Healthwise: Music Therapy

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Updated: 11:17 PM Feb 22, 2012

When it comes to treating an illness, sometimes the best medicine is not on a pharmacy shelf. In this week's Martha Jefferson Healthwise report, CBS19's Stephanie Satchell explains how music therapy is helping to heal patients in Central Virginia.

Posted: 8:28 PM Feb 22, 2012
Reporter: Stephanie Satchell
Email Address: stephanie.satchell@newsplex.com

Healthwise: Music Therapy

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February 22, 2012

Kate Arnold is a music practitioner and plays her harp for patients at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

"I've played for people in comas, mothers awaiting delivery of babies, it can be anything," said Kate Arnold, a music practitioner.

Despite being hooked up to machines and suffering an illness, Arnold is able to bring comfort to patients and their families through music.

"Music is therapy for many people. It is part of their daily life, it is what they need to recover from a stressful time or an illness or pain," said Martha Hunter.

While Arnold says unrecognizable tunes calm patients the best, there is one song that is a hit with most.

"You wouldn't believe the success I've had with Puff the Magic Dragon," said Arnold.

That's what she plays in the Infusion Center to help patients relax during a massage treatments.

"Its just another way we can create a healing environment and its all about the patient. Patient centered health care, it's just another tool that we have that we can offer the patients in a time of distress," said Hunter.

Proving that treatment isn't always in pill formation, sometimes all you need is a nice melody to soothe your soul.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Beth Location: Charlottesville on Feb 22, 2012 at 10:14 PM

What a great ministry she provides thru her harp playing. It is very soothing and uplifting when you as the patient have mostly been subject to unpleasantries during your illness/treatments. Again thank you so much for playing for me, and especially for picking Puff the Magic Dragon.

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