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Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Gabbi Katzenellenbogen OT

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Gabbi Katzenellenbogen OT

Paediatric occupational therapy private practice in Sandton
- Sensory integration
- DIR Floortime
- SOS feeding

31/03/2026

Heavy work = powerful regulation 💪

Carrying heavy objects is a simple way to give the body proprioceptive input — the type of sensory input that helps children feel more grounded, calm, and organised.

When children use their muscles to lift, push, or carry, their joints and muscles send strong messages to the brain that support body awareness, attention, and self-regulation.

The best part? It can easily be built into everyday routines at home or at school.

💡 Try these simple ideas:
• Carry a stack of books to the classroom
• Help move chairs or classroom equipment
• Pack away boxes of toys
• Carry groceries or school bags

Turning everyday tasks into “heavy work” opportunities can make a big difference for children who need extra sensory input.

24/03/2026

Crash, jump, repeat! 🛋️✨

Crashing onto cushions or pillows is more than just fun — it’s powerful proprioceptive input for the body. When children jump or crash into soft surfaces, their muscles and joints get deep pressure feedback that helps the nervous system feel calm, organised, and regulated.

This kind of “heavy work” can help children who:
• seem constantly on the move
• struggle to sit still
• need help calming their bodies
• seek rough-and-tumble play

The best part? You don’t need special equipment. A pile of cushions, pillows, or a mattress can instantly become a sensory crash zone!

💡 Try it at home or even adapt it for the classroom with safe soft surfaces.

20/03/2026

Row, row, row your boat 🚣‍♀️

“Row Row Row Your Boat” isn’t just a nursery rhyme — it’s a great sensory activity for children! This simple game provides both vestibular (movement) and proprioceptive (muscle and joint) input.

Sit facing your child with your legs crossed, hold hands, and gently pull each other forwards and backwards as you sing the song. The rocking movement gives vestibular input, while the pulling through the arms provides proprioceptive “heavy work”.

This combination can help children feel more regulated, organised, and connected to their bodies.

✨ It’s also a lovely way to build connection while supporting your child’s sensory system through play.

17/03/2026

Rhino Charges 🦏💪
A fun, full-body proprioceptive (heavy work) activity that supports regulation and body awareness.

Both child and adult become “rhinos,” pushing against a therapy ball to see who’s the strongest! This activity provides deep input through the shoulders, arms, and core — perfect for kids who need help calming and organising their bodies.

👉 OT tip:
Keep arms straight to really engage the shoulder muscles and provide stronger proprioceptive input.

This is a great activity to use before homework, transitions, or bedtime.

Always supervise and adjust the level of force to keep it safe and fun 🤍

13/03/2026

Deep pressure for calm bodies ⚽✨

“Ball squashes” are a simple and fun way to give children deep pressure input, which can help the body feel more calm, organised, and regulated.

To try this activity, have your child lie on their tummy while you roll or press a large therapy ball over their body. The steady pressure through the muscles and joints provides powerful proprioceptive input that can help children relax and feel more grounded.

💡 Tips:
• Use slow, firm pressure (always watch your child’s cues)
• Avoid the head and neck area
• Turn it into a game – pretend you’re “squashing pizza dough” or “rolling a steamroller”
• Great before homework, mealtimes, or bedtime to help the body settle

Always make sure your child enjoys the activity and feels comfortable.

10/03/2026

Obstacle courses are a fun and powerful way to give children proprioceptive (heavy work) input 🧠💪

You don’t need fancy equipment — an indoor obstacle course can easily be created using chairs, cushions, mattresses, tunnels, or blankets.

🧩 Crawling, climbing, pushing, pulling, and balancing all provide rich proprioceptive input, which supports:
✔️ Regulation
✔️ Body awareness
✔️ Focus and attention

Obstacle courses are especially helpful for children who struggle to sit still, feel “busy” in their bodies, or need help organising their movements.

