Spending time with pets enriches our lives. Pals On Paws is a volunteer program provided by well-trained individuals who bring registered animal-assisted therapy dogs to help motivate patients and enhance treatment. Therapy dogs assist in decreasing stress and anxiety, promote therapeutic experiences, and advance overall healing. All teams are registered with Pet Partners. Learn more about therapy dogs by visiting the Pet Partners website.

Therapeutic massage involves manipulation of the body’s soft tissue structures to promote health and wellness and to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasms and stress.

Touch is the first of a baby’s senses to mature. Massage for premature babies has been shown to help with weight gain, immune function, tummy and bowel function, and more — all the while satisfying a need for touch and closeness. Talk to your baby’s nurse if you are interested in learning more.

Music therapy uses clinical and evidence-based music interventions by a credentialed professional to accomplish individualized goals. It can be designed to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication, and promote physical rehabilitation. Research supports its effectiveness in a wide variety of health care and educational settings.

Art therapy uses a variety of age-appropriate materials to engage patients in a creative process. It can benefit patients and families by supporting positive coping with hospitalization, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting self-expression and communication, and fostering a sense of comfort and positive self-esteem.