Wilbarger Therapressure Protocol

An effective treatment of sensory defensiveness, which Annie has been trained in, and taught by Wilbarger. This protocol is often known as ‘brushing’ technique. Below is a series of photographs demonstrating Therapressure techniques applied to both adults and children and Joint Compression following Therapressure treatment.

Therapressure Wilbarger Techniques

Therapressure Applied Adult Arm
Therapressure Applied to an Adult
Therapressure Pressure Applied to Baby
Therapressure Pressure Applied to Joints

We can assess for sensory defensiveness, and then design appropriate treatment package. This may involve trialing the brushing, which we would teach to those administering it, and we monitor the use of this, being flexible and effectively ‘on-call’ in the days following the commencement of this approach. We offer a tailor made sensory diet to be used alongside it. We are happy to teach parents, grandparents and teaching staff how to administer the technique to ensure that the child receives the treatment as intended.

Whilst the approach is intensive, and requires parental commitment, in our clinical experiences, we have found it to have consistently effective outcomes, such as improved tolerance to touch, taste and smell, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, improved toileting, and corrective perception of pain. Many parents have also reported to us that their child’s diet has varied considerably, with better tolerance of food types and textures. It is thought that the deep touch pressure and proprioception provided by brushing, with the sensory diet, has a calming influence on the central nervous system and emotional centre in the brain.
Therapressure Pressure Applied to Joints and Hands
Joint compression to hand and wrist

Therapressure Pressure Applied to Knees and Hips

This technique should only be delivered by therapists taught by Wilbarger, Wilbarger. Incorrect administration; including use of an incorrect device for administration, insufficient pressure, insufficient administration frequency and numerous other misinterpretations; may limit positive changes and could actually be dangerous to the client (Wilbarger & Wilbarger, 2002).

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