 Thank you for watching! Sensory responses vary widely between children, so what is soothing for one child may not be tolerated by another. (Please note: I cannot provide treatment recommendations for a child I have not personally evaluated.) ⏱️ Video Chapters 0:00 Introduction – Meet Amy & Leia 0:05 Why deep pressure rolling? 0:10 Starting in prone 0:18 Rolling the sides 0:30 Rolling on the back 0:43 Light vs. deep pressure options 0:55 Adding rhythm or gentle bouncing 1:14 Sensory modulation uses 1:46 Closing & safety reminders