Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Charlotte

As an adult with proprioceptive hyposensitivity, I find myself seeking proprioceptive input. Typically, this is a type of input that can be calming and organizing. Most people are calmed and feel better able to function if they are stressed and they get proprioceptive input. This can come in many forms and variations. Proprioceptive input is given in different degrees by hugs, wrapping yourself in a blanket, sitting criss-cross or crossing your arms and squeezing yourself, water from a bath, wet tactile activities such as finger painting or playing in mud, using vibrating massagers, swimming, running, jumping, or climbing.

I have learned that in order for me to feel calm and organized throughout the day it is important for me to get the proprioceptive input that I need on a regular basis. I run, swim, do yoga and aerobics or go for walks. You may notice these are really all solo activities, I have found that group sports are too overwhelming for me. Getting this physical activity is something helps me feel like I’m on an even keel throughout most days. When I first started to be more active it was for health reasons. I found in time though that I felt much more able to handle stressors, I was not as sensitive to inputs that used to overwhelm me easily, and I was happier overall as a result. I also noticed that if I did not get this physical activity on a regular basis I would begin to feel more sensitive to inputs again and be more easily overwhelmed and generally uncomfortable.