In a 1986
paper published by the Journal of Music Therapy, a research associate at the Dana Farber
Cancer Institute described the effects of music therapy on women in labor. For
ten contractions, women listened to songs they had
previously used as part of their relaxation techniques. They then
alternated five music-less minutes for the duration of labor.
The women
reported fewer pain responses--tense muscles, clenched teeth, raised shoulders
and requests for painkillers--while music played. As I've said in earlier blogs, music is a
great analgesic for pain!
Dentists
have also discovered the effect of music on patients who wear headphones while
having dental procedures. The music
blocks the sound of the drill, diminishes pain, and reduces patient
anxiety. Next time you go to the
dentist, ask to have headphones with your favorite music, or bring your own
ipod!
More and
more hospitals are using music to speed healing and relax patients during
surgery and in post-operative situations.
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| Music can relieve pain at the dentist's office |
