Research from the University of Washington has determined that chronic constipation in children may be relieved with abdominal massage. The research tested 25 parents and their children with learning needs and physical disabilities. The parents were trained by specialists in abdominal massage. Following the training, the parents massaged the abdomens of their children for 20 minutes per day.

The study found that abdominal massage relieved constipation in 87.5 percent of children and reduced laxative use. In addition, the therapy resulted in better diets for 41 percent of the children and improved the relationships between the parents and the children in many cases.