Kids Play Smarter

Maximizing your child's play with purposeful activities

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Sensory Steam Roller

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Sensory input is so vital to the emotional and behavioral regulation of kids and adults.  Think about big hugs, back massages, and shoulder rubs… all of these actions are relaxing because they activate deep touch receptors in the skin that release calming chemical changes in the body.  Obtain that deep sensory input anywhere and at any time by using this sensory steam roller.

This DIY sensory steam roller is a convenient way to obtain sensory input to calm down. Can be done at home, school, or on the go. Find out how to make it here.

How to Use

For a calming effect, begin with the sensory steam roller at the top of the child’s arm, leg, or back.  Remember that rolling the steam roller downwards  is calming whereas rolling it upwards is alerting (the opposite of calming).  Once you roll it downwards to the end of the body part, lift the sensory steam roller off the body and start again at the top.  Don’t mix up and down rolling movements as it will negate the calming effect. 

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Start at the top of the arm and roll it downwards

The roller can be used on multiple body parts such as the back, arms, and legs.  Avoid sensitive areas such as the chest, face, and head.

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Sensory Steam Roller on the back

The child can be sitting, standing, or laying face down on the ground.  Apply as much pressure as the child requests and tolerates.  Continue for 5 minutes or as tolerated.

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The child can roll it down their own legs

How to Construct

Grab a large rolling pin, hand towel, and 2 rubber bands

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Lay the towel down and slowly roll the towel around the rolling pin and then secure the towel on both ends with rubber bands.

 

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Who Can Benefit

Any individuals can benefit from this activities, especially those with:

  • Autism
  • Sensory Needs
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • ADHD/ADD
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Sleep Difficulties
  • Muscle Tension/Soreness
  • Poor Body Awareness

This activity is simple to do anywhere and at any time.  The supplies and the cost are minimal but the effects can be enormous! Roll out some calmness into your life with this genius sensory steam roller!

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Disclaimer

Kids Play Smarter is a blog about general ideas, theories, and concepts related to the field of occupational therapy and the growth and development of all children. The information presented on this blog is not intended to serve as or replace occupational therapy services for your child. The information on this blog is for entertainment, informational, and educational purposes only. This blog is not meant to replace formal professional consultation or evaluation from a qualified clinician. All children need to have the approval of a physician to participate in physical activities, including those described on this blog. In addition, children need to be supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times when completing activities that are illustrated and described on this blog. The author of this blog is NOT responsible or liable for any damage, injury, accident, illness, death, or adverse reaction due to participation in the activities described on the website.

Comments

  1. Patricia Crocker says

    What is the neurological basis for your statement that rolling down is calming and rolling up is alerting?

    • Amy SmithAmy Smith says

      I learned that concept from a continuing education course I took on sensory processing. The course was called “Is It Sensory or Is It Behavior? The S.A.N.E approach”

  2. Lisa says

    This works wonders for my son. He has issues with anxiety and SPD. He begs for this treatment. Thank you so much for sharing!