Massage Services

​Why Choose Massage Services at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center?

​​You can feel safe having massage therapy at The Ohio State University Integrative Medicine Clinic and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. It’s rare to find massage therapists working side by side with medical doctors and other health professionals in a multi-practice setting. That makes it even easier for all of your doctors and health professionals to work together to give you just the right personalized care – body, mind and spirit.

Therapeutic massage services at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital:

• Provide the highest quality of massage service
• Educate faculty, staff and patients about massage
• Conduct and disseminate research to better understand the benefits and risks of massage for patients with specific conditions
• Engage with community practitioners to promote equitable access to high quality massage services for the people of our community

The licensed massage therapists, at OSU’s Integrative Medicine Clinic and at Nationwide Children’s Hospital specifically work with medically fragile patients. Our therapists are all certified and credentialed to provide the highest quality of therapeutic massage.

​Benefits of Massage Therapy

According to the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine​, massage therapy helps relieve pain and stress, reduces anxiety and depression, and promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being.

Massage helps relieve common symptoms including:

• Low back pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Recurrent headaches
• Muscle aches and tightness
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Pain and mood for cancer patients
• Improving weight gain and development in premature infants

Insurance Coverage for Massage

The State of Ohio requires a license to provide massage. There are many different kinds of massages. Therapeutic massage you get at a clinic or medical center is tailored to each person’s needs. Some health plans cover therapeutic massage. Please call your insurer to find about your coverage and if you need a doctor’s referral.

Find a massage therapist

For those covered by the OSU Health Plan, click here​ for a list of additional licensed massage therapists in the OSU Health Plan Network.

Massage FAQs

1. Do I have to remove all my clothes?
   ANSWER: No. You don’t need to remove any clothes. You may have seen chair massage offered in the airport or mall. Your massage therapist will work with you so you’re comfortable.
   
   
2. I feel uncomfortable when I lay flat on my back or stomach. Can I still get a massage?
   ANSWER: Yes, your massage therapist can keep you comfortable with pillows and bolsters, or give you a massage while you’re seated or lying on your side.
   
   
3. Will my insurance pay for it?
   ANSWER: More and more health plans will pay for therapeutic massage when it’s recommended by your doctor or nurse practitioner. For example, Ohio State University employees’ insurance covers credentialed massage therapists’ fees with a $20 copay for each visit.
   
   
4. How do I ask my doctor or nurse practitioner to recommend massage?
   ANSWER: Just ask. For example, you could say, “I would like to try massage therapy to complement to my health care, to help reduce pain and help me sleep better. That may help me recover more quickly, use less medication, and feel better about my care and quality of life. Will you please write a prescription for therapeutic massage with the reason for it (pain reduction, improved sleep, and/or stress reduction) so my insurance will cover it? Thank you!”
   
   
5. What are the side effects of massage therapy?
   ANSWER: Massage is extremely safe when done by an experienced, licensed therapist. Side effects can include mild sleepiness.