Music therapy and inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

This paper presents two comparative views of inflammatory bowel disease. One is from the general medical literature; the other is that of a music therapist who has played extensively with patients who have the disease. The music therapist was unaware of the medical descriptions of the disease when she made her descriptions of the musical improvised playing of such patients. It is apparent from both sets of descriptions that they have elements in common such that a dialogue can occur between medical practitioners and arts therapists. Some implications for the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease are also discussed.