Shakespeare once famously said, “if music be the food of love, play on.” Music is a dominant source of self-expression, and you can tell a lot about a person by their taste in music. Music can evoke memories and emotions; it can make you remember as quickly as it can make you forget. Yes, you really can get lost in music.
As a Therapy, Music is a brilliant way of tapping into a patient’s emotions and sometimes being able to use it as a key to unlock their feelings, of pain, aggression or depression. Using Music as therapy is suitable for children and adults, both young and old. Music has many benefits and can improve a state of mind, creating a train of positive thoughts that take your patients back to a happier time and place resulting in a feeling of calm.
For this reason, playing background music in your consultation room can have a really positive effect on your patients, especially if you ask them for their musical choice ahead of their appointment. Creating a set of calm will encourage your patient to relax and not hold back during their consultation or treatment. Offering a relaxing and calming atmosphere will help both practitioner and patient get maximum benefit from the appointment
It is important to choose a source of consistent, calming music – a dedicated soundtrack. No one will want to listen to annoying announcements that cut across the music or signal interference if the weather is bad.
For more junior patients, why not consider a small selection of musical instruments in the designated play zone? Allowing children to run free with their imagination before their medical appointment is a great way to help them relax, let off steam and focus on a more fun and creative pastime.
Don’t forget you should also consider the type of music you play for your staff who support your business with admin. You will not want your staff listening to soothing music that will make them relax while they are working. Choose a selection that is motivating and energetic and appropriate for their working environment. It is important that you create two separate sound systems to ensure the correct music is played. Anxious patients will not want to hear heart-pumping music whilst waiting for or during their much-anticipated appointment.
What kind of music do your patients find therapeutic? We would love to hear from you.
You can read more about Music Therapy by checking out The British Association of Music Therapy.
If you are considering a refurbishment of your medical centre, please call us on 01462 732 991, and we can discuss what we feel would work for your type of environment.
