Can Music Help You Heal?

Can music be a part of your healing? It’s not just possible, it’s actually being used to help patients of various kinds. Deforia Lane has used music as part of healing therapy for patients suffering from various illnesses including cancer. Here is more information about how music can heal.

WHAT EXACTLY IS MUSIC THERAPY?
Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

Music therapy interventions can be designed to:

• Promote Wellness
• Manage Stress
• Alleviate Pain
• Express Feelings
• Enhance Memory
• Improve Communication
• Promote Physical Rehabilitation

{Music therapy is a 75 year-old profession formally established in 1950. (Nat. Assoc. for Music Therapy). Physicians noted that shell-shocked soldiers in the VA hospitals were more compliant & less combative when music was a part of their daily protocol.

The medical model values data and research and Michigan State was the first university to establish a fully accredited degree in music therapy.  Now there are 8000 music therapists and 70 colleges & universities that offer a bachelors, masters or a Ph.D in music therapy.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH PRACTICING THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT?
After completing a degree in vocal performance (opera) from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, I married, became a mother and when our first son was 5 I returned to complete a masters in music.  “Intro to Music Therapy’ was an elective which took me by storm and my life has never been the same.

It was the perfect merger of my love for music and my need to nurture and connect with people beyond the stage.  I was hired immediately as a music therapist at a developmental center for children with disabilities and was amazed at how music could address the needs of children with autism, cognitive delays, enhance their communication and increase their socialization skills.  Seven years later, I was invited to start a music therapy program at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and that held my heart and soul for 34 years.

HOW CAN MUSIC THERAPY ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF CANCER PATIENTS?
Research has demonstrated music’s significant influence on the brain – it affects both hemispheres. Through MRI’s and PET scans, and modern technology we are able to better understand how to use music to impact physical, emotional, psychological and social well being.

We use it to decrease pain perception, reduce anxiety and depression, increase muscle strength/endurance and improve neurologic function.  Using combinations of guided imagery, instrumental music 60 – 80 bpm, & breathing techniques oncology patients’ pain can be significantly reduced.

AFTER MUSIC THERAPY, WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN PATIENTS?

Mr. Mercer, dignified elderly deacon at his church had a stroke which left him unable to speak.  He tried but his words were not intelligible.  I chose one of his favorite songs – “This Little Light of Mine.”  It was important he be familiar with words and rhythm.

I took his hand and kept time on it by tapping with my hand and began to sing, articulating each word and making continuous eye contact. By the end of the first line he was mouthing the words in time to the music and by the end of the fourth line he filled in the missing word  – “shine”.  By the end of the song he completely sang the entire last line  – the first time he or his wife heard him speak with clarity.

With other patients whose speech has been affected by stroke, depending on what part of the brain is affected, we use a technique called Melodic Intonation Therapy.  This uses the rhythm and melody of music to enable a person to learn to speak again.  It’s transforming and gives hope to regaining a sense of normalcy.

WHY IS MUSIC THERAPY BENEFICIAL FOR PATIENTS TO USE?

Music is a part of our lives from first cry to last breath. We are born having heard for months the sound of our mother’s heartbeat, the sounds of her voice, perhaps he singing or her music, feeling the movement of her walking, dancing.

Music is a part of birthdays, graduations, church services, school dances, ceremonies and brings with it a range of emotions which are imprinted on our mind and heart.  We can use those inherent music experiences to  stimulate the brain to reconnect us with hope, physical and emotional strength.

 IS MUSIC THERAPY THE SAME FOR ALL PATIENTS?

Not at all. Because the experience of music is different for each of us it is best to customize its use to the needs of each patient.  That may change as their illness improves or as their disease progresses.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TYPICAL MUSIC SESSION?

Each session is based upon the specific patient goal, i.e., to decrease pain, improve the quality of their gait, to encourage movement & range of motion, etc. So I may use a wind instrument, recorder, to increase deep or steady breathing and improve oxygenation.

Or a parent whose prognosis is poor may want to write a song for their children or spouse, so I facilitate that process by taking their words and setting them to the genre of music they choose.  Co-treating with physical therapists I can play music of the patient’s preference that supports the force and range of their muscle movement and range of motion.  Sessions vary widely.

 IS MUSIC THERAPY COVERED BY MEDICAL INSURANCE? IF NOT, WHAT IS THE COST RANGE?

In outpatient psychiatric settings it is normally covered and in some inpatient medical settings as well but it is it is handled differently by each insurance company.  For the best information on that because it can differ from state to state our American Music Therapy Association is an excellent resource.  www.musictherapy.org or 301 589-3300.

