Music Therapy
Music Therapy is a form of creative-arts therapy that helps those that have been affected injury, illness or disability through psychological clinical intervention. It can be either active – in which the person receiving therapy is included in making the music (for example singing) – or receptive – where the therapy is focused on listening to music. Both active and receptive have their benefits. Active intervention can boost confidence, and can improve motor skills, while receptive can reduce anxiety and pain.
Music therapy can be both beneficial to mood and physical health. As already mentioned, it can reduce anxiety, but also depression and with active intervention it is effective in boosting self-esteem. Physically, listening to music is shown to be effective in reducing heart rate as well as respiratory rate, blood pressure, and engages multiple brain regions. This can be important in memory recall in dementia patients, communication and language in patients that have speech difficulties, and can help in physical rehab with patients with motor difficulties as the rhythm in music synchronises movements. It can also help with social behaviours, with social interactions in group settings and self-expression.
Music Therapy is effective as its approach is holistic and depending on the needs of the patient. One example of where music therapy can be useful is with Parkison’s Disease (PD). For starters, it can help with balance and motor difficulties. However, it can also aide with communication. Singing Therapy can help with speech as well as swallowing difficulties. Another common symptom of PD is memory issues, which Music Therapy largely improve. Overall, Music Therapy can offer a better quality of life for those affected by PD.
Manage Your Anxiety