Music Therapy Program - Memorial Rehabilitation Institute

Biomedical researchers have concluded that music is a highly structured auditory language involving complex perception, cognition and motor control in the brain.

Therefore, it can be used effectively to retrain and re-educate the injured brain.

Music therapy sessions at Memorial Rehabilitation Institute incorporate a variety of instruments, singing and/or listening.

Alan Novick, MD, Medical Director, Memorial Rehabilitation Institute, says music therapy is very helpful, particularly with some stroke victims, or those who have suffered a brain injury.

The use of music therapy has increased dramatically in recent years. Over the past two decades, new brain imaging and electrical recording technologies have allowed medical professionals to watch the human brain while people perform complex cognition and motor tasks.

This research has shown the areas of the brain involved in music are also active in processing:

Language
Auditory perception
Attention
Memory
Executive control
Motor control

Music can effectively access and activate these systems. Movement and muscle control improvement can be achieved through music therapy.

Therapists work with patients to follow a steady beat and work with them on recognition of musical timing and rhythmic patterns. Activities often include playing a drum to boost range of motion in the upper extremities, exercising to upbeat music to build strength and stamina, or the use of music to complement a normal walking pattern to improve mobility.