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Parkview Healing Arts, in collaboration with Fort Wayne Dance Collective, brings professional Artists in Residence to the bedside in many of our departments with literary, movement, music and visual arts. Through the generosity of community donors to the Parkview Foundation, we are able to bring the Parkview Healing Arts program to patients, families and our caregivers at Parkview Regional Medical Center and Parkview Hospital Randallia.
“Whether the patient has the ability to move or not, the visual of movement is relaxing for them,” Kristine Agen, music therapist, Parkview Healing Arts, said. “It gives off positive and good energy in the room.” Kristine, who’s worked with Parkview’s Healing Arts program since it was introduced 2 years ago, has been a music therapist in the Fort Wayne community for 17 years. Through her experience, she’s learned the power of the mind. “We encourage them to think about deep breathing and focus on fluid movement. It’s helpful for the brain to visualize that. It gives them something positive to focus on rather than fear or frustration.”
Ultimately, the goal of this team is to empower each patient by reminding them of what they’re grateful for. “Studies show that the presence of live music is 350mg of natural pain reliever. It’s important in the healing process - whether they’re experiencing pain from stress or physical ailment. When music is played, they can feel the vibrations, and the same brain waves that focus on pain, change to focus on pleasure. They will push themselves 10 percent further and feel more motivated with their therapy.” It’s beautiful.
Parkview Healing Arts is available at Parkview Regional Medical Center or Parkview Hospital Randallia. To request a visit from a Parkview Healing Arts artist, patients, families or friends can call (260) 266-HEAL (4325). Please leave a message with the patient's name and location. You can also email Paula Bostwick, director of patient experience, Parkview Health, at paula.bostwick@parkview.com.
