Of Sound Mind And Body - Does Music Therapy Work?
Stephen White
Music therapy assists in overcoming issues that are emotional,
physical, social, and cognitive. This amazing type of therapy
also manages stress, promotes overall wellness, helps in the
expression of feelings, to reduces or eliminate pain, to
improves memory, promotes rehabilitation from physical problems
or disorders, and to betters communication.
1. Who Can Do Music Therapy?
Music therapy is done through a music therapist. A music
therapist first makes an assessment of the clients overall
emotional and physical well-being. The music therapist also
takes a look at the clients level of social functioning,
cognitive skills, and communication abilities. After making
these assessments, the musical therapist designs individual
music sessions for the client. Sessions can, Of course, also
include group music therapy. Music therapy options include
listening to music, writing songs, discussing lyrics,
performing music, and learning through music.
2. The Supporting Research
In integrated approach to music therapy has been shown to help
children and adults of all ages. Music therapy helps those with
developmental disabilities and learning disabilities overcome
their learning obstacles. It also helps individuals with
Alzheimers disease and other age-related conditions regain
their memory. In addition, those who have coped with drug abuse
or who have suffered from brain injuries can benefit from music
therapy. People dealing with chronic or acute pain, including
mothers giving birth, can also use music therapy to alleviate
pain.
3. Hospitals Use Music Therapy
Music therapy is also sometimes used by hospitals to improve
the mood of their patients or to counteract depression. They
also use music to help encourage patients to move during
physical therapy, or to calm patients that need to be sedated
or who need to rest. Music therapy is also used in hospitals to
decrease muscle tension and to help patients relax.
4. Schools Use Music Therapy
Schools even use music therapy to help children be more
successful. For special education students, music therapy is
sometimes included in the students Individualized Education
Plan, or IEP. Music therapy is sometimes used to help these
children improve their communication skills or to strengthen
their physical coordination, that helps them be more successful
in general education classes.
5. Music Soothes The Savage Beast
In fact, the concept of music therapy has its roots in ancient
times, but really gained attention after World War I and World
War II. At these times, community musicians visited Veterans
hospitals and played for veterans who were suffering from
physical and emotional trauma brought on by the wars. The
patients at these hospitals showed notable improvement from the
music. As a result, the doctors and nurses requested that
musicians be hired to come to the hospitals.
6. The Benefits Of Music Therapy
The positive effects of music therapy have been so well
recognized that many insurance companies cover it as a form of
medical treatment. Medicare and Medicaid cover it, as well, so
long as it is prescribed by a physician and the patient shows
improvement from the music therapy.
7. No Musical Inclination Required
You don't need to be musically talented to benefit from this
therapy! Some people believe that only one type of music can be
beneficial for use in music therapy. This is also untrue. In
fact, all types of music can be helpful in helping a client.
The type of music used depends on the clients preferences, as
well as on the individual circumstances and the purpose of
treatment. Also, the clients overall goals from the therapy
help determine the type of music to be used in the music
therapy.
8. Reduce Stress
The reduction of stress in emotionally healthy people can also
be a benefit! Drumming and listening to music can help
facilitate relaxation. Music can also stimulate physical
exercise when doing a routine.
About The Author: For more great therapy related articles and
resources check out
http://therapyadvice.info
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