CAN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS BENEFIT FROM MUSIC THERAPY?
Absolutely. To reduce stress, choose music to calm your mind and body, perhaps to prepare you for sleeping or before a challenging conversation.  To energize you when you’re feeling unmotivated – I listen to gospel music or Motown to clean my house;  as background to start a conversation with your children;  and nothing energizes me more to work out and exercise than music.  You walk farther and longer when you use your favorite songs.

HOW MANY SESSIONS SHOULD ONE PARTICIPATE IN?

Depending on the desired outcome it may be one session or I know some who have been in music therapy for months and years.

HOW HAS BEING A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, IMPACTED YOUR WORK WITH ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS SUSAN G. KOMEN AND THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY?

I identify with the fear, challenge, uncertainty, need for support and hope that a cancer diagnosis brings. I’ve been diagnosed twice within 10 months and I sought help to deal with it in support groups sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Once I began my position as Director of Art & Music Therapy at University Hospitals, I realized the importance of research to find the best treatment and applied and was the recipient of grants from local foundations and national organizations such as Susan G. Komen. I’ve been invited me to share the work of music therapy all over the world for which I am most grateful.

TELL US ABOUT THE PLAY SING SISTAH, SING.
There is great disparity regarding cancer in the AA community.  We contract cancer in greater numbers than our white counterparts and we die from it more frequently.  That is unacceptable to me and I wanted to do something about it. I asked two female friends of mine who look like me and had experienced cancer if they would be share their stories in the form and to sing the songs that encouraged them through their cancer journey.

They both had voices of gold!!  They agreed and together we weaved information into a 20-minute skit about breast self examine, prevention, what treatment entailed and we tried to dispel some of the myths that are so common in our communities (don’t let them cut you open, because the cancer will spread; you can’t get breast cancer once you’re an old lady past menopause; if you have it don’t worry your daughter by telling her – she won’t get it because you have it).

The audience naturally gravitated to the songs (gospel/inspirational) we sang – powerful.  Our dialogue was authentic and transparent, we even offered to show them our scars.  They seemed to identify with us, were easily engaged in dialogue, signed up for free mammograms. We performed this in inner-city high rises, churches and community centers for over 3,000 women.

HOW CAN SOMEONE FIND YOU TO GET MORE INFORMATION?

A: American Music Therapy Association

8455 Colesville Road Suite 1000

Silver Spring, MD 20901

216 301 589-3300; Fax: 301-589-5175

www.musictherapy.org

Deforia Lane answers ‘Text Tom’ questions on the next page.

I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks what can you recommend for me?
I suggest trying to identify what triggers your panic attacks and anxiety. When you feel anxious or sense a panic attack approaching immediately begin to focus on slow, deep breathing. This sends more oxygen to your system and physically helps your body to relax. If you are comfortable closing your eyes, picture a pleasant memory or place.  Music can be used to signal these steps.

Choose from a variety of music on the internet or local library that feels calming to you, i.e., piano, strings, orchestral, hymns, etc., This will vary for everyone, but you pay attention to the tempo – moderately slow, no huge contrasts in volume or dynamics. If you are an outdoors person, you might like music with environmental or nature sounds (birds, ocean waves, rainfall, breeze).

Some people respond to progressive muscle relaxation, slowly tensing and releasing each major muscle group from head to toe; others prefer guided imagery with music, or simply music alone. You can create your own personal script of what relaxes you, then record someone reading it over calming music of your choice. When you identify which music and relaxation techniques are most effective for you, practice them regularly. This way you help to condition your body to respond to these cues more quickly and easily.

I work with students. What music would be great for my classroom?

The music you choose depends on their age and what you want to accomplish. For younger children you can use music as an auditory cue and to set time parameters to begin an activity – to line up, move to the circle, to gather for math. Use the same music each time until they are familiar with it and respond knowingly. Instruct the students they must do so BEFORE the music ends. You can determine how long that should be and the consequences if they do or do not comply.

Test-taking is a good time to play soft music with a predictable, steady rhythm. Your class can vote on what they find most calming. Ask them to bring in their selections (if you dare). Know that music in the background for some may be distracting, while for others it may help them focus.

What music is good for female suffering with dementia who is 87 years old?
Most people will respond best to the music they like most – especially the music of their late teens and 20’s. Identify music that she likes or listened to during her early years, i.e., oldies, big band, Sinatra, spirituals, etc. Long-term memory is sometimes accessible and can be triggered with a song.

