"Here’s the textbook definition for music therapy: It’s using music to meet non-musical goals; to meet some of the physical, emotional and social needs of patients," Allen said, noting that scientific studies indicate that music therapy does help ease pain, anxiety and clinical depression. "The reason we use music is that all of us since the time we were conceived have some connection to music."

That connection can be as basic as responding to a human heartbeat, which has a rhythmic value. It can be tapping one’s toes, singing or feeling an emotional response to a specific song.

"I work in our oncology unit with final-stage cancer patients, and I’ve seen countless times when people are just sitting in a room, waiting," Allen said. "And when you introduce music, it can help family members share memories and it becomes a celebration of one’s life. It can make everyone more comfortable, particularly the patient."

For more information about the music therapy program at Trident Medical Center, please contact Joy Allen, music therapy coordinator at 847.4134.

Trident Health System is an HCA hospital system comprised of three acute care hospitals – Trident Medical Center, Summerville Medical Center and Colleton Medical Center – as well as Moncks Corner Medical Center and diagnostic centers throughout Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton and Dorchester counties. For more information, please visit our website at www.tridenthealthsystem.com or call 843.797.7000.

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