Deep Pressure Therapy… It's not just snuggles! Science and technique.
Deep pressure therapy (DPT), also known in scientific literature as deep pressure touch and deep touch therapy, is meant to relax an individual through firm but gentle pressure. This can be elicited by hugging, special vests, weighted blankets... and service dogs! DPT is more than just snuggles. Service dogs should be specially trained to provide the most benefit to their handler, based on their individual needs.
Research into DPT is still ongoing, but it shows promise.
"Deep pressure input to the thorax is capable of influencing autonomic arousal through reduction of sympathetic and enhancement of parasympathetic nervous system activity” (Reynolds et al., 2015).
"Deep pressure input may be an appropriate therapeutic modality to use with people with difficulty with arousal regulation and sensory modulation during or in preparation for functional tasks” (Champagne, 2011; Pfeiffer, Kinnealey et al., 2005; Reynolds, et al., 2010; Sergeant, 2000, 2005; Tomchek & Dunn, 2007 as cited by Reynolds et al., 2015).
"Deep pressure may be useful for reducing maladaptive internalizing and externalizing behaviors, increasing attention to task, and reducing impulsivity, all of which would support the client's ability to successfully perform daily life activities and engage in appropriate social-emotional, motor, and organizational tasks” (Champagne, 2011; Pfeiffer, Kinnealey et al., 2005; Reynolds, et al., 2010; Sergeant, 2000, 2005; Tomchek & Dunn, 2007 as cited by Reynolds et al., 2015).
Pressure on the thorax may be sufficient in some cases. However, pressure applied from axillary (armpit) to ankles shows great efficacy for (Mullen et al., 2008). In terms of the weight of the dog, in studies of DPT with weighted blankets, weights of 30lbs (Mullen et al., 2008) and 10% of body weight were both sufficient (Danoff-Burg et al., 2020). Note: blankets distribute weight more evenly than a dog.
Another method through which DPT may prove helpful is stimulation of the vagus nerve. According to Dr. Mladen Golubic, MD, Medical Director of the Cleveland Clinic, “The vagal response reduces stress. It reduces our heart rate and blood pressure. It changes the function of certain parts of the brain, stimulates digestion, all those things that happen when we are relaxed.” A service dog can be taught to chin-rest over the vagus nerve. This may help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety, regulating heart rate and blood pressure, aiding with digestion, and reducing headache.
Research on other DPT interventions has yet to examine whether deep pressure on the lap has the same effect. However, research into service dogs shows qualitative (not yet quantitative) benefits to placing the weight of a dog across a lap (Krause-Parello & Morales, 2018). Instead of targeting certain nerves and the parasympathetic nervous system, DPT on the lap may provide sensory grounding, applying small amounts of compression, and act as heat for pain relief.
i have stress and anxiety and i often tend to scratch or just disassociate. my dog is a at home service dog . she could not do PA cause of the fact that she is reactive but i began teaching her DPT for mental grounding reasons and she has helped me around the house a lot