Brushing Program or Therapressure Protocol Premiere among the effective interventions is the Therapressure Protocol, more popularly referred to as the brushing program. Developed by Patricia Wilbarger, M.Ed., OTR, FAOTA, the Therapressure Protocol is a specific, professionally guided treatment regime that is usually implemented by parents. The Wilbarger Therapressure Brush is designed by Patricia Wilbarger, the renowned Occupational Therapist, the originator of the Therapressure Program or Wilbarger. The Wilbarger approach to the treatment of sensory defensiveness was developed by Patricia Wilbarger and is most commonly used. Patricia Wilbarger M.Ed., FAOTA. Sensory defensiveness is a serious sensory modulation. Workshop is presented by Patricia and Julia Wilbarger, and it involves Sensory Defensiveness and the Wilbarger brushing protocol for professional development. Therapeutic Brushing Techniques The Wilbarger Deep Pressure. Sensory Connection Program.

The Wilbarger Protocol is a therapy program designed to reduce sensory or tactile defensiveness. Children who exhibit symptoms of tactile defensiveness are extremely sensitive to touch. This can cause a fear or resistance to being touched, difficulty transitioning between activities, and/or lethargy. The therapy was developed by Patricia Wilbarger, MEd, OTR, FAOTA.

There is not much documented research on the Wilbarger Protocol. However, many parents of children with autism have reported seeing decreases in sensory defensiveness and anxiety as a result of using this technique. Some of the benefits of the Wilbarger Protocol may include improved ability to transition between daily activities, improved attention span, a decreased fear or discomfort of being touched, enhanced coordination, and self-regulation.

The complete routine usually only takes 2-3 minutes.The first step in the therapy involves using a sensory brush or wilbarger brush which is run over the child's skin, using very firm pressure; it is like a deep pressure massage. Brushing starts at the arms and works down to the feet. The face, chest, and stomach area are never brushed because these are sensitive areas that can cause adverse reactions.

The brushing with the therapressure brush is initially recommended every 2 hours while the child is awake. Therapists usually re-assess the level of brushing after two weeks. At that time they may modify the program. The brushing continues as long as the individual benefits from it.

After the brushing therapy, therapists may also prescribe gentle joint compressions to the shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees/ankles, and sternum for a count of ten. Self-administration of joint compression may also be obtained by engaging in jumping-jacks, push-ups, or jumping on a trampoline.

Patricia Wilbarger Brushing Protocol

Finally, the therapist may also suggest the Oral Tactile Technique, or OTT. This technique requires a finger to swipe along the inside of the person’s mouth. This is helpful for kids with oral defensiveness. (These children may have trouble with foods because of their texture or hate having their teeth brushed.)

If you think that your child would benefit from the Wilbargar Protocol, it is important to seek guidance from an Occupational Therapist. The OT must be trained in sensory integration and know how to use the Wilbargar Protocol. Performing the therapy in a manner other than taught by a trained professional may not be effective and can be very uncomfortable for the individual.

You’re probably wondering, exactly what is the Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Technique (DPPT) & Oral Tactile Technique (OTT)?

Patricia Wilbarger Brushing Program

The Wilbarger brushing protocol is a therapeutical program that was developed by Patricia Wilbarger, a well known occupational therapist. Some may jokingly refer to her as the guru of OT (occupational therapy)! This program was designed to help those with sensory processing disorders.

A sensory processing disorder is when your brain doesn’t process sensory signals in the right order, causing inappropriate responses. SPD is usually defined by being easily over stimulated or hard to stimulate.

Doing this protocol will help regulate and normalize sensory processing. And when the sensory processing is regulated it result in better behavior and having appropriate responses to normal day activities.

How has this protocol helped Parker?

He is less fussy during diaper changes, therapy, and changing positions. The brushing protocol has helped him stop regurgitating his food and gagging, which were a way for him to reset his “sensory bucket” when it had been filled to the max. This protocol helps normal daily activities from filling his sensory bucket.