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Music Therapy  
by Julia Weis,
M.D.
Updated by Lesley Andrews, M.D - April 2006
Music therapy, now a Board Certified allied
health profession, is becoming more popular as an alternative therapy for many
health issues. In its many different forms, music therapy is used to help
with the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of a patient's illness.
Music therapy is the controlled use of music to help with the suffering and pain
of a patient. Not only can music therapy be used for the patient, but also
for friends and family who are suffering as well.
Music therapy comes in many different forms and varies
based on the patients condition and preference.
Some variables include live versus recorded music, choice of instruments,
genre of music, timing of the therapy, therapist selection, and volume.
Music therapy can range from a patient listening to music throughout
surgery to a music therapist working with a
specific patient population on a regular basis. Music therapy can be
passive or active. Some patients may be comatose and unable to participate
in the therapy, whereas others may take part in the music by playing an
instrument, or even participating in composing the music. Music therapy
can be used alone or in conjunction with other techniques, such as guided
imagery.
This page was last updated on
07/20/06. |
