Music therapy is defined as “an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets-physical, emotional, mental, social, aesthetic, and spiritual-to help clients to improve or maintain their health”. Music therapy is used with individuals with different conditions such as those with psychiatric disorders, medical problems, physical handicaps, sensory impairments, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, communication disorders, interpersonal problems, and aging. Since the 1940s, music has been used in hospitals because of the benefits it gives to the medical population.
Music therapy sessions in medical environments can take various forms depending on the needs of the individuals concerned. It can range from a simple receptive music listening to song writing, performance of musical instruments or lyric discussion. Today, several hospitals are now widely using music therapy to improve the wellness of their patients. Medical environments like hospitals benefit from music therapy. It is believed that music therapy promotes healing. As an example, Dr. Jane Standley’s research reveals that premature infants who are exposed to music exhibit improved oxygen saturation levels and an increase in weight; thus, shortening their stay in the hospital.
Music soothes and pacifies. Because of this, prior to medical procedures, music listening is encouraged to help ease the anxiety and physiological arousals such as heart, pulse and breathing rates of patients.
Research also suggests that listening to pleasurable music when one is in pain increases the body’s natural pain killers within the brain. The music distracts the patient from the painful stimuli. This is the reason why music therapy is used among burn victims, cancer patients, those giving birth and patients recovering from surgical procedures. Especially for cancer patients who need to be in isolation rooms, music decreases loneliness and depression which leads to improved moods. Cancer patients are able to cope mentally and physically with music therapy.
Music therapy enhances the quality of life. Hospitals are not the only places where music therapy is utilized. Psychiatric facilities and homes for the aged are other institutions which gain from music therapy. Through exposure to music, individuals in these facilities are said to be relieved from stress, apprehension, fear, depression, sleeplessness, and muscle tension. Their moods are improved and they have a lower heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.
In pediatric hospitals, music therapy is considered effective in improving physical, speech and language rehabilitation and in neurological development.
Aside from the benefits it gives to the patients, one also believes that even the doctors and other medical practitioners in the institutions stand to gain from it. Music can relieve them from the stress of attending to numerous patients. The psychological effects of seeing sick people may be too depressing for them and music can help relieve them. Moreover, the exposure to music of the relatives or friends who accompany the patients will increase their coping skills and will somehow normalize the environment.
Based on the above, one can say that music therapy should be encouraged in all medical environments. Lastly, another advantage of music therapy is it does not have any negative side effects provided that the right type of music is played.
Works Cited
AltMD, LLC. "Music therapy and medicine." 2013. altmd.com. Web. 19 November 2013 <http://www.altmd.com/Articles/Music-Therapy-and-Medicine>.
Bruscia, Kenneth E. "Frequently asked questions about music therapy." 1993. temple.edu. Web. 19 November 2013 <http://www.temple.edu/musictherapy/home/program/faq.htm>.
Florida Hospital for Children. "Music therapists." 2013. floridahospitalforchildren.com. Web. 19 November 2013 <http://www.floridahospitalforchildren.com/experience-the-difference/who-you-meet/pediatric-music-therapy>.
Stanford Medicine. "Art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, and imagery." 2013. cancer.stanford.edu. Web.19 November 2013 <http://cancer.stanford.edu/information/alternativeTherapy/senses.html>.
