Music Therapy in Rehabilitation
Music has long been recognised for its profound impact on human emotions, behaviours, and its significant role in culture and society as a form of human expression. In recent decades, its therapeutic potential has gained increasing attention, especially within the area of rehabilitation. Music therapy, a specialised form of treatment, uses the qualities of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs, offering a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
Since its emergence in the post-war era, music therapy has evolved into a recognised profession, significantly enhancing clinical, health, and well-being outcomes for individuals. One branch of music therapy, Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT), stands at the forefront of music being utilised in healthcare. Through meticulous research and brain scan analysis, NMT has solidified its evidence base, demonstrating the efficacy of music-based interventions in neurorehabilitation.
At the core of NMT lies 20 standardised techniques, rooted in scientific research and tailored to achieve non-musical therapeutic goals. Grounded in the clinical neuroscience of music perception, cognition, and production, NMT emphasises the importance of qualified professionals in administering music interventions. These experts possess a comprehensive understanding of music theory, history, and performance, coupled with expertise in the scientific principles underlying music’s use for therapeutic and rehabilitative practices.
In Australia, Registered Music Therapists (RMTs) undertake additional training in Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) and it’s important to note that they are also required to be registered with the Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) and adhere to continuing professional development and a code of ethics. RMTs are highly trained professionals who collaborate with patients and other healthcare professionals across various domains, including speech and language rehabilitation, pain management, limb rehabilitation, cognitive rehabilitation, and neurobehavioral rehabilitation. By tailoring interventions to individual needs, RMTs aim to provide treatment that focuses on the person as a whole.
By leveraging evidence-based techniques, NMT-trained music therapists tailor music therapy sessions to enhance cognitive, psychosocial, language, sensory, and motor functions. Through continuous refinement and systematic evaluation, NMT contributes to the expanding body of knowledge on music’s therapeutic potential in neurorehabilitation.
Integrating music therapy into comprehensive rehabilitation services offers myriad benefits. For instance, protocols like Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) aid in gait training in people with unsteady walking patterns due to stroke or other conditions, by leveraging music’s tempo and rhythm to improve walking pace. The rhythmic cues inherent in music naturally engage the brain, facilitating more fluid movement and supporting rehabilitation efforts.
One of the key advantages of music therapy lies in its ability to motivate and engage patients, particularly those facing challenges in adherence to traditional treatments. Unlike some conventional therapies, music therapy offers a unique blend of motivation, by utilising a person’s preferred music, which can also serve as a distraction from pain, making it a useful service as part of a person’s rehabilitation journey.
Moreover, music therapy actively engages both body and brain functions, demanding cognitive involvement. By prompting rhythmic movements and organising movement patterns, music therapy promotes endurance during repetitive exercises. This integrated approach, often coordinated with other therapies, can yield great outcomes, especially for individuals with communication disorders, cognitive impairments, or behavioural challenges.
Research demonstrates that music therapy can support improved outcomes for individuals with neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), neurodegenerative disorders, and acquired brain injuries (ABI). From enhancing cognitive function to facilitating emotional expression, music therapy can play a vital role in supporting the rehabilitation process in some individuals.
Music Therapy in Rehabilitation: Conclusion
For individuals undergoing rehabilitation from acquired brain injuries or other conditions, music therapy presents a unique approach that could potentially accelerate the rehabilitation process. This is owed to the motivating qualities of music, which act as an active ingredient in rehabilitation activities and stimulate multiple parts of the brain.
By tapping into the multifaceted benefits of music, individuals can feel empowered and heard, while working towards improved functioning and overall wellbeing.
Useful references:
Altenmüller, E., & Schlaug, G. (2015). Neurologic music therapy: The beneficial effects of music making on neurorehabilitation. Acoustic Science & Technology, 36(1), 20-25.
Bibb, J., Bower, J., Murphy, M., Baker, F.A., Hogan, B., Abad, V., Eager, R., Butcher, K., & Tamplin, J. (2018). Music Therapy in Disability: Information Booklet. Melbourne: Australian Music Therapy Association.
Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., Forsblom, A., Soinila, S., Mikkonen, M., … & Hietanen, M. (2008). Music listening enhances cognitive recovery and mood after a middle cerebral artery stroke. Brain, 131(3), 866-876.
Thaut, M. H., & Hoemberg, V. (2014). Handbook of neurologic music therapy. Oxford University Press.
Natalie Oliveri, Director at Creative Therapy Adelaide
Natalie, the singing superhero, uses her magical music powers as a Registered Music Therapist to create harmonious homes and confident kiddos while fighting the evil forces of monotony!
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