Massage Therapy
At Nemours, we believe in family-centered care 鈥 that鈥檚 why we鈥檝e made massage therapy services available to children and their families, as well as to the Associates (employees) who take care of them. We do all we can to care for each child medically, physically and emotionally. Massage therapy is an important part of this idea, often called integrative medicine. At Nemours Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware, we offer complimentary inpatient massage therapy for your child during a hospital stay, as well as children鈥檚 outpatient services for a small fee.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the gentle manipulation of layers of muscles and connective tissue using various techniques to promote relaxation and wellness. Massage therapy is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation and hospital programs. It has proven beneficial in health care settings in easing muscular and joint pain, migraines, headaches and stress as well as relieving the effects of depression and anxiety.
When performed by trained licensed massage therapists, massage therapy can provide symptomatic relief from many common conditions that occur while hospitalized. Massage therapy also increases the relaxation response, improves circulation, increases range of mobility, relieves pain, accelerates healing, strengthens the immune system, improves the quality of sleep, and provides a reassuring human touch (lowering the risk of anxiety and increasing feelings of comfort).
- Massage Therapy Services
- About Our Therapists
- Book an Appointment
- Additional Resources
Family-Centered, Integrative Care
Our therapists at Nemours Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware use several different massage techniques to release muscle tension and relieve stress, such as aromatherapy (applying pleasant-smelling oils during massage), soft music or a gentle touch to relax tight muscles and help the blood flow more easily through your body. When massage therapy may not be appropriate due to medical complexities, we can use a technique called 鈥淣urturing Touch,鈥 which can lend comfort when pain and anxiety are present, as well as support the ease in breathing and restlessness during palliative care or end of life transition.
Massages are performed on a heated massage table at the private Tranquility Room in the Family Resource Center and Ronald McDonald Family Room (on the third floor of the hospital).
Our Massage Therapy Services
Inpatient Families (Parents and Guardians)
We offer massage therapy to our inpatient families (parents and guardians) at a discounted rate to help alleviate caregiver stress.
Cost for Parent/Guardian Massage:
- $10 for 15 minutes
- $20 for 30 minutes
- $30 for 45 minutes
- $40 for 60 minutes
Prenatal massage is also available for pregnant mothers or guardians of inpatient children. Expectant moms must be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy to receive a massage. Prenatal massage is available in 30- or 60- minute sessions.
Cost for Prenatal Massage:
- $20 for 30 minutes
- $40 for 60 minutes
Massage therapy services are not typically covered in Delaware by health insurance providers. However, employer鈥檚 flexible spending programs may reimburse for these services. Please contact your flexible spending provider for further information.
Inpatient Children
Massage therapy is available, with a physician鈥檚 order, to our patients staying at Nemours Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware. This service is complimentary for these children.
Massage therapy services are tailored to you or your child鈥檚 specific needs, health situation and goals. Our massage therapists pay close attention to your child鈥檚 feedback and responses during their massage to ensure safety and comfort.
Outpatient Children
Massage therapy is available to all children ages 12 weeks to 21 years (existing Nemours patients and kids who have never been seen at Nemours). A physician鈥檚 prescription is required to receive massage services. Please submit the prescription and evaluation paperwork to our massage therapist prior to scheduling your appointment.
Cost for Outpatient Child Massage:
- $30 for 30 minutes
- $45 for 45 minutes
- $60 for 60 minutes
Massage therapy services are not typically covered in Delaware by health insurance providers. However, employer鈥檚 flexible spending programs may reimburse for these services. Please contact your flexible spending provider for further information.
Children in Our Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation and Pain Management Programs
Children who are a part of our Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program (CORP) or our Pain Management program may also receive massage therapy services, depending on the physician鈥檚 referral. This service is complimentary for these children.
Associates (Employees)
Full table massage services for Nemours Associates, residents, physicians, students and volunteers are available in 15- to 60-minute sessions. Prenatal massage is an option for expectant employees who have progressed past the first trimester of pregnancy.
Cost for Associate Massage:
$1 per minute
Massage therapy services are not typically covered in Delaware by health insurance providers. However, employer鈥檚 flexible spending programs may reimburse for these services. Please contact your flexible spending provider for further information.
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鈥淭he weekly massages that my son receives have a real therapeutic effect on him 鈥 both mentally and physically. Not only does he look forward to his sessions with his therapist, but the massages help relax his neck and back muscles due to his medically complex illness.鈥 鈥 Mother of a 10-year-old Cardiac Intensive Care Unit patient
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Our massage therapists at Nemours Children鈥檚 Hospital, Delaware go through an extremely thorough selection process and are skilled at working with numerous pediatric illnesses and conditions. Each candidate must meet a notably high standard and be nationally certified and licensed as a massage therapist in Delaware. Having this distinction allows them to practice in health care settings such as a hospital or a doctor鈥檚 office (unlike certified massage technicians who are licensed to practice relaxation massage in a private business, health club or spa).
Our massage therapists are:
- specially trained in nurturing/skilled touch
- experienced in working with children who have special needs or complex medical conditions
- certified in integrative massage techniques that promote relaxation and restoration in the body
- knowledgeable about the effects of common medications and how to adjust massage techniques accordingly
- skilled at positioning all children (including those with mobility limitations or who may be in a hospital bed or wheelchair) to help them feel supported and comfortable
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鈥淪killful and gentle hands help to relieve muscular pain and soothe children enduring stress. Our massage therapists are extremely knowledgeable and helpful; their services add significantly to the quality of life for our patients and parents.鈥 鈥 Jonathan L. Powell, MD, Division of Hematology/Oncology
Inpatient and outpatient children need a physician鈥檚 order to schedule massage therapy. Once the doctor submits the order, a massage therapist will contact you to introduce the service to discuss treatment goals and scheduling options that will best serve your child.
Massage therapy services are not typically covered in Delaware by health insurance providers. However, employer鈥檚 flexible spending programs may reimburse for these services. Please contact your flexible spending provider for further information.
For more information on booking a massage therapy appointment, call (302) 651-6215.
Hours
Massage therapy appointments are available:
- Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gift Certificates
Gift certificates are a wonderful way to give a caregiver the gift of relaxation. They may be purchased in increments of 10 minutes (up to 60 minutes). Gift certificates can be redeemed at any time during the year.
If you鈥檇 like to purchase a gift certificate for a patient鈥檚 parents or guardians or a Nemours Associate, please call (302) 651-6215 for additional information and ordering details.
Payment
Our massage therapist will accept payment after your massage is complete. We accept cash, personal check and credit cards (Visa/Master Card). Please make checks payable to Nemours.
Massage therapy services are not typically covered in Delaware by health insurance providers. However, employer鈥檚 flexible spending programs may reimburse for these services. Please contact your flexible spending provider for further information.
鈥淢assage has been a necessary component to my daughter鈥檚 care. She sleeps better and it鈥檚 been wonderful for her pain relief while managing the tone of her muscles and the tightness of her contractures. Getting weekly therapeutic massages as an outpatient have truly made a significant difference in her quality of life.鈥 鈥 Mother of a child with a brain injury
Our massage therapy services are backed by evidence around the science of touch therapy and massage research.
Get additional information supporting the benefits of massage and touch therapies:
Contact Us
Patricia Draper
Massage Therapist
(302) 651-6215
patricia.draper@nemours.org