Music is one of the most revolutionary art forms in the world. It has taken many shapes and forms throughout generations and obtained influences from various countries and cultures. However, its impact on people transcends beyond pure enjoyment of music and can have several health benefits.
Both listening to and learning to play music activates and modifies multiple brain circuits. This is the core principle that led to the adoption of music in the field of therapy and rehabilitation. Join us in taking a closer look as we dive deeper into the world of music therapy!
What is music therapy?
Music therapy is the use of music as an intervention to achieve non-musical goals in therapy and rehabilitation. Many of these healthcare goals target ways to promote wellness, manage stress and pain, improve memory and communication, and enhance physical rehabilitation.
Depending on the patient's condition, the type of music therapy provided can be in the form of listening to or creating music. Listening to music is a receptive intervention where patients listen to music that their therapist plays for them. This can be used to help with processing and expressing emotions or as a way to engage patients with brain damage. The more active intervention is where patients actively participate in the music-making process with their therapist. This can take the form of singing or playing an instrument.
What types of music therapy techniques are used in rehabilitation?
The focus of music therapy sessions depend on the population therapists are working with. Some of the main domains and techniques frequently encountered in music therapy are described below:
Neurologic music therapy (NMT):
This is an evidence-based treatment that focuses on using specific elements of music to treat the brain. These elements of music include rhythm, tempo, dynamics and melody. In this domain, NMT focuses on providing music exercises to patients to either passively or actively engage with the elements of music. Therapists in this domain use strong evidence-based techniques that show exposure to rhythm and music can stimulate various brain regions for speech, motion, and neuroplasticity.
This form of therapy is often used for individuals with traumatic brain damage, stroke, autism and various forms of dementia.
Music therapy and Physical independence:
This involves the use of rhythm and melody to help individuals regain their ability to walk or improve their gait. Music can help patients become progressively more coordinated. As the patient’s gait improves over time, music is gradually taken away. This is done with the end-goal of the patient walking without requiring the use of music.
Music Therapy and Improving speech:
This type of music therapy involves singing to help improve a person’s speech, clarity, tone and volume. By having patients engage in various singing exercises, they can improve their lip movement, breathing techniques, pitch and volume control. Similarly to music therapy for physical independence, music is progressively taken away with the goal of patients being able to eventually speak without it.
What are some challenges of music therapy?
Although music therapy is a promising field with multiple new advancements and research to support its use, it is not without its challenges. As highlighted by Anika Kawamura, MMT, MTA, working as an accredited music therapist in London, Ontario, some of the challenges most commonly faced by music therapists include the following:
Getting Institutions and the Community to the see the value of Music as a form of Therapy:
Although the earliest reference to the use of music in healthcare settings can be traced back to 1789, it was not until recent years that it has been fully established as an evidence-based treatment. Even with its growing popularity, it is difficult for music therapy’s importance to be recognized when other more established forms of therapy (such as occupational therapy) are readily available.
Also, due to music’s reputation as a form of entertainment, it is generally difficult for most of the community to discern it as a form of therapy. This leads to many different views when it comes to using music in a healthcare setting, making it can be challenging for institutions to adopt music therapy and receive necessary funding.
Overstimulation and Anxiety of patients:
Normally, music is a stimulating activity that activates different brain regions, increases movement, heart rate and respiration. While having this stimulation can be a pleasurable experience for most individuals in music therapy, there are cases where patients may feel overly stimulated. This can range from experiencing sensitivity to the loudness of the music all the way to experiencing anxiety.
Advice to Individuals Interested in Music Therapy and how you can get started:
As the field of music therapy expands, you may be wondering which steps to take to begin using music for your health needs. Thanks to input from music therapist Anika, here are some tips to help you get started on your journey:
Do some background research:
Before starting music therapy, research the condition you are looking to treat, and which form of therapy is best suited for it. There are many different types of therapies ranging from occupational to those specializing in orthopedics, sports and geriatrics. Make sure to contact your healthcare physician about which form of therapy would be best to try.
Approach music therapy with optimism and a positive outlook:
When you have little musical background, it can feel very daunting to approach music therapy. Many of us are told from a young age that we are either “musically gifted” or not. Therefore, you may believe that music, especially the making of it, is something that only professionals and/or those with a background in it can do. However, music therapy is not about how good the music you create sounds but about how it makes you feel and the improved skills and coordination you learn from it. Whether it be through listening to music in the elevator, while cleaning or sharing your favorite song with a loved one, music can have therapeutic value if it means something to you.
You can start at home:
Using music therapeutically can start from the comfort of your own home. The availability of music makes it a flexible and adaptable resource that can be used in multiple settings. There are several fun activities that you can try on your own before eventually reaching out to accredited music therapists. Some of these activities include singing, dancing, learning to play an instrument, or even just listening to music.
Overall, music therapy is the merging of art and science to promote healing and rehabilitation. Through the use of rhythm, melody, and harmony, music therapy can lead to incredible therapeutic benefits, whether it’s helping with recovery from a traumatic brain injury, improving speech and/or coordination. As we continue to understand and appreciate the therapeutic potential of music, this form of therapy can progressively expand to bring healing to multiple people.
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