How Does Music Therapy Aid Recovery from Medical Complications?

Music has long been celebrated for its ability to touch the soul, soothe the mind, and inspire emotional well-being. But did you know it can also play a powerful role in physical healing and recovery? Music therapy is a structured and evidence-based practice. 

This therapy has become a valuable tool for addressing medical complications such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, mental health challenges, and post-surgical recovery. By utilizing the therapeutic properties of rhythm, melody, and harmony, music therapy helps enhance the body and mind’s resilience. In this article, we’ll explore how this innovative approach aids recovery.

​​Enhancing Motor Skills Through Rhythm

Rhythm serves as a powerful instrument in physical rehabilitation. The human body instinctively aligns with external beats, a process known as entrainment. In therapeutic settings, rhythmic cues can be utilized to enhance motor coordination, gait, and overall mobility. 

For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers highlights the effectiveness of rhythm-based interventions, such as music. These approaches have been shown to improve social skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The findings showed that these interventions had moderate to strong positive effects on overall social skills, social interaction, and emotions. They also had a smaller but still meaningful impact on communication.

In practice, music therapists design rhythmic activities that align with a patient’s natural movements. This not only builds physical skills and muscle strength but also fosters confidence as patients witness their own progress. Additionally, the enjoyable aspect of music makes physical therapy sessions more engaging, promoting consistency and long-term participation. 

Post-Surgery Healing and Pain Management

Post-surgery, patients often struggle with pain management. Research shows that those who receive music therapy require fewer opioid medications, experience less discomfort, and recover faster. 

ACS highlights that researchers conducted a systematic review of 35 studies involving post-surgical music interventions. Outcomes assessed included pain, anxiety, heart rate, and opioid use among postoperative patients.

Incorporating music into the postoperative setting is recommended as a simple, low-risk way to support surgical patients’ recovery and emotional well-being. Moreover, not all medical interventions go smoothly. 

Certain medical devices, for example, have been associated with unexpected complications that intensify recovery challenges. One such case involves the Paragard IUD, a non-hormonal birth control device that has been linked to breakage during removal. TorHoerman Law notes that many women who experienced these complications reported additional surgeries, prolonged pain, and extended recovery periods. 

As a result, numerous lawsuits, including the Paragard IUD lawsuit, have been filed against the manufacturer. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering caused by the device.

This is where music therapy can play an unexpected but powerful role. Including music therapy in recovery can bring comfort and ease pain, often reducing the need for medication. 

Coping with Depression through Music

Depression often leaves individuals feeling isolated, unmotivated, and emotionally numb. Music therapy offers a transformative avenue for expression and emotional reconnection. Through active participation, such as songwriting, playing instruments, or improvisation, patients are provided with a safe and creative outlet for self-expression. 

Receptive listening, on the other hand, promotes relaxation, emotional regulation, and a pathway to inner peace. Research strongly supports the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing depressive symptoms across diverse medical contexts. 

For instance, a 2024 systematic review published in ScienceDirect examined the impact of music therapy on adult patients. It focused on those undergoing hemodialysis (HD) for chronic kidney disease.

These patients face significant psychological challenges, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, alongside physical burdens like chronic pain, fatigue, and adverse reactions. The study revealed that music therapy led to remarkable reductions in anxiety, depression, pain, stress, and other treatment-related side effects. 

Music Therapy for PTSD and Trauma Recovery

For individuals recovering from trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traditional talk therapy can often feel overwhelming or inadequate. Music offers a unique non-verbal avenue for expressing profound emotions, making it especially effective for trauma recovery. 

For instance, drumming circles can assist individuals in releasing repressed feelings, while calming music helps to diminish hyperarousal and flashbacks.  

Guided imagery with music (GIM) is another powerful method. In this method, therapists use carefully selected music to help patients safely revisit and process difficult memories. This not only supports emotional release but also builds resilience, gradually reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms. The therapeutic value of music extends beyond trauma recovery into medical care as well. 

For example, a study reported by FOX 5 NY examined the benefits of music therapy for cancer patients. It focused on how music therapy supports them in coping with emotional challenges during treatment.

This program incorporated music therapy into routine care, particularly during the demanding chemotherapy sessions. Some patients have described music therapy as “as therapeutic as chemotherapy.” 

FAQs

What happens to the brain during music therapy?

Music therapy stimulates multiple brain regions, including those responsible for emotions, memory, cognition, and motor skills. Listening to preferred music can enhance brain activity and improve mood, focus, and relaxation. It can also support neuroplasticity and recovery in people facing neurological or emotional challenges.

Who benefits most from music therapy?

Music therapy benefits people of all ages, from children to the elderly. It is especially effective for people with mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, dementia, brain injuries, substance use disorders, and physical impairments. The therapy offers emotional support, cognitive stimulation, and an improved quality of life.

How long do music therapy sessions last?

Most music therapy sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes. Depending on individual needs, therapy can be scheduled weekly or more frequently, for weeks or months. Some therapists also encourage practicing music-based activities at home or in group settings to enhance healing benefits.

Music therapy is more than just a complementary practice. It is a bridge between emotional well-being and physical recovery. By using the universal language of music, this approach helps patients regain control and find relief from pain. It also allows them to reconnect with their inner strength.