FLINT (WJRT) –
(11/19/13) – The big breakthrough treatment for patients with lung problems may turn out to be – the harmonica! It helped one man turn his passion into a medical treatment that may benefit him and countless others.
Music has always been a huge part of Larry Rawdon’s life. “I think it transports people to a different, a better place,” he said.
Larry was a professional cellist for 30 years but, more recently, he took up the harmonica, “I love playing the harmonica. it’s a great outlet.”
But it has turned out to be much more than that. After surviving two lung transplants, Larry noticed that his passion could also be a form of therapy.
Larry saw a big difference when he took lung tests. “My scores were always substantially elevated after playing the harmonica,” he said.
His doctor, Cesar Keller, took notice right away. “I knew I could not just ignore what he was saying because this guy knows what he’s talking about,” he said.
Keller, of Mayo Clinic Florida, says playing the harmonica can strengthen a patient’s diaphragm, much like standard rehab exercises do. But, the harmonica is more fun and patients are more likely to stick with it.
“If you can keep your respiratory muscles and your diaphragm as strong as possible, the disease will be better,” because, Dr. Keller says, the repetitive tones make the muscles work.
The harmonica is by no means a replacement for standard pulmonary therapy, Keller says, but adding the instrument to the mix could be beneficial. “This is a great idea,” he said.
Larry couldn’t agree more. “I really do think music is oxygen for the soul.”
Dr. Keller says that like most rehab programs, harmonica breathing exercises should be done three to five times a week.
Larry now teaches harmonica lessons to fellow patients as a supplemental pulmonary rehab exercise.
Playing the harmonica may also benefit people with other respiratory conditions, such as asthma and COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.