Music therapy is much more than just a way to relax—it’s a powerful tool that can help people with various health conditions feel better and heal faster. Whether you’re dealing with cancer, mental health issues, or chronic pain, music therapy can be a vital part of your treatment plan.
Imagine the simple strum of a ukulele transforming your hospital visit from a stressful experience into a peaceful one. That’s exactly what board-certified music therapist Lorrie Kubicek does for her patients at the Harvard-affiliated Mass General Cancer Center. She helps them focus on learning music rather than their illness, making treatment sessions something to look forward to.
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“Instead of saying, ‘I have to go to the hospital for my chemo,’ patients start saying, ‘I have to go to the hospital for my ukulele lesson,'” Kubicek shares. This shift in perspective is just one of the many ways music therapy can improve the quality of life for those facing serious health challenges.
The Healing Power of Music
Music therapy isn’t just about listening to music—it’s a personalized approach that can involve singing, playing instruments, or even writing songs. This form of therapy taps into the deep connection between music and the brain, helping to reduce stress, ease pain, promote sleep, and enhance focus.
Studies show that music therapy can reduce anxiety during medical treatments, as it helps patients access the relaxation response by calming the nervous system. “Music connects you to a part of yourself that’s well,” Kubicek explains. This connection remains strong no matter the patient’s condition, providing comfort and strength.
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Personalized Music Therapy
Unlike music medicine, where patients listen to their favorite tunes for relaxation, music therapy is a more tailored experience. It starts with an assessment by a music therapist who explores how each patient relates to music and what challenges they face. The therapist then designs a program to help the patient meet their goals, whether that’s reducing anxiety, managing pain, or improving mood.
A 2021 research review published in Psychiatry Research confirmed that music therapy effectively reduces anxiety during medical treatments. It works by engaging the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions, to help patients stay in the present moment rather than focusing on their worries.
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Benefits for Alzheimer’s and Mental Health
Research published in March 2023 by Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy highlighted that music therapy can improve memory, attention, and orientation in people with Alzheimer’s disease. For those suffering from psychiatric conditions like depression, music therapy can bring back energy and joy during dark times, fostering connections across different ages, abilities, and cultures.
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Expanding the Reach of Music Therapy
Regardless of your health condition, music therapy can be a valuable part of your healing journey. You don’t need to be a musician to benefit—just a love for music and a desire to explore its effects on your health. If you’re interested, ask your doctor or local hospital for a referral to a music therapy program, or find a therapist through the American Music Therapy Association.
Kubicek advises patients to find a balance between trying new things and staying within their comfort zone. “When we’re exploring music, often we’re trying something new for the first time,” she says. Music therapy is all about discovering how music can help you heal in ways you never imagined.
