Brushing Protocol
Brushing: This gives deep pressure to all of the sensory areas of the arms, trunk and legs. It is calming, organizing and tends to normalize sensory reception. It feels good immediately to most people and starts to feel good to the rest after a few repetitions. To be most effective, the PRR should be done approximately every 1 ½ - 2 hrs from the time Child gets up in the morning until 1 ½ hrs before he normally goes to bed. (realistically, you ask the teachers to perform at least 3-4 times during the school day) The sensory input given by this lasts 90-120 minutes. You may or may not notice any immediate change in Child since positive results may take two or more weeks of consistent performance to be evident.
Use oval, soft surgical brush provided by therapist (OT).
Hold the brush in one hand with the grooved side up. Cup hand over brush so that fingertips do not drag.
Hold Child's forearm with palm of his hand up.
Place brush firmly on palm. Using slow, FIRM, single stroke move brush from palm up forearm to just below the elbow.
Turn Child's arm so that palm faces down. Do not move brush. Maintain pressure.
Brush downwards on the back of the forearm stopping on the back of the hand.
In one, long stroke, brush up from the back of the hand to the shoulder. Stop.
Place hand not holding the brush firmly on Child's shoulder. Lift brush and place at back of shoulder.
With a single stroke, brush from back of shoulder to waist on one side of the back.
Brush from waist up to the base of the skull.
Brush down from the base of the skull to the waist on the other side of the back.
Brush up from the waist to the other shoulder.
Place hand not holding the brush firmly on Child's shoulder. Lift brush and place at front of shoulder.
With a single stroke, brush from shoulder down to back of hand.
Brush from back of hand to forearm just below inside of elbow, turning arm so that palm is up.
Brush from elbow down to palm.
While holding palm, lift brush, stoop down and place brush on back of calf just below inside of knee.
Brush downwards on an angle to the outside of the ankle.
Brush upwards on an angle to the front of the knee.
Brush downwards, across the ankle to the top of the foot.
Repeat with other leg.
Follow with joint compression.