The Weighted Blanket Guide by Eileen Parker

Author:Eileen Parker
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781784502027
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Published: 2016-04-18T16:00:00+00:00

How are weighted blankets used at an OT clinic?

Occupational therapy clinics in all settings employ weighted blankets to assist clients in the process of self-regulation. According to Champagne et al. (2015), weighted blankets “are a class of sensory processing-related interventions that utilize deep pressure touch stimulation (DPTS).” Oftentimes, they are used when a patient feels out of balance and disorganized emotionally or physically. The blanket is always optional and provides a feeling of comfort similar to a hug. When someone is hugged, the chemical oxytocin may be released. Oxytocin affects receptors in our bodies that correspond with pleasure. Although there is no current proof that weighted blankets themselves cause the body to release oxytocin, for most of us it feels great to receive a hug from others and the blanket is often described as feeling “like a hug.”

Therapists sometimes use a fabric tube made of stretchable Lycra fibers to emulate deep pressure. However, the weight of the blanket may stimulate the deep pressure or touch receptors of the tactile system as well as providing a more uniform pressure. It’s suggested that the blanket use is coupled with deep breathing, relaxation techniques, visualizations, or other calming activities.

A special area of the therapy room, clinic, school, or hospital may be set up as a sensory room. This generally includes a weighted blanket as an option for self-calming. Additionally, the weighted blanket is often used as part of a grounding technique. According to leading professor of psychiatry Dr. Lisa Najavitis, a grounding technique is used to balance someone between feeling too much and too little (Najavitis 2002). Grounding helps to keep us in the present (here and now) and assists us in mind and body connections. It may be that the weight of the blanket provides the physical input to the body. The blanket may be used either while seated or when lying down. One of the biggest benefits is that a child or adult should be able to both apply and remove the blanket. The feeling of being in control is quite important and therapeutic for so many people.

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