Integrative Therapy The power of Music in palliative care

    Hospice patient John Diaczok looks forward to the occasional visits from his therapists.
   
    Massage therapist Joe Hamilton is the "hands-on" member of the group, urging John to breathe in and out in a calming rhythm.
   
    Music therapists Carla Tanguay and Bree Gordon keep their distance and perfom their rendition of the Beatles' "Let It Be," one of John's favorite songs.
   
    "In this case with John," says Hamilton, "he has a hard time breathing due to his illness, so we use the reflexology to release the endorphins to relax him, which is a natural sedative."
   
    Says Tanguay, "..if he's having some pain, I can meet that, then slowly change the elements of the music and help him relax. So, I'm going to slow down the tempo; I'm going to make the chords a little more soothing so that he can follow me down to a more relaxed state."
   
    What Joe, Carla, and Bree are doing is called 'Integrative Therapies'..a winning combination for patients and families. visit hpbc.com or call 561-848-5200