In fibromyalgia patients, music therapy can reduce pain, depression, anxiety, and improve sleep. The findings come from researchers at the University of Granada who found that music therapy combined with relaxation techniques can help improve many areas in the lives of fibromyalgia patients. With improved depression, anxiety, sleep, and reduced pain, a patient’s quality of life can greatly improve.
Study participants were fibromyalgia patients from Spain who underwent a basal test prior to treatment, a post-basal test four weeks after the treatment, and another one eight weeks after the treatment.
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The researchers applied a relaxation technique based on guided imagery and music therapy led by a researcher. Patients were also given a CD to listen to at home. Researchers measured variables associated with the main symptoms of fibromyalgia and then the patients were given an opportunity to participate in their own treatment.
The researchers suggest that guided imagery and music therapy is a cost-effective, easily implemented, and overall effective treatment for fibromyalgia patients. The researchers noted, “Further empirical research studies are needed to address other physiological variables associated with the well-being generated by these two techniques, and that analyze patients’ self-efficiency and personal power to get involved in their own treatment.”
Manage fibromyalgia pain through music therapy
Music therapy is an effective mode of treatment for fibromyalgia patients. It is carried out by a music therapist who assesses the patient’s needs in order to create an individualized treatment plan that can involve singing, listening, composing, and moving to music.
Music therapy has been around for many years and isn’t just effective for fibromyalgia. In fact, music therapy can be utilized for many ailments in order to improve patients’ quality of life by helping to reduce stress, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being.
A patient does not need to be musically inclined in order to benefit from musical therapy and there isn’t a specific type of music that needs to be used. A music therapist works closely with the patient to understand their own unique needs and picks music based on those needs. Although working with a therapist is recommended, there is also the so-called prescriptive music that consists of 50 to 60 beats per minute. This recorded version of music therapy also has been found to help lower blood pressure and reduce pain.
If you have been struggling with the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and want to try an alternative mode of treatment, speak to your doctor about a referral for music therapy as it could very well offer you benefits.
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Music can be beneficial to the management of chronic pain, as it can cause physiological changes within the brain in the regions associated with language, memory, and attention. These changes also affect the way the brain processes pain, which can lead to an overall change in the way a patient experiences pain.
Music therapy benefits in fibromyalgia treatment
Music therapy is especially effective for those with fibromyalgia, as it is something that can be done in the comfort of their own home. Fibromyalgia patients are sometimes too fatigued or in too much pain to make the journey to a doctor’s office, meaning therapy that can take place with minimal or no travel is especially favored. It can be completed in your own time, on your own schedule, and is cost effective, meaning that it is easily accessible for all.
Related: Common hearing problem improved with music
