People suffering from chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD) have a hard time breathing.
It turns out, however, that playing the harmonica can be great therapy. The repeated pattern of breathing in and out through the instrument can help patients become aware of breathing patterns.
That is the idea of the support class, COPD Harmonica Therapy. Nancy Kuster, the manager of cardiopulmonary services at OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, Illinois, started the class as an innovative way for her patients to exercise their lungs.
“It’s the only musical instrument where you not only have to draw in air, but you also have to blow out air to be able to create music. So it’s great therapy for people that have lung disease,” Kuster said.
Entertaining therapy
The group of budding musicians meets once a month. According to COPD patient Steve Peterson of Hudson, Illinois, the therapy is not only a boon for his health, but also comes with a side of entertainment.
“It just helps you. It helps you breathe. And you know, it’s kind of fun,” Peterson said.
Kuster agrees, saying the physical act of exercising the lungs isn’t the only benefit for these patients.
“People with chronic conditions are sometimes very isolated,” Kuster said. “And if you come up with different ideas that bring people out of their homes, bring them around individuals that are experiencing the same type of chronic disease, it makes it more bearable to live with and also improves your quality of life.”
No musical experience necessary
And for those who aren’t musically inclined, Peterson says there is nothing to worry about.
“We’re not going to be on Carnegie Hall. We’re not going on tour or anything,” he joked. “If you do practice, it’s not that hard of an instrument to play. So if you do practice, you can entertain your grandkids around the campfire.”
The free COPD Harmonica therapy group meets at 2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Center for Healthy Lifestyles at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, and at 2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at OSF HealthCare Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac. Call (309) 661-5151 for more information.
Harmonicas are supplied by the group, and you don’t need to have COPD to join.
Learn more about lung and pulmonary services provided by OSF HealthCare.
Last Updated: November 27, 2020