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Performer Ben Platt talks about the impact MS has had on his family Performer Ben Platt talks about the impact MS has had on his family

MS in Harmony is a cool and really fun way for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones to explore the potential of music therapy in achieving harmony of the mind and body. I’m involved because my sister-in-law Courtney has relapsing MS. This was a chance for me to give to her – and to everyone living life with this condition.”

Ben Platt, award-winning actor, singer, and songwriter

I want to know more!

MS in Harmony: A music therapy resource

Welcome to MS in Harmony, a friendly, supportive, informative space where you can discover the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the body and mind—and the potential effect of music therapy as it relates to the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of MS.

Whether you’re living with MS or the loved one or care partner of a person with MS, you’re taking a great first step in exploring this site.

What’s next? Dive into some videos below or read on to learn a little more about music therapy…

Give music therapy a try—and don't be afraid! You don't need to be musical to do or benefit from music therapy.

Music therapy for your body Music therapy for your body

Body

Learn about how music therapy may positively impact motor function in people with MS

Explore Body videos
Music therapy for your mind Music therapy for your mind

Mind

See how music therapy may help improve long-term memory storage and recall in people with MS

Discover Mind videos
Music therapy for your soul Music therapy for your soul

Soul

Discover how music therapy may have a positive effect on some emotional challenges associated with MS

Experience Soul videos

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy has been used in conditions like MS for years

Music therapy is an established health profession that uses the effects of music to address individuals’
physical, mental, and emotional needs.

  • Music has been shown to affect the:
    • amygdala, the part of the brain that regulates emotion and behavior
    • hippocampus, the part of our brain that controls memory and learning
  • Some people experience sensations like shivers down their spine — or physical reactions like goosebumps — when listening to music. This is due to the measurable effects that music can have on specific parts of our brains
  • Music therapy may help promote both mental and physical functional changes in people with neurologic conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS)

Fast fact...

MS damages signaling in the central nervous system. Listening to music has been shown to help improve connectivity between neurons in the brain.

James Bowen, MD, Medical Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Neuroscience Institute James Bowen, MD, Medical Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Neuroscience Institute

Music and music therapy may have the potential to benefit people with multiple sclerosis

and other neurological diseases in a number of
ways—from the impact that comes with participation in a beloved hobby, to the enrichment of social networks and friendships. Music can also help improve neurological function through the repetitive exercise of cognitive, sensory, and motor pathways. And all these benefits occur while the patient is having fun.”

–James Bowen, MD, Medical Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Neuroscience Institute in Seattle, WA

We hope you enjoy the videos on this site. Please just remember that they’re not a substitute for individualized sessions with a credentialed music therapist.

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