New study finds effective pain relief for sickle cell patients through engaging music therapy sessions
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical CenterIn a randomized controlled trial, patients with sickle cell disease being treated in University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center’s Acute Care Clinic were assigned to one of three 20-minute conditions: a session with a music therapist, an iPod to listen to pre-selected music themselves, or no music at all. While passively listening to music improved mood, music therapy had a significantly stronger impact on aiding in pain management for patients actively engaged with a music therapist.