There are professionals in the health sector whose specialty is offering treatments similar to tailored suits with the help of music. The harmony, the lyrics of the songs, the repetition of the sounds, the musical reading or the melody are some of the elements that music therapists analyze to establish their personalized sessions for patients affected by a specific ailment. The deficits and needs of the patient are evaluated taking into account factors such as their age, their culture or their emotional state.
Depending on the technique, these sessions are individual or in groups, and people of any age can benefit. The use of musical instruments, guitar case and portable keyboard, is also frequent. “This is an option that complements standard rehabilitation,” explained David Ezpeleta, secretary of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN). Dr. Ezpeleta assures that, ” in good hands and selecting the objectives well, it can be very effective .” In addition, music therapy can be used in multiple ailments. In relation to neurorehabilitation, studies indicate that patients with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, those affected by a stroke or even people in a vegetative state are the ones who best respond, from a cognitive and motor point of view, to these stimuli sonorous.
Listening to music is not the same as perceiving a noise, since the first one arouses our attention. Ezpeleta explains that it activates numerous brain areas, from areas related to the auditory pathways to the so-called musical syntactic network, where what we hear is interpreted. It also ignites the structures involved in rhythm, various motor areas of the cerebellum, and all limbic structures related to the pleasurable and emotional aspects of the musical experience.
In addition, music therapy stimulates the autonomic nervous system –with beneficial cardiovascular effects– and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The latter reduces the secretion of cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. “Can not generalize; they are subtle but real changes. Music therapy does not mean that children are smarter for putting Mozart on them ”, clarifies the expert. The sessions must be carried out by professionals who combine musical, psychological or pedagogical skills, since they work with patients at different clinical levels.
It is a complementary therapy
This idea is supported by the general director of the Music Therapy and Health Foundation David Gamella: “Music therapists can see the reactions by observing the heart rate, oxygen saturation or respiratory rate of patients,” he explains. One of the main demands of professionals is to obtain recognition from the Ministry of Health. Of course, Gamella agrees with Ezpeleta on the importance of emphasizing that, “ in the hospital context, music therapy does not cure anything; we work in an interdisciplinary way ”. In other words, the music therapist follows the indications of doctors and nurses and, in the social sphere, of psychologists and social educators.
“Music is one of the inputs that makes the brain work the most. It’s not that it’s a panacea, but it does stimulate higher functions a lot, ”continues Gamella. The specialist defines himself as “a professional who takes measures and designs treatments according to the needs of the patient. We are the sound tailors of musical therapies ”.
By Daniela González
