Multiple Sclerosis
How can Music Therapy make a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and other Neurological Conditions?
Music has been used to help heal since at least 400 BC when Hippocrates used it to help mental health patients. There are mentions of the healing power of music in the Old Testament. Modern Music Therapy has existed since the end of the WWII and now spans the globe, reaching people of all ages and diagnoses. It has also been seen to make significant improvements in the lives of those with neurological conditions. A Board Certified Music Therapist uses music to help people achieve non-musical goals. The therapist will meet the patient where they are and then help them to work towards change using music. In someone with MS or other Neurological Conditions, Music Therapy has been shown to significantly increase quality of life, memory recall, fine and gross motor skills, and socialization.
Goals can include:
Improvement in Cognition
Improved awareness and responsiveness
Communicating with loved ones
Improved short term memory, attention and recall
Improved pacing in speech patterns
Improvement in Social Areas
Decreased depression
Improved socialization
Expression of feelings
Improved communication with loved ones
Improved speech and communication
Improved short term memory, attention and recall
Improved pacing in speech patterns
Improved awareness and responsiveness
Improvement in Motor Skills
Improved breathing
Improved walking, (gait, balance, and speed)
Improved movement and muscle control
Improved Quality of Life
Relaxation
Motivational
Improvement in mood
Reduction of anxiety (music therapy helps lower blood pressure)
Decreased depression
Improved awareness and responsiveness
Improved socialization
Expression of feelings
Decreased pain
Communicating with loved ones