My Family Doctor
A family practitioner for over 25 years, Dr. Hubbard knows the medical world inside and out. Frustrated by managed care and the lack of time doctors were able to spend educating patients, he launched James Hubbard's My Family Doctor: The Magazine That Makes Housecalls, a national magazine written by health care practitioners that is his answer to hurried doctor visits, conflicting medical studies, and complicated treatment options.
Does Music Therapy Work?
A psychiatrist's opinion
Remember the 1989 standoff with Manuel Noriega, the deposed leader of Panama? The American military surrounded his hideout with loudspeakers and blasted rock music, day in and day out. Anyone who's seen footage of Noriega’s capture (or who has a neighbor with a high-powered hi-fi) understands that loud, unpleasant music can drive you crazy.
But can music do the opposite? Can the right music, played at the right volume, affect the course of medical ailments, soothe the nerves, or enhance quality of life? Studies say yes!
What is music therapy? Music therapy uses sound or music to improve the outcome of, or provide comfort to, medical patients. Practitioners generally have a bachelor's degree that includes over 1,000 hours of training.
The therapy may be done with individuals or groups and might involve listening to or playing music, writing music, or creating or discussing lyrics. Some music therapy incorporates movement and dance, and some is done at the bedside or even during surgery while the patient is under anesthesia.
How does music therapy work? Music therapy is based on the principle that the body responds to passive music listening, active music production, and the experience of sharing music with others. The brain, experts theorize, is programmed to respond to music's regular beat and rhythm. Slower beats can slow down brain waves down and induce relaxation; faster beats can stimulate the brain.
While researchers haven't completely tested these theories, we do know that the part of the brain involved in musical awareness is closely linked to the part that controls emotions. It's also a generally accepted medical truth that reducing stress can help people control the symptoms of illnesses.
What does music therapy help? Studies have shown that music therapy can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety. Cancer patients who get music therapy in addition to chemotherapy report less nausea, anxiety, and pain in the initial phases of treatment. Stroke patients who get music therapy have not only more motivation and better moods, but also an improvement in their movement recovery.
Moreover, music therapy may benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities and adults with Alzheimer's disease. Because music therapy is closely linked to other forms of stress reduction, it might also be helpful for depression, anxiety disorders, and memory enhancement.
Even if it doesn't cure all your ailments, unlike other therapies your doctor may recommend, music therapy won't hurt a bit!
By Scott Haltzman, MD
Contributing Writer
My Family Doctor Blog
[Last updated and/or approved August 2009, James Hubbard’s My Family Doctor Web site.]
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