Music is a powerful gift. Music therapy for MS patients can improve movement, coordination, verbal communications, and memory. The power of music is used for stress management and reduces depression and anxiety. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) states music therapy is a “…health service similar to occupational therapy and physical therapy…” The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has an excellent overview of the benefits of music therapy as an alternative/complementary treatment for MS. I highly recommend visiting their website at www.va.gov/MS/articles/Music_Therapy_in_Multiple_Sclerosis.asp. Another great overview can be found at the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) website www.msfocus.org/article-details.aspx?articleID=409.

To find a music therapist visit the AMTA at www.musictherapy.org/about/find/.