TMC PULSE

t m c » p u l s e | m a r c h 2 0 1 5 29 of neuro-rehabilitation for patients with brain injuries to increase awareness and purposeful responses, or, in later stages, in the recovery of motor, communicative, or cognitive skills—like the work done by the music therapists at TIRR Memorial Hermann. Music is also used for pain management, whether it's pain due to the diagnosis, a procedure, or during rehabilitation exercises. The Gate Control Theory of Pain explains how using music, such as playing a drum or singing, creates a type of engagement that lowers the patient's perception of pain. "An over-simplified explanation of the gate control theory of pain with music therapy is that when we are going through something painful the brain kind of opens up a pathway to perceive and feel that pain," she added. "And in the brain music is a 'large fiber' stimulation that demands our brain's attention as well. Because the brain cannot focus on two things at once it essentially 'shuts the gate' on the pain pathway and lowers the patient's perceived pain. And that works for babies all the way up to adults. So with a therapist engaging the patient in music, the patient can engage in their treatment longer, they can stretch farther, and they may potentially need less pain medication." The three music therapists at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital also lead group sessions for infants, school-age children and teens. They work in group activities, through song and instrument play, to provide an outlet for self-expression, develop coping skills, and give young patients some sense of control over their circumstances—control they don't often feel when it comes to their treatment. "We have a group, Musical Monday, with school- age patients. The main focus is on social interaction for the kids, through interventions that allow for self-expression and opportunities to be successful," said Jarvis. "So they're working on things like turn- taking with each other and following the leader, and getting to assert their own independence with what they want to play and how they want to play it, fast or slow, loud or soft." "And those do seem, on the surface, like elementary things," added Alyson Ryall, a music therapist and child life specialist at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, "but really they go such a long way because these are things that kids don't get to do in the hospi- tal. Jessica is talking about making choices and assert- ing their independence and expressing themselves. Whereas in the hospital rooms, to take care of their medical needs, they need to be poked and have differ- ent medical tests and things, and they don't get to be in charge of that. So these groups are really important." L ate last year, the Institute for Spirituality and Health (ISH) partnered with TIRR Memorial Hermann to host their annual "Gathering of Friends" fundraiser. Former TIRR Memorial Hermann patient and Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords attended the event with her hus- band, Mark Kelly, and was there to cheer on her TIRR Memorial Hermann therapy team as they received the Caring Heart Award. The event was capped with a performance of the Annie song, "Tomorrow," by Cantor Daniel Mutlu of Congregation Beth Israel. The song is one of particular importance to Giffords, as her mother would sing it to her often throughout her recovery. "For almost 60 years now, the mission of the Institute for Spirituality and Health has been 'to increase awareness of the role spirituality plays in health and healing," said John Graham, M.D., president and chief executive officer of the ISH. "Our Gathering of Friends Luncheon was a beautiful reflection of out mission. Our time together gave us the opportunity to reflect on the impact of the devastating injury Congresswoman Gabrielle 'Gabby' Giffords sustained and to learn more about the compassionate care she received at TIRR Memorial Hermann was touch- ing. Especially, learning of the role music therapy played in her recovery. "It was amazing to see Gabby sing the entire song along with the Cantor. That was a spiri- tual experience for us all. We call them 'sacred moments' where we connect with one another in a deep and profound way." Also during the ceremony, Kelly offered remarks on Giffords' journey, and the support that helped carry her through. He thanked her team of therapists and caregivers from TIRR Memorial Hermann for their role in helping her to never give up. "While Gabby would certainly trade her own life to bring back any of those six individuals who died that day, she is incredibly thankful for her life, and her friends, family and caregivers," said Kelly. "Too many to name. People that brought Gabby from that bottom and into the light […] The power of the human spirit is an incredible thing. To watch how hard people fight to survive, and the fight to come back. I got to see that up close. "Still today when Gabby goes off to do some- thing, like physical therapy, when she gets in the car, the last thing she will say to me is 'Fight, fight, fight,'" he added. "And I think she learned that from some of you in this room. And she reminds me each day to deny the acceptance of failure." G AT H E R I N G O F F R I E N D S

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