02/04/2026
🧠We use swings in occupational therapy because the are an extremely powerful sensory and nervous system regulation tool. We aren’t just playing on swings, there is a science to it. Swings allow us to work on the brain-body connection. Not to mention, they are a whole lot of fun!
🧠Swinging stimulates the vestibular system which allows the brain to understand
1️⃣Where the body is in space
2️⃣Whether movement is safe
3️⃣Our state of alertness
🧠Depending on how the swing is used:
➡️slow, rhythmic swinging=calm and organizing
➡️fast, unpredictable swinging=alerting, energizing, activating
🧠Swings improve body awareness and coordination
➡️Balance
➡️Coordination
➡️Postural training
➡️Motor planning
🧠Swings support emotional regulation and safety
➡️Some swings offer a sense of containment which results in the child feeling safe
➡️Swinging promotes language. Have a kiddo who has a hard time opening up? Throw them on a swing and watch the language begin to flow. One of my favorite things is to talk about feelings while we swing.
🧠Swings assist with attention, learning, and behavior
➡️A regulated nervous system is able to focus better and learn better. Prepping the brain with swinging can improve learning outcomes.
🧠Swings are not random. I utilize swings in a couple of ways. Allowing the child to dictate what their nervous system needs by choosing a swing. While also keeping in mind these important factors…
➡️type of swing
➡️direction the swing will provide (linear vs rotational)
➡️speed
➡️duration
➡️timing within the session
Too much of the wrong kind of swinging can result in dysregulation. With knowledge of the vestibular system and sensory processing, swings are a powerful treatment tool in occupational therapy sessions. 💪🏻
