Sensory: Desensitization Activities for Home

These instructions are for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) patients recommended to practice desensitization activities at home.

Patient instructions:

Your therapist will recommend how long to practice each activity and the number of sessions each week.

• Brushing: Use a brush to rub in all directions with firm pressure.

• Lotion massage: Apply lotion and use pressure to massage the body part to decrease sensitivity.

• Towel massage: Briskly rub the sensitive area with a towel. Use firm pressure in all directions on the areas that are painful.

• Audible taps: Perform tapping to the sensitive area. Tap the area with enough pressure to create a loud tapping sound.

• Hair brushing: If your hair, head, or scalp hurts, then be sure to brush your hair. Massage the scalp while shampooing and then blow dry hair using a brush.

• Ice massage: Slowly rub an ice cup or ice cube on the sensitive area.

• Vibration: Use a handheld massager to move in all directions with firm pressure.

Reviewed on December 19, 2022, by Jennifer Strebel, OTR/L