Exploring the Benefits of Music Therapy in Patients with Cerebral Palsy
Music therapy
Author: Andrés Buitrago Modified date:
How can music therapy benefit people with cerebral palsy?
People with cerebral palsy can have a variety of difficulties with movement, language, expression, and cognition, among other areas. Music therapy, by using music as a therapeutic tool, stimulates these aspects and strengthens the mood, promotes movement through musical instruments, encourages language improvement and strengthens cognition. By engaging in activities that may seem playful, patients encounter no resistance to music therapy. These activities are planned and executed strategically, focused on specific objectives according to the needs of each individual.
What are the main goals of music therapy in the treatment of cerebral palsy?
In general terms, music therapy establishes a series of objectives that develop over time. At first, it focuses on self-esteem and a sense of achievement. Subsequently, movement re-education is worked on, which involves learning to better control the extremities through the strategic use of conventional and technological instruments specifically designed for this purpose. Finally, emotional expression is addressed, opening a channel for the communication of emotions through music and working on the specific needs of each individual and their environment. It is worth mentioning that these objectives do not follow a specific order, since each person has their own rhythms and dynamics. In the initial meeting, the needs are identified and priorities are established in the planning of the music therapy sessions.
What types of techniques and approaches are used in music therapy to address the specific challenges of people with cerebral palsy?
During music therapy sessions, various methods established by the discipline are employed, such as the receptive approach, composition, improvisation, and re-enactment. Each of these methods has specific techniques according to the established objectives. It is important to mention that in my specialty, technological devices are used for music therapy in patients with limited movement. These devices facilitate interaction with instruments programmed according to the preferences of each patient. Regarding the approaches, for the specific treatment of cerebral palsy through music therapy, techniques typical of the MT-N neurological music therapy approach are used, as well as the Nordoff Robbins creative music therapy approach. Approaches such as guided imagery and analytical music therapy are also used. As always, the choice of approach is based on the specific needs of the individual and the session.
What are the positive effects that have been observed in patients with cerebral palsy after participating in music therapy sessions?
As mentioned above, music therapy provides well-being in various aspects of individuals' lives. One of the main difficulties faced by patients with cerebral palsy is the interaction with conventional instruments. However, through the use of the aforementioned technological devices, a significant change in your mood occurs. Realizing that they can "make music" through the movements of their limbs, they experience an improvement in their self-perception and self-esteem, strengthening their confidence. This opens a channel of expression and communication through music. In addition, by participating in repetitions of the music during the sessions, greater physical activity is promoted and the precision of the movements of the arms and hands is improved. This translates to uGreater independence in daily activities such as personal hygiene, eating and the use of assistive technology, among others.
What role does music play in the development of motor, cognitive and communication skills in individuals with cerebral palsy?
Music is an integral part of the lives of all human beings. It marks important moments and accompanies us in our daily routine. Allows patients to express feelings and emotions that may be difficult to put into words. At the neurological level, music stimulates the global activation of the brain, both in listening and in interaction, which favors communication, cognition and serves as a valuable tool to reduce anxiety. Music therapy uses music as a universal, attractive and pleasant language for most people. It provides a wellness space where different needs can be addressed using this powerful tool.
How is music therapy tailored to the individual needs of each person with cerebral palsy, considering their unique strengths and limitations?
As mentioned above, we are constantly developing assistive technologies that combine electronics, programming, and music production to provide overall wellness. These instruments adapt to the movement possibilities of each individual and are programmed according to their musical preferences. In addition, we use tools and songs edited to address the different therapeutic goals of individuals. We seek to create highly motivating spaces that promote progress and the achievement of the therapeutic objectives established in each person's treatment plan.