Harmonics for Health: A New Musical Therapy for Lung Recovery

A new Physical Therapy Program for the lungs called Harmonics for Health is helping patients in their recovery.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation, which is also known as physical therapy for the lungs, is a crucial part of treatment for chronic lung diseases like COPD, emphysema, and asthma.

However, many patients drop off after their first round of therapy and struggle to continue at home.

To combat this issue, the COPD Foundation has launched a new program at Highmark Health called Harmonics for Health.

This program keeps patients actively engaged in rehab through learning the harmonica.

Patients are building up quite the setlist, including songs like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

According to one patient named Ed, he’s been having fun with it and practicing at home.

Instead of telling people that he’s in therapy, he proudly says, “I’m in therapy and learning how to play the harmonica.” Ed is part of the first cohort of patients, but the program is already expanding.

Ahn, one of the program coordinators, says they would love to offer the program virtually in the future as well.

Harmonics for Health is making a positive impact on patients going through recovery for their lungs.