Complementary Medicine

Holistic care

Aurora BayCare is committed to healing the whole person. We provide a wide range of holistic therapies to complement your medical care.

Complementary therapies can play an important role in your overall well-being. Whether you’re delivering a baby, having an MRI, or recovering from surgery, patients at Aurora BayCare can use complementary therapies to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Patients with a variety of illnesses may also find that complementary therapies ease the side effects of treatment and improve their quality of life.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the skilled use of pure plant essences/essential oils to enhance health and well-being and can be therapeutic for both our patients and providers.  It supports healing and promotes health and well-being by relieving pain, strengthening immunity, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.   Aurora BayCare offers aromatherapy as a comfort measure to inpatients and outpatients. Trained staff members perform complimentary aromatherapy to alleviate anxiety, nausea, pain, and insomnia while you are receiving services. 

Each unit is equipped with an aromatherapy kit. Ask your nurse about aromatherapy treatments. Free to patients and their families during treatments.

Bridge Programs

Aurora BayCare provides "Bridge" programs for people who have gone through rehabilitation. These programs include strength and wellness training, providing patients with expert, supervised support to achieve their wellness goals.

After rehabilitation, you can transition to an exercise specialist who will create an individualized wellness and exercise plan. Sessions could include aquatic exercise, strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and yoga.

Bridge programs are available to a wide range of post-operative and post-treatment patients. Ask your rehabilitation therapist for a referral or call Aurora BayCare Sports Medicine at 920-288-5491.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is an effective treatment for chronic pain and reduced mobility. Current research supports that dry needling reduces pain and muscle tightness, which is shown to speed recovery. Dry needling involves inserting an ultra-thin needle into muscles or connective tissues in order to release tension, improve movement, and reduce pain.

Dry needling is performed by physical therapists with specialized training. Visit the dry needling page for pricing and scheduling information.

Integrative Lifestyle Medicine

Integrative Lifestyle Medicine is a treatment approach that provides comprehensive, progressive care for the whole person. Whether you want help treating an illness or you want to take an active role in well-being and prevention, our Integrative Medicine practice will provide the education and support you need for success.

We bring together the best that medicine has to offer, combining conventional medical treatment with a more holistic approach to your care. We recognize that we can improve your health by looking at all the life factors that impact well-being, addressing the full range of physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental factors that may be influencing your health. We aim to identify the root cause rather than just treat the symptoms or disease.

Treatment plans are unique to every patient, but could include laboratory analysis, dietary coaching, fitness recommendations, sleep counseling, mindfulness and stress reduction coaching, supplement recommendations, referrals to like-minded healers  who practice life coaching, acupuncture, yoga and more. To get started, call 920-327-7056.

Massage Therapy

Massages can be a powerful tool to relieve tension and reduce chronic pain. Massage therapy may also improve circulation, range of motion, enhance focus and concentration, and provide an enhanced sense of well-being.

Our experienced Massage Therapists offer several types of body work, including Swedish massage, therapeutic touch, neuromuscular massage, hot stone massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and Reiki. Visit the massage therapy page for more information.

Harp Therapy

Studies have shown that music therapy provides multiple benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety during medical treatments. Aurora BayCare's certified harp therapist provides a sensory experience that supports the healing process.

A harp therapist visits the hospital several times a week and will drop in to patient rooms when requested. If you're interesting in a visit, notify your nurse and/or contact the hospital chaplain team.