Why Use A Weighted Blanket?
Weighted vests and blankets have long been used as a therapy tool, particularly for children on the autism spectrum, and for those who suffer from ADHD and sensory issues. Due to an inability to filter out sensory information, individuals with these disorders often experience anxiety, leading to irregular sleeping patterns, an inability to focus, and even emotional breakdowns. But the effect of Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), using weighted blankets, can help soothe the struggle for anyone who experiences stress and anxiety.
DTP is a form of tactile sensory input which many clients already experience in massage – it can involve firm holding or stroking of the skin, or squeezing certain areas of the body to promote relaxation. But it also occurs when a person experiences hugging or cuddling in their daily lives. DTP provides a rush of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, as well as decreasing your heart rate and blood pressure – all indicators that your stress is fading away. This also makes it an effective, non-pharmaceutical way of dealing with life-altering struggles such as insomnia, anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
In addition to providing emotional and psychological benefits, there are also many physical benefits to using a weighted blanket in your daily life. For sufferers of chronic pain – and even specific issues such as fibromyalgia – weighted blankets can offer a sense of comfort, and provide deep relief from many symptoms. If you suffer from muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and/or joint stiffness due to chronic pain, weighted blankets could be an effective pain management method. This is particularly due to the flexibility it provides – you can spread a blanket across your entire body for more generalized relief, or specifically place it on a localized area, such as your back or legs, when a flare-up occurs. While there isn’t extensive research on the subject, I have used a weighted blanket to help combat my chronic pain for years, and have worked with women who experience similar results.
Weighted Blankets & My Practice
As a massage therapist, I recognize that not everyone has access to regular touch therapy or DTP. I use a 10 lb. weighted blanket during some massage sessions to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation for clients who need the extra boost. I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful feedback from clients who felt that it added a sensation of “coziness” to their sessions. That’s part of the reason why I have recently partnered with a local artisan to provide my clients with weighted blankets.
Each made-to-order weighted blanket is custom-made in a variety of sizes, colors, and weights – for you or any member of your family. The base price is $60 for a child size blanket and $80 for an adult size, and can increase from there, depending on if you choose to add more weight or request a larger size. We hope that, by providing a resource for you to use in your home, you will benefit even more from bodywork sessions and strengthen your overall health.
There are many ways that you can go about reducing the anxiety in your life, from clearing clutter to seeing a therapist or finding the right medication. However, what I do is greatly complemented by better sleep and natural ways of decreasing stress. It is not a magical cure-all, but I have found weighted blankets to be effective with a number of clients, both on and off my table. And if you’re not convinced, rest assured that I use a weighted blanket in my own home to help me sleep more deeply and achieve pain relief!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my practice and what I offer. If you’d like to order a weighted blanket, come visit me or Suzanne during the hours posted here on the website. And if you’d like to book a massage, you can schedule using our booking software.