Comfort Therapy Programs in Washington
Therapies that provide comfort along with conventional medical care
Comfort therapies, also called “complementary” or “adjunct” therapies, are non-medical, non-invasive approaches to providing comfort that work side by side with conventional medical care. Their use in medical environments is growing and research has shown them to be effective tools for increasing comfort and personal wellness.
Since 1979, Northwest Medical Specialties specializes in providing comprehensive care to patients suffering from cancer in Washington. With 6 convenient locations in Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Federal Way, Bonney Lake, and Olympia, you won’t have to travel far to receive the best care following your cancer treatment. Cancer treatment can often times be very uncomfortable and overwhelming. Comfort Therapy can help ease the discomfort of your medical care. For more information, please contact our office at 253-428-8700 and schedule an appointment today!
How Comfort Therapies Help
Each person experiences unique results from comfort therapies. Comfort therapies have the potential to:
- Increase relaxation
- Decrease pain and suffering
- Help improve sleep
- Enhance energy and awareness
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Reduce nausea and vomiting
- Reduce itching
- Increase a sense of well-being and quality of life
- Increase comfort
Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center, Puyallup, WA
Comfort Therapies can be delivered on-site or by appointment in the privacy of your home. Sponsored by Good Samaritan/MultiCare.
Available Comfort Therapies
Four different comfort therapies are available. All of the practitioners are accredited and licensed and have extensive experience including working with medically fragile patients. Currently, the comfort therapy options include:
- Aromatherapy
- Massage
- Music
- Reiki (also known as healing touch)
How Are Sessions Paid For
Payment for a comfort therapy visit is on a private pay basis, due from the client at the end of the treatment session. Massage is the only comfort therapy sometimes covered by an individuals health insurance program. Any arrangements for billing insurance companies must be made in advance with the massage therapist. Not all massage therapists accept insurance payments. Gift certificates may be purchased at the Resource Center.
How Long Does a Session Last
On-site sessions at the Cancer Center/ATU can be arranged in half hour or one hour increments. In-home visits are a minimum of one hour.
How to Arrange for a Comfort Therapy Session
On-site appointments for massage, Reiki, aromatherapy consultations, and individual music sessions in the treatment room must be scheduled in advance and are coordinated by the staff in the Resource Center on the ground level of the Cancer Center/ATU.
If you would like to schedule any on-site therapy, contact MultiCare/Good Samaritan Cancer Resource Center at (253) 697-4899.
For a private, in-home session of any of the comfort therapies, contact MultiCare/Good Samaritan Hospice at (253) 301-6400.
In addition to the offerings outlined above, aromatherapy can be combined with massage when given in the home. If you are a patient at the Richard C. Ostenson Cancer Center, please discuss your comfort therapy plans with your doctor prior to scheduling an appointment.