Why A Massage Therapist Would Use Music Therapy

Massage therapy is holistic therapy.  That’s why we call ourselves Hudson Holistics, and why we look to integrate different kinds of therapy in our practice.  When done properly, massage therapy doesn’t merely reduce stress or help with muscular issues – it can also help bring mind and soul together and improve a person’s mental state as well!

One technique that’s gaining increasing popularity, and our own massage therapists serving Briarcliff Manor, Pleasantville and Ossining, NY, happily endorse is music therapy.  Music is one of the most fundamental forms of human communication, and it can have a profound effect on both our bodies and our minds.  This isn’t wishful thinking – plenty of medical studies have shown solid links between music and healthfulness.

Going to A Massage Therapist in Briarcliff Manor, NY? Expect Some Good Music!

If you want a clear-cut example of just how powerful music therapy can be, look at the story of jazz singer Melody Gardot.  When she was 19, a speeding motorist hit her while she was bicycling, causing severe damage.  She was suddenly unable to walk properly or communicate, and she suffered from constant pain.

The idea of her regaining a normal life seemed almost impossible, but her doctor encouraged her to practice music alongside her physical and surgical rehabilitation.  Melody re-learned how to talk by teaching herself to sing.

Within five years, she released her million-selling album called “My One and Only Thrill” that garnered three Grammy nominations for her Blues and Latin-influenced sounds.

Obviously, not everyone will get such dramatic results from music therapy.  After all, it sounds like the old “Doctor, will I be able to play piano after my surgery?” joke, except for real.  But the fact is, music therapy IS effective.  Music is an activity which unites the brain, making use of both of the brain’s hemispheres.  It can also easily involve the body as well.  After all, how many among us can resist tapping our feet or fingers when we hear a good beat?

Why is this?  Well, it’s a topic that sees a lot of research – but one theory that’s growing in popularity is the idea that early hominids (that is, our ancient pre-human ancestors) communicated tonally before they evolved vocal cords. We may have actually sung before we could talk, and that would explain why music appreciation is so universal across all humanity.

In the meantime, our massage therapist in Briarcliff Manor, NY, happily utilizes music at her clinic.  Contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment!