11 Interesting Facts About Music Therapy

Music therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses music to help clients address their various mental, physical or emotional health issues. Trained music therapists have clients listen to music in order to relax their mind and body, reduce stress and manage their pain or anxiety. This positive response to music can help clients achieve their goals, whether it's beating cancer or overcoming a learning disability. See why so many people have tuned into music therapy with these 11 interesting facts:

1. Music therapy works by stimulating different parts of the brain that are responsible for physical and mental functions

   Music therapy works by stimulating parts of the brain that are needed for various mental and physical functions. Different musical styles, beats and rhythms can elicit different feelings or emotions. Music also has the power to distract the mind and help it focus at the same time. Through music therapy treatment, clients can achieve relaxation, stress reduction and pain management, which makes them more receptive to their therapeutic goals.

2. People of all ages can benefit from music therapy

   Music therapy is beneficial for people of all ages and mental health, developmental, behavioral or learning needs. Music therapy can be done on children, adolescents, adults and the elderly. There is no age restriction or musical talent required to reap the benefits of music therapy.

3. Music therapy originated in Veterans hospitals after World War I and II

   The concept of using music as a form of healing dates back to the days of Aristotle and Plato, but the kind of music therapy that we know today started after World War I and II, when local musicians played for physically and emotionally traumatized veterans at the Veterans hospitals. When doctors and nurses saw the positive responses patients had, they requested that musicians be hired to play in hospitals. The growing need for properly trained musicians led to the creation of the music therapy college curriculum.

4. Clients don't need musical talent to benefit from music therapy

   Clients receiving music therapy treatments don't have to be pianists, singers or play in a band to benefit from music therapy. Music therapy can have healing effects on all people, regardless of their music taste, skill or understanding of music. Regardless of a person's musical ability (or lack thereof), they can still achieve the therapeutic benefits of music therapy.

5. Music therapy uses a variety of music styles

   Music therapists use several different types of music during treatment. There is no one style of music that is more beneficial or effective than the rest. The type of music used in a music therapy session depends on the individual's needs, preferences and circumstances. Although, research shows that patients will respond best to the music they prefer.

6. Healthy individuals can also benefit from music therapy

   The healing power of music therapy is not limited to people with mental health problems or learning disabilities. Everyone needs to achieve specific goals in life, and music therapy has been shown to help people focus on these needs. The average healthy individual can benefit from using music therapy as a form of stress reduction and relaxation, as well as a motivation for exercise or creativity.

7. Music therapy can be used to assist with labor and delivery

   Music therapy has its place in just about any environment – even in labor and delivery! Music therapy can be used to help expecting mothers relax, practice breathe properly and work through their contractions before giving birth. Everything from ocean wave sounds to jazz music have been shown to help mothers relieve stress and get comfortable in their delivery environment.

8. Autistic individuals respond positively to music therapy

   Music therapy has been shown to have a positive effect on individuals with autism. Studies have indicated that autistic individuals display a heightened interest and response to the sound of music, and this form of therapy can help address the social and communication characteristics of autism.

9. Music therapy can help comfort cancer patients

   Although music therapy is not a cure for cancer, it can have a positive effect on cancer patients as they undergo treatment. When combined with conventional treatment, music therapy can help patients reduce and mange pain and relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Music therapy can also aid in reducing stress, relaxing patients and improving their overall attitude and sense of well-being.

10. Music therapy can assist in the rehabilitation of drug and alcohol addicts

    Music therapy can be very beneficial in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Not only does music therapy promote relaxation, stress reduction and anxiety management, but it also helps drug addicts and alcoholics take their mind off of withdrawal symptoms and focus their attention on recovery.

11. Musicians can benefit from music therapy

    Believe it or not, music therapy can also help musicians hone their craft and improve their musical ability. Music therapy can help singers work through vocal problems, improve respiratory function and volume, as well as release endorphins and improve mood. It also has the power to help musicians and instrumentalists with muscle tension and pain management, while relaxing their mind and body.

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