Episode 087: Mandy Bartolovich – Integrating Massage in Children’s Hospitals
In this episode of the Folding Towels Podcast, David speaks with Mandy Bartovolich, a massage therapist who has spent over 25 years in the profession, much of it dedicated to working in healthcare. Mandy is the first paediatric haematology and oncology massage therapist at University Hospital’s Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Her work is changing the way massage therapy is viewed in clinical settings and helping children and families navigate some of the most difficult health journeys imaginable.
From Emergency Medicine to Therapeutic Touch
Mandy didn’t begin her career in massage. She worked as a medical assistant, often in emergency departments. But over time, she felt a shift—she wanted to provide care in a more supportive way. A colleague suggested massage therapy, and after attending an orientation, Mandy was drawn to the profession.
“I fell in love with it,” she said. “And I’ve been doing it for 25 years.”
While most massage therapists have a career span of 5 to 7 years, Mandy has endured, largely due to how seriously she takes self-care. She receives monthly massage, stretches daily, and maintains body awareness. “I haven’t had any problems with my hands,” she said. “You have to take care of yourself because I love what I do and want to do it until I retire.”
Introducing Massage to Paediatric Oncology
Mandy’s current role is highly specialised. She works with children and young adults in oncology and haematology, offering integrative massage therapy to manage pain, stress and anxiety. Her patients include NICU babies, teenagers undergoing chemotherapy, and young adults facing blood disorders such as sickle cell disease.
She describes her work as both clinical and deeply human. Children often look forward to her visits, knowing it’s one of the few interactions in hospital that they can say ‘no’ to.
“I always say, this is one therapy they can say no to. It gives them some control,” Mandy explained. “If they say no, I say, ‘That’s perfectly fine. Call me when you do want one.’”
That sense of control is powerful in an environment where most choices are taken away.
An Integrated Part of the Team
Mandy’s role has become deeply embedded in the hospital’s care model. Initially, there may have been scepticism, but she quickly proved the value of massage therapy. Now, providers often delay medication to see if massage can help first.
“I’ve had doctors say, ‘Let’s see if Mandy’s available before we try medication,’” she said. She has become known for addressing symptoms like nausea, headaches, and opioid-induced constipation—sometimes jokingly referred to as the “poop whisperer.”
She works across departments—oncology, the PICU, ER, and even hospice care—responding to patient needs wherever they arise. “You never know what you’re going to get handed in a day,” she said. “You have to be very resilient and able to pivot.”
Evidence-Based Practice
Mandy’s work is not only compassionate but evidence-based. Her team recently published a research paper showing that massage therapy significantly reduced pain and anxiety in paediatric cancer and sickle cell patients.
The study gained international attention. “I was shocked,” Mandy said. “I didn’t expect that kind of response.”
Importantly, the study also demonstrated that Mandy’s presence alone—without hands-on treatment—contributed to a reduction in patient anxiety. “That was a huge takeaway,” she said. “It’s not just about touch—it’s about presence.”
A Broader Impact on Families
Mandy’s work extends beyond patients. She also provides massage to parents and NICU families. “It gives them a break from the room and helps them de-stress,” she said. “And sometimes they tell me things during those massages that they haven’t told anyone else.”
These sessions have helped identify issues such as addiction, family breakdowns, and mental health challenges. Mandy then refers parents to appropriate support staff. “Parents often don’t get asked how they’re doing,” she said. “Massage gives them space to open up.”
She has also helped integrate parent lockers stocked with comfort items like teas and shower steamers, and arranged for regular massage for NICU families through external therapists.
Reconnecting Families Through Touch
Mandy often sees that parents don’t know how to touch their child in a hospital environment. Some are afraid of hurting their child or feel unsure about what is appropriate. She works to teach simple techniques, guiding their hands during sessions or providing handouts to take home.
“There are parents who haven’t touched their child therapeutically before,” she said. “Sometimes, the nurse and I will help them get into bed with their child just to snuggle.”
She believes therapeutic touch in childhood is declining and that COVID-19 further compounded this problem. “We’re becoming a touch-starved society,” she said.
Education and Entry Into the Field
For those inspired by her work, Mandy recommends education and experience. She took paediatric massage and paediatric oncology massage courses through the Liddle Kidz Foundation, and is currently undertaking a hospital-based massage certification through Healwell’s EMPATH program.
“There’s a whole different way to approach a child,” she explained. “They’re not mini adults. They require different touch, communication, and observation.”
She believes it’s critical to understand both physical symptoms and emotional cues—particularly in non-verbal children or those too young to articulate their needs.
Memorable Moments
When asked about a standout memory, Mandy shared the story of a young boy in the cardiac unit who was non-English speaking and deteriorating. She entered the room and placed her hands gently on his head, speaking softly and working slowly. His vitals stabilised. The doctors around her were amazed.
“You just saved him a PICU admission,” one said.
Another moment came from a young former patient who, now working as a doctor in New York, told Mandy that her care had inspired her to introduce massage therapy in her own hospital unit. “That’s the kind of impact that makes everything worth it,” Mandy said.
Challenges and Advice
It took four years to start the program—largely due to funding and the lack of perceived priority for massage therapy in paediatrics. Mandy now works entirely from philanthropic funding and hopes programs like hers become more mainstream and better supported in the future.
For therapists looking to follow a similar path, Mandy offers two key pieces of advice:
- Don’t underestimate the emotional toll of this work—have professional support.
- Be present. “That’s all these kids want. Presence. Be there fully.”
Final Thoughts
Mandy’s work is redefining what massage therapy can be—not just relaxation, but true integrative care that supports clinical treatment and emotional well-being. Her role bridges the gap between clinical protocols and human touch.
And in a world where people are increasingly touch-starved, her work reminds us that massage therapy has a place in medicine—not just for muscles, but for the heart.