Music Therapy in Neurorehabilitation

Source : Music therapy methods in Neurorehabilitation: A clinicians manual - Baker, F., Tamplin, J.

This book looks at the uses of music therapy within a the field of Neurorehabilitation (another of its many uses) and covers many of the interventions which are used and advised by the authors with their patients to compile a complete guide to other therapists (as none currently exist).

The book covers interventiones which the authors have felt suitable for a range of patients ranging from coma patients through to patients with behavioural problems through to those requiring physical rehabilitation.

 

A chart showing the patient needs outlined by the source book

 A pie chart showing the categorised figures from the patient needs table above.

These charts show how the content within the book has many interventions to help clinicians manage the situations requiring the patient to undergo some element of physical rehabilitation. This is likely to be due to the fact that the book is meant for those treating patients who have an acquired brain injury rather than a disability/difficulty that has been instilled from birth. The fact these 'injuries' are acquired means there has been an incident leading to the brain injury which could range from a road traffic accident to a stroke, meaning these types of injury are likely to have some associated physical injury. 

 

Pie chart showing the most recommended elements of music used within therapy sessions for those in neurorehabilitation

This pie chart shows the recommended elements of music to be used within the interventions, many of the interventions specified within the book recommend the use of improvised music with patients playing percussion instruments. However it is often recommended that the therapist uses the patients personal music choice (pre composed) and asking them to play along or contribute using percussion instruments. 

The use of pre composed music also enables the therapist to aid patients who are in a coma etc as they will be enabled to play familiar songs to these patients, providing comfort and relaxation.