3 Uses for a Body Sock in Pediatric Occupational Therapy

A body sock is a therapeutic modality used in many occupational therapy (OT) sessions to address a variety of skills. The thin, Lycra material covers the child’s body, except for the head, in a similar way to a sleeping bag. The Lycra material provides deep proprioceptive input to assist with self-regulation. This tool can help facilitate many skills for children of all ages.

Therapeutic Uses for a Body Sock:

1. Self-Regulation-The proprioceptive input facilitated by the body sock provides deep pressure to the child’s entire body. This input is very calming and can assist with regulation of the child’s arousal level.
2. Endurance-Due to the resistant nature of the body sock, the child will naturally work on his strength and endurance while completing activities wearing the sock. Have your child complete different activities such as board games, reading or yoga poses while wearing the body sock.
3. Body Awareness-The input provided by the body sock facilitates body awareness by giving the child additional feedback about where their body parts are in relation to one another in the sock. Have your child complete an obstacle course while wearing the body sock: crawl over pillows, walk across a “tight rope” (taped line on the floor) and do animal walks. Completing these activities in a body sock will promote body awareness.

The body sock is a fun way for your child to work on a variety of skills while in occupational therapy. It is an enjoyable and entertaining tool for them to use, and they won’t even know they are working!  For additional information, contact us at North Shore Pediatric Therapy for an OT Consultation.