Transamazon Hospital has music therapy to aid patient recovery
Partnership with the Traditional Band of the 51st Jungle Infantry Battalion (51 BIS) brings joy to users, companions, and staff
Have you ever heard a song and felt calm, relieved, and even lighter after a tough day at work? In Altamira, this experience is lived by patients at the Transamazon Regional Public Hospital (HRPT). A project at the unit bets on the power of music and lyrics and sounds that can help in the recovery of patients.
The initiative is a partnership between the health unit and the Traditional Band of the 51st Jungle Infantry Battalion (51 BIS). Usiel Anacleto has been hospitalized for over a week, underwent surgery, and is now awaiting discharge. Originally from Anapu, 140 kilometers away from Altamira, where HRPT is located, the patient had to change his routine and distance himself from his family due to treatment.
He reports that he felt better after listening to the songs played by corporals Alex and Joel. “Music brings happiness and hope to us. A moment like this is very great because music brings reflection to our lives.” Since being hospitalized, Usiel's constant company, in addition to the hospital teams that take turns in care, is his wife. Maria Izabel says she noticed the effect that the music had on her husband. “I believe that music helps in the recovery of the patient.”
After a motorcycle accident, Hygor de Souza underwent two surgeries. The ward where he is hospitalized was one of those that received the musicians this week. The 21-year-old young man reports that the discomfort of the post-operative period eased while he watched the performances. “It relaxes our mind,” he said.
The use of music in hospital environments dates back to the 20th century, shortly after the end of World War II, and was a form of therapy for soldiers. Hence the term Music Therapy. Studies show that when exposed to sounds of instruments, songs, and other forms of entertainment, the brain releases pleasure hormones and puts the body in a sort of stand-by, allowing sensations of relief, well-being, and relaxation.
During the process, memory is activated and leads the patient to recall pleasant moments for the mind, as explained by Mylena Sousa, psychologist at HRPT. “Music is very affective, it brings memories, takes you to places, makes you remember moments, smells, colors, everything that has been experienced.” This happens because “there is always an identification of feeling, whether with the lyrics or with the melody,” comments the professional.
This well-being extends to the staff and companions themselves. Upon arriving to visit her hospitalized mother-in-law, Maristela Fonseca says she was disheartened to see her husband’s mother sick, but as soon as she heard the chords of the Army band, an immediate joy arose. “A moment like this is highly relaxing. It touches the soul; you see hope that something better awaits you.”
Another person who will return home happier and more hopeful is Carmosino Ribeiro. “This is very special; it helps us recover much more. I feel much better now,” celebrates the retiree, hospitalized in the pre-operative phase. Carmosino is preparing for thigh surgery and was moved to receive the band’s visit.
With the project, the Transamazon Regional Hospital and the Traditional Band of the 51 BIS have already managed to positively impact thousands of patients, companions, and staff. Music Therapy occurs twice a week. During each visit, the band plays for an hour. Just between March and July of this year, about 700 people attended the performances.
Text by Rômulo D’Castro
