Why Use Music Therapy with Brain Injury?
Music Therapy lights up the entire brain. For those with brain injury, it can help to find the areas that are still working, and find ways to strengthen areas that are damaged.
Music shares neural systems with functions such as memory, motor control, gait, rebuilding neural pathways, language, executive function, emotion and attention. For those with damage to areas responsible for these processes, music can optimize their function and play a key role in the rehabilitative process. Neurologic Music Therapy targets the following domains:
- Sensorimotor
- Speech and Language
- Cognition (i.e. Attention, Memory, Executive Functioning)
And we use the following model for treatment:
- Assessment
- Establishment of Goals and Objectives
- Development of a therapeutic exercises to address goal areas
- Generalize skills gained to everyday life
We provide both group and individual services for children, adolescents and adults with brain injury. We enjoy seeing these clients make progress and grow through music!
Who Does Music Therapy Benefit?
STROKE
TBI
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
What Areas Does Music Therapy Address?
Speech and Language
People with brain injuries often find that they are able to sing even if they cannot speak (or have difficulty speaking). This is because music stimulates other areas of the brain that still allow for speech output even if there has been brain damage. Music Therapists use music to strengthen these areas of the brain and can help in regaining speech and language function.
Sensorimotor
A music therapist can design exercises to target motor processes and improve coordination, strength, and endurance. Some of these techniques include Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) for gait training, and Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP) for various motor functions.
Cognitive
Music Therapy can be used effectively for cognitive rehabilitation with a focus on memory, attention, and executive function. Many people find it easier to focus on musical stimuli vs. other stimuli, and we all know that it is easier to memorize information when it is put to music (i.e. the ABC’s). Music Therapists use various techniques to develop and strengthen these skills for those with brain injury.