Deep Touch Pressure And Proprioception

Weighted Therapy has been proven to stimulate the proprioceptive system through the use of Deep Touch Pressure.

The proprioceptive system is the sense and awareness of our own body’s position and movement.

Deep Touch Pressure works on the principle of applying weight and/or pressure to provide proprioceptive input.

This input calms and modulates the central nervous system. This, in turn, aids the processing of sensory information (Grandin 1992, McClure & Holtz-Yotz 1991).

How Does Deep Pressure Help?

Applying deep pressure to a child or adult with sensory seeking behaviour can make them feel more grounded.  It also lowers their state of arousal.

As a result, this reduces repetitive, self-stimulatory behaviours (such as spinning, flapping and rocking). This allows better focus, concentration and attention.

In simplest terms, deep pressure is found to be relaxing and calming for sensory seekers. It also promotes a sense of security and wellbeing.

Which Sensory Direct Products Can Help?

Sensory Direct have a variety of products to help reduce sensory seeking behaviour:

The deep pressure vest is a compression vest that applies deep pressure and proprioceptive feedback to the body and shoulders.

No weight is used – deep pressure is applied to the body by the tight wrapping of the vest around the body.

Made from anti-bacterial neoprene, it can help reduce challenging and sensory seeking behaviours. It can also be purchased with weights for additional sensory feedback.

 

The weighted compression vest is designed to calm and provide steady proprioceptive input. The combined pressure and weight, functions as a reassuring deep hug.

Made of neoprene, the vest is designed for comfort. It has soft mesh material on the sides to increase air flow and ventilation.

Weights are safely positioned in pockets inside the vest and can be added or removed.

 

Girl in weighted hug vestThe weighted hug vest is made to calm and provide steady proprioceptive input.

The combined pressure and weight functions as a reassuring deep hug.

Made of neoprene, the vest is designed for comfort. It has soft mesh material on the sides to increase air flow and ventilation.

The stretchy neoprene provides soothing proprioceptive input and compression around the body. This helps to calm and promote self regulation.

The weight provides additional sensory input for those who need it.

This vest is a good middle ground coming somewhere between our weighted jacket and deep pressure vest.

It's lighter than the weighted jackets and does not give as much compression as the deep pressure vest. It falls nicely in between with a combination of the weighted and deep pressure.