Jointseph

physiotherapist

Justyna Miller

*friends call her Isia

Proprioceptors? Deep sensation? What is it? Why should these receptors be stimulated?

Proprioceptors are deep sensory apparatus located all over the human body, most of them in joints, tendons, and muscle spindles. They play a major role in the construction of the body schema, as they give information to the nervous system about the positioning of the body in space, without visual control. They are like GPS points on a map of the body that locate its various parts. Receptors respond to stimuli such as pressure, stretching, and movement of body parts in relation to each other. They inform the body about muscle tension, i.e. how to plan a movement, how to adjust muscle tension to the performed action, and with what force to grab a toy, assessing in advance whether it is hard or soft. All this is done with the help of previous experience and feedback. More precisely, the main task of the receptors is to plan movement instantly without the need for visual inspection.

Does light compression of the joints have a relaxing effect?

The pressure stimulates the proprioceptors, and such prolonged stimulation has a calming effect on the nervous system. The brain gets the information that it does not need to force any activity, and the muscles can relax. It then leads to a correct redistribution of muscle tension and promotes deep sensation, which is beneficial in developing motor coordination.

Proprioceptive stimulation has a calming effect on hyper-aroused and irritable babies, but it is also beneficial for children with a lower excitability threshold as it stimulates their neuromuscular systems

Put the garment on when the child is active – this will promote body awareness. Let him or her explore the world in the tummy position. Providing a toy will encourage the baby to get engaged with it and move around. When he or she gets tired, Jointseph will continue to work by making the baby calm.