Music Therapy and Neurological Disorder
Music Therapy and neurological disorder programmes can be devised and catered to meet the specific needs of the client with a neuro disability. People living with a neurological disorder may experience paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion and pain. People living with long-term chronic neurological disability may experience social isolation, traumatic life changes and communication impairment in addition to their physical disability.
Music is processed in many parts of the brain, which makes it an excellent tool for people living with an acquired brain injury or a neuro-degenerative condition. Attentive listening on the part of the therapist is combined with shared musical improvisation, using voices and instruments, meaning that clients can communicate whatever their level of ability.
A Music Therapist may use one of the following approaches after carrying out an extensive assessment on the client:
Restorative – using music to regain a skill or function e.g. through Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT)
Compensatory – using music to compensate for losses in conjunction with tools such as memory / communication aids
Psycho-Socio-Emotional – using music to enable emotional expression, engagement in social interaction and adjustment to disability.
Music therapy can also:
- Achieve better muscle co-ordination, balance and strength.
- Develop essential motor skills needed for holding and making use of objects (e.g. a beater).
- Use rhythm to stimulate gross and fine motor movement e.g. dancing, jumping etc.
- Promote relaxation.
- Encourage the use of voice by using wind instruments to facilitate and improve breath control.
- Promotes mental and emotional wellbeing
- Help to boost confidence and self-esteem, improving mood and social communication.
Other Areas Include:
