How Massage & OT Can Support Pediatric Tics and Motor Anxiety
For children with tics or motor anxiety, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. From sudden movements and muscle tension to the stress of feeling “different” from peers, these challenges can take a toll on a child’s nervous system, confidence, and energy.
At Same Stars Wellness, we provide non-judgmental, body-aware care for families navigating Tourette’s, motor tics, and related conditions. Our approach helps reduce physical discomfort, calm overstimulated systems, and support emotional regulation—without shame, pressure, or pathologizing.
🤷 What Are Tics and Motor Anxiety?
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that are difficult to control. They may be physical (like blinking, twitching, or shoulder shrugging) or vocal (like throat-clearing or humming).
Motor anxiety often shows up as restlessness, muscle tension, or fear around movement—especially when performance or attention is involved (e.g., sports, school, transitions).
Tics and motor-based anxiety often co-occur with ADHD, sensory processing differences, or trauma-related stress. They’re not a behaviour problem—they’re a nervous system response.
🌿 How We Can Help
Our team works gently and supportively to help children feel more at ease in their bodies:
✔️ Massage Therapy for Children
Massage can reduce physical tension and bring awareness to the body in a calming, safe way. It may help kids feel more regulated and less overwhelmed by movement urges.
✔️ Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
CST is a gentle, hands-on therapy that supports the nervous system, relieves tension, and can reduce the frequency or intensity of tics by helping kids feel more grounded.
✔️ Occupational Therapy Support
Our in-house Occupational Therapist, Trish, offers a structured OT program designed to help with nervous system regulation, sensory needs, and motor challenges—like those seen with tics or motor anxiety.
If you think OT might be a fit for your child, we’re happy to chat and guide you through what it could look like. Just reach out—we’re here to help.
👩⚕️ Meet Your Care Team
Sam specializes in family-centered care for kids with complex or neurodivergent needs. Her calm, empowering approach makes children feel safe and seen.
Macy is exceptional at working with neurodivergent children, combining therapeutic skill with play, empathy, and sensory literacy to meet each child where they’re at.
✅ Curious if These Therapies Might Help?
We’d love to support your child with care that respects their experience and empowers their growth. Whether you’re navigating a recent diagnosis or still trying to understand what’s going on, we’re here.
👉 Book a pediatric massage appointment or get in touch to learn more about our OT program and whether it’s the right fit for your family.
📚 Further Reading & Resources
💛 At Same Stars, we meet kids where they are—no judgment, no pressure, just care that honors their whole story.
