Massage Therapy Program
At Children’s Hospital, our Pediatric Massage Therapy Program provides expert, compassionate care to children from around the world. Some of the patients we support are recovering from surgery, have musculoskeletal conditions, neurodevelopmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and chronic illnesses including cancer and sickle cell disease. Our licensed massage therapists use evidence-based techniques to reduce pain, stress and anxiety during hospital stays. We also teach parents how to safely massage their children, including babies in the newborn/infant intensive care unit (N/IICU) to support bonding and development. Massage is also integrated into care for children in rehabilitation, those with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, and adolescents facing mental health challenges. From calming pain crises to offering comfort after receiving a new diagnosis, our team provides care that is tailored, gentle and patient-directed. When a hospital stay is complete, outpatient massage therapy services can continue by appointment.
How we serve you
CHOP’s Massage Therapy Program is delivered by advanced pediatric Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) and instructors who have years of experience treating children and adolescents with different health conditions.
Massage therapy is an integrative modality that supports your child’s traditional medical treatment. Our massage therapists collaborate closely with the healthcare team to educate you and your child about the value of treatment and to ensure the massage is safe, effective and seamlessly integrated into your child’s personalized care plan.
Meet our team
Our licensed massage therapists bring extensive massage therapy knowledge and advanced skills to the hospital. We work in collaboration with many interdisciplinary teams throughout the hospital, and participate in research and professional education. Our massage therapists have attended trainings in a variety of massage techniques and are educated to treat special pediatric populations including infants, hospital inpatients, children with physical impairments and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, children needing trauma-informed care, oncology patients and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Our research
Ongoing research is examining the outcomes of pediatric massage therapy. We are actively involved in research to expand the knowledge base about how massage can help our patients and families. Please refer to the list of active studies below and contact us if you are interested in learning more or enrolling your child in a study.
Patient/Family resources
Please refer to and share these resources to help incorporate massage and other integrative health practices into your routine.
Location
Our massage therapy experts treat children at the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care, Main Hospital and King of Prussia Hospital, as well as specialty care locations in King of Prussia and Voorhees.
Patient stories
Our team of massage therapists share common goals: to alleviate your child’s pain and stress and to further their recovery.
What to expect
When coming in for a hospital stay, your child’s healthcare team can order an IH consultation for massage therapy, and your child will be added to the massage therapy list to be seen while inpatient. Our model supports patient-directed and patient-led care. Our licensed massage therapists coordinate care with the patient, family, care team and other integrative therapies. During an inpatient session, your child will receive a massage; often you will learn tools that will help support them to feel better between sessions and at home. Inpatient massage therapy sessions typically average 20 minutes.
Our outpatient massage clinic offers therapeutic massage tailored to the needs of your child. During your visit, a licensed massage therapist will work with your child in a calm, supportive environment to help manage symptoms like pain, anxiety, muscle tension and stress. Sessions are typically 60 minutes. Parents or caregivers are invited to be present throughout the session.