Music Therapy and Massage Therapy Co-Treatment in Home-Based Pediatric Palliative Care: A Case Study

Abstract

With increasing recognition of the benefits of complementary therapies, they are being more widely applied in many healthcare settings. This includes pediatric palliative care, wherein patients have a unique set of needs, best addressed through a family-centered interdisciplinary model. Music therapy and massage therapy fit well within this model. These authors contend the benefits of these therapies are enhanced when combined in co-treatment, as outlined in this case presentation of one pediatric palliative care patient, initially treated separately, and then in co-treatment by music and massage therapies. Perceived benefits of the co-treatment included enhanced quality of life through symptom management, engagement in a meaningful activity, and family support, as well as promotion of a defined therapy space, and increased opportunities for social interaction. Further research is needed to build a generalizable, evidence-based body of knowledge to support this type of co-treatment.