Therapeutic use of the Arts for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

P eople with multiple sclerosis (MS) face a wide variety of physical, emotional, and social challenges. A multidisciplinary comprehensive care approach is recommended for the management of MS and its consequences, and non-traditional treatments are increasingly considered by patients and health care providers, particularly for the promotion of wellness in the context of this chronic disease. Previous research has demonstrated the benefits of the therapeutic arts (art therapy, dance and movement therapy, and music therapy) in addressing some of the physiological, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual needs of patients facing a variety of chronic illnesses. Our review of the literature suggests that therapeutic art can be beneficial to individuals with MS, particularly in promoting self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and motor control. However, the body of evidence is limited, and further research is needed regarding the outcomes and mechanism of action of therapeutic arts in MS to better understand their role in the management of the consequences of the disease.