If eating, taking meds or sun-downing are anxious times for her, you might try playing recorded music that is familiar and rewarding to her during these times. I have seen seniors stay longer at the dinner table and eat more, or become so engaged with the music that it is pleasantly distracting.

Dr. what about music therapy for someone with a lot of foot pain and respiratory issues? If they’re coughing a lot how do we calm them with music therapy?
Decreasing pain with music can occur in several ways. Music that you enjoy, that has special meaning or evokes fond, euphoric memories, releases your body’s natural opiates such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. So simply by listening you stimulate your body’s immune response.

My research with hospitalized patients found that after one 30-minute music therapy session (listening, singing, instrument playing, creating) that salivary IgA (an antibody in the saliva that fights bacteria) was significantly increased. Check with your doctor to see if elevating your foot, warm soaks and/or gentle foot massage to increase circulation complimented with pain medication is advisable.

I have found that a recorder, kazoo or harmonica can be helpful instruments to maintain or expand lung capacity as well as increase oxygenation. Singing and humming can encourage respiratory function.

How can one implement music therapy with a loved one if their healthcare provider doesn’t agree?
Your healthcare provider may not be familiar with the evidence-based research of music therapy, or he/she might believe music therapy is contra-indicated for your loved one’s specific circumstances.

I have worked with patients for whom music therapy is not appropriate, i.e., it proved over stimulating, increased agitation, greatly distracted them from the intended purpose, etc.) You might refer him/her to the literature on music therapy research and to contact our American Music Therapy Association (www.musictherapy.org)

Dr. Lane, I’m working on removing “stinkin’ thinkin’”. I have cancer and this thinking is interfering with me continuing on accomplishing my goal…any suggestions?

If you are one to express yourself in writing, or who likes talking with someone or a small supportive group, or finding solace or encouragement by learning new techniques, by all means do so. Perhaps allow yourself a designated amount of time (not a lot!) to air your ‘dirty laundry’ – alias, stinkin’ thinkin’, will allow you to at least to release what is going on inside your head. Then move on.

I had difficulty with worrying about the future when I was diagnosed with cancer – both times. One morning I took my hymnal and found many songs that redirected my thinking, reminded me of whose I am and that pointed me in a positive direction. Write your worrisome thoughts on paper, acknowledge them then ball it up and throw it away.

You could take a familiar/favorite tune, remove all the original words and replace them with your own. There are CD’s now with affirming words, scripture, the Spoken Word, etc. that may be helpful. Singing in a group has been shown to improve mood and quality of life.

What type of music has been good for people with mental illness like schizophrenia?
The most helpful interventions I used with mentally ill patients included lyric analysis, creating and composing music, singing, instrument playing, dance and movement, story-telling, poetry writing, drumming, and the use of online self-assessment tools (free!), i.e., Dr. Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages.

I suggest calling your local mental health agency to determine if music therapy is a part of their offering. If not you can call the American Music Therapy Association (301 589-3300) to determine if there is a music therapist in your area with this kind of expertise.

I am a Case Manager at a therapeutic foster care agency in Richmond, Virginia. For my teens that use rap music, writing and listening, as a form of therapy, do you have any recommendations or resources?

Rap is a language with which youth identify and express themselves. Music therapists use rap as a tool for teaching, recall, as a platform for affirming positive thinking, memorizing, goal-setting and for extinguishing negative, anti-social behavior.

You will find the names and contact information for music therapists in your area by contacting the American Music Therapy Association or going online to www.musictherapy.org. Radford University and Shenandoah University have premier music therapy programs with excellent professors and budding music therapists who could be most resourceful.

Deforia Lane serves as Associate Director of the Seidman Cancer Center, & Director of Music Therapy at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Seidman Cancer Center and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. With early intentions of pursuing a singing career, she completed her Bachelor Degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and began graduate studies at the Curtis Institute of Music.

She attended Cleveland State University for her Masters Degree and earned her PhD in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University. She holds board certification as a Music Therapist and is certified by the American Music Therapy Association for Faculty Authorization.

Dr. Lane has designed and implemented music therapy programs for such diverse populations as the mentally handicapped, abused children, geriatric clients, behaviorally and psychiatrically disturbed, adult and pediatric cancer patients and the terminally ill. Among the institutions that she has served as consultant are the Ohio Department of Mental Health, Mayo Clinic, Ohio Hospice Organization, the National Department on Aging, and Sesame Street (Children’s Television Workshop).

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