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    Musculoskeletal Wellness Program, Delaware Valley

    Contact Us
    Musculoskeletal Wellness Program
    (302) 651-5911
    Make an Appointment

    Integrated Structural Medical Acupuncture & Complementary Care

    Nemours Children’s provides innovative care for kids with musculoskeletal (bone and muscle) conditions, chronic pain, sports injuries, neuromuscular disorders, migraines, digestive disorders and more. We combine complementary therapies with traditional medicine to support your child’s overall health and wellness.

    Our team specializes in integrated structural medical acupuncture, using painless needles at specific body points to promote healing. Our therapies help to reduce pain and inflammation (redness and swelling) and improve function, flexibility and range of motion. We treat children of all ages, from infants to teens.

    We use a special type of medical acupuncture that’s gentle and designed for kids. As part of treatment, we may bring in other methods like hands-on therapies, massage-like techniques, suction cups and pressure point therapy. Our goal is to help your child feel better, fast.

    The musculoskeletal wellness program is part of our top 10 ranked orthopedic center in Delaware. We partner closely with orthopedic experts to support your child’s existing medical or surgical treatment plans. We also work with many other specialists, like neurosurgeons, gastroenterologists and pulmonologists to care for a range of conditions.

    YOUR CHILD’S CARE

    ON THIS PAGE:

    What We Offer

    We offer integrated structural acupuncture, which can include many different therapies. We use a hands-on, interactive approach that allows us to customize care to your child’s exact needs. Our care can include a mix of the following:

    Medical Acupuncture

    Medical acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing process, and helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation and regulate the nervous system.  

    Our main technique is a Japanese-style medical acupuncture, which involves placing thin, hair-like needles at specific points of the body. We carefully feel the body and find the right spots for treatment. We interact with your child during treatment and adjust the approach as needed.

    Non-Needle Options

    We may also use non-needle acupuncture options, such as:

    • Adhesive patches that stimulate acupuncture points without needles.
    • Cupping, using suction cups placed on the skin to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
    • Acupressure, or gentle pressure applied to specific points to relieve pain and promote relaxation.

    Additional Techniques

    As part of medical acupuncture, we may bring in elements of other therapies. Note, these therapies are not used as standalone treatments.

    • Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), or hands-on therapies that involve moving muscles and joints.
    • Myofascial dry needling, using acupuncture needles to release tight muscle knots and improve flexibility.

    Home Exercises & Lifestyle Changes

    We provide exercises and lifestyle changes to help support healing benefits during and after treatment. This may include advice for better sleep, healthy routines and more.

    What to Expect

    Our team will assess your child at an initial consultation visit. We’ll then schedule treatments for the following weeks. For kids with chronic conditions, this may involve four to six weekly sessions.

    It’s important to know that our treatment does not replace your child’s medical or surgical care. We support their existing treatments, providing holistic care for your child’s overall wellness.

    First Appointment

    At your child’s first consultation visit, we will:

    • Review your child’s medical history and perform different exams to assess pain, range of motion, muscle strength, function, flexibility and more.
    • Talk about your child’s symptoms, concerns and treatments.
    • Create a personalized care plan and walk through it together.
    • Explain the techniques we’re recommending and begin with a gentle introductory treatment, in some cases.
    • Provide education about the therapies and answer any questions you have.

    Follow-Up Appointments

    Your child will have a series of follow-up appointments. During these sessions, we will:

    • Discuss changes in symptoms or concerns since the last visit.
    • Perform planned treatment.
    • Assess your child’s progress.
    • Adjust treatments or methods as needed.
    • Provide guidance on exercises, posture and lifestyle changes to support your child at home.

    Who Can Benefit

    While our program has a strong focus on musculoskeletal health, the benefits of our care extend to many other body systems. We can help children with:

    • Digestive issues (constipation, abdominal pain)
    • Headaches and migraines
    • Respiratory (breathing) problems
    • Stress and anxiety-related symptoms
    • Sleep problems
    • And more

    Our Leadership

    Our program is led by Robert Brislin, DO. Dr. Brislin is fellowship-trained in anesthesiology and has special expertise in integrated structural acupuncture. His experience in conventional medicine and complementary therapies provides a holistic approach to musculoskeletal health and pain management. He offers care at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware and our specialty care location in Glen Mills.

    Learn More About Dr. Brislin

    Conditions & Treatments

    We see kids with many conditions — far too many to list here. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.

    Chronic Pain

    Cancer

    Concussions

    Digestive Disorders

    Headaches & Migraines

    Respiratory Problems

    Sleep Disorders

    Sports Injuries

    Deep Experience, Custom Care

    Our team provides integrated, whole-child care. We work closely with you and your child’s providers to support their overall medical and surgical treatment.

    Our program is led by a doctor who is trained in anesthesiology and integrated structural acupuncture. Your child benefits from this unique, holistic expertise.

    Our program is fully integrated into your child’s existing medical care plan. Our doctor collaborates with your child’s health providers to ensure the best possible results.

    We use a hands-on, interactive approach. We manually assess your child and listen closely to their response. We adapt our care to their exact needs.

    We use gentle, evidence-based therapies appropriate for kids of all ages, from three months to 18 years old.

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    Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video

    We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.

    Learn More