Keep it playful, keep it safe, and follow your child’s lead 🤍

03/03/2026

Proprioception (or “heavy work”) gives the body the deep input it needs to feel calm, organised, and grounded 🤍

If your child struggles with regulation, focus, or sleep, adding proprioceptive activities at home can make a big difference.

💪 Easy ideas to try at home:
• Pushing laundry baskets
• Jumping on a trampoline
• Tug-of-war or pillow wrestling
• Carrying groceries
• Wall sits or bear walks

Consistent heavy work helps children feel more connected to their bodies and better able to cope with daily demands.

17/02/2026

✨ ✨
What does it mean to be over-reactive to proprioceptive input?

Some children are more sensitive to movement and pressure.
Input that others hardly notice can feel overwhelming to their body 🧠💛

You might notice that they:
🚫 Avoid climbing, jumping or rough play
🧍‍♂️ Seem stiff, cautious or fearful with movement
🪜 Struggle with stairs or uneven surfaces
🤗 Dislike hugs or firm touch

These children aren’t being difficult or anxious on purpose.
👉 Their nervous system is working hard to help them feel safe in their body.

With the right support, pacing and graded proprioceptive input, children can build confidence, body awareness and trust in movement 🌱

If this sounds like your child, an occupational therapist can help guide supportive strategies and activities.

10/02/2026

✨ ✨
Under-reactive to proprioceptive input — what does that mean?

Some children need MORE input to feel where their body is in space 🧠💪

These are often the kids who:
🚧 Crash into people or furniture
✏️ Chew on pencils, clothing or toys
🔄 Are constantly moving or fidgeting
💥 Use too much force (hello broken crayons!)

They may be described as “rough” or “busy” — but they’re not being naughty.
👉 Their body is actually seeking feedback to help them feel more regulated and aware.

Proprioceptive input is usually very calming and organising for these kids. Activities like pushing, pulling, lifting, chewing and deep pressure can make a big difference 💚

If this sounds familiar, an OT can help identify your child’s sensory needs and suggest supportive strategies.

03/02/2026

✨ ✨
What is the Proprioceptive System?

Proprioception is often called our “hidden sense” — but it plays a HUGE role in everyday life 💪🧠

It helps children (and adults!) know where their body is in space, how much force to use, and how to move smoothly without always watching their body.

💡 Think about:
✏️ How hard to press when writing
🤗 How tight to hug
🪜 How to walk up stairs without looking
🧩 Body awareness, coordination & self-regulation

When proprioception isn’t working efficiently, children may seem clumsy, seek lots of movement, or struggle with motor planning and regulation.

The good news? 💚
This system LOVES input — things like jumping, pushing, pulling and heavy work can be incredibly regulating and supportive.

02/12/2025

🎧🏡 Auditory System — Tips for Home!

Home can be a wonderful place to help children build tolerance to sound or create calm, depending on their sensory needs.

Here are some ideas to try:
✅ Soft background music or white noise
✅ Quiet play spaces with minimal clutter
✅ Visual cues instead of repeated verbal reminders
✅ Give warnings before loud sounds (e.g. vacuum or blender)
✅ Headphones/ear defenders for busy outings

Every child experiences sound differently — tuning in to how they respond is the first step to helping them thrive 💛
Small changes = big support 🙌

25/11/2025

🎧📚 Auditory Tips for the Classroom!

Some children experience sound more intensely than others.
Supporting auditory over-reactivity helps kids feel safe, focused, and ready to learn. 💛

Here are a few helpful strategies teachers can try:
✅ Noise-cancelling headphones during busy/noisy times
✅ A calm corner or quiet zone to reset
✅ Seating away from noisy areas (windows, doors, pencil sharpener)
✅ Predictable routines & clear transitions

Every brain processes sound differently — let’s make space for that 🤍

Small adjustments can make a BIG difference in a child’s school day 🙌

Address

173 Rivonia Road
Sandton
2196

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.gkot.co.za/

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