If you are new to the world of 'weighted therapy', you may be wondering how weighted products could possibly help your child. This unique therapy utilizes weights inside of clothing or blankets to apply deep pressure to the body, stimulating the proprioceptive sense to provide relaxation, calming and focus. Children who have trouble sleeping, can't sit still, or are unable to relax often exhibit miraculous and immediate relaxed behaviors when weighted products are employed.

As more parents find success using weighted therapy with children on the autism spectrum, along with children who deal with varying degrees of sensory processing disorders and learning and communication difficulties, this therapy is also helping children with all sorts of diagnoses, including cerebral palsy, Rett's syndrome, Down's syndrome, ADHD, ADD, Prader-Willi syndrome, pervasive development disorder (PDD), muscular dystrophy and even issues such as hearing problems and restless leg syndrome. It is a therapy that is gaining momentum with occupational therapists, and is already used in many hospitals, schools, therapy centers and homes around the world.

Rehabmart offers a myriad of choices when it comes to weighted therapy products. The following examples are just a few that can help promote a better sense of well-being, enhance inner peace and calmness, reduce repetitive sensory-seeking behaviors, and improve focus, concentration, learning and body awareness.

 



The Weighted Blanket Lap Pad provides an even amount of proprioceptive input to help the user focus and concentrate for sit-down tasks. Lead-free and latex-free, this comfy lap pad provides just the right amount of deep pressure for each individual child. Available in sets of three, each lap pad weighs 3 pounds and extra weights are additionally available for deeper pressure therapies.

 

The Weighted Gel Lap Pad not only provides the weighted therapy, but also gives the young user a multisensory experience with its squeezable, colorful and sparkly gel filling. Easily conforming to the child's body, the combination of the weight and the fun gel reduces fidgeting, improves focus and invokes a calming response. This pad weighs 5 pounds and is easily wiped clean for simple maintenance.

 

The Weighted Blanket offers a choice of a small (2 feet by 4 feet) or a large (2 feet by 6 feet) blanket, along with differently sized weight options to better customize the product to the unique requirements of each individual. Made of a soft and plush flame-retardant and latex-free material, this blanket can be washed in cold water for easier maintenance. Lead-free steel shot within vinyl strips are evenly distributed for proper weight therapy, and hook & loop tabs run along the end of the blanket for an adjustable and secure wrap.

 
The Weighted Cozy Comforter calms and slows the central nervous system with its full body proprioceptive input. This blanket is well suited for quiet time at school, home or in clinical settings, while it is also perfect for users experiencing sleeping problems and insomnia. Available in a wide variety of fun prints and plaids for young users, this cozy blanket highlights soft fleece on the underside, and easily removable and water-resistant tubes holding popcorn seed weights. When the weights are removed, this comforter can be machine washed and dried for simple maintenance.

 

The Deluxe Weighted Blanket Set includes four 5 pound blankets that each measure 30 inches by 58 inches. Created with a proprietary laminating process, the lead-free steel shot is sandwiched between two outside layers which allows the entire blanket surface to be weighted, not just individual sections. Ideal for therapists who work with clients with varying degrees of sensory processing issues, this unique design allows the therapist to choose the amount of weight needed by adding blankets to position the weight exactly where it is most beneficial.

Carol Koenigsknecht,
Medical Consumer Editor,
Content & Social Media Services
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO