Blue Ridge Music Therapy Populations Served

		Music Therapy and Physical Disabilities
		Music Therapy with individuals with physical disabilities plays an important role in developing, maintaining and/or restoring physical functioning. Music Therapy services can also increase an individual's level of independence, enhance feelings of self-confidence, self-worth and self-esteem, and provide opportunities for personal growth. Therapy can be provided in either individual or group settings. Treatment focuses on:   - Increasing motor coordination   - Reinforcing and providing motivation for physical exercise   - Fostering independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem   - Motivating interaction with others   - Facilitating relaxation and stress reduction The following treatment examples can be applied to either individual or group therapy (other treatment types may apply): - Improvisation to facilitate non-verbal expression of emotions, to provide opportunities to make choices, take risks, and develop confidence and feelings of empowerment - Vocal work (improvisation or pre-composed music) to facilitate breath support, lung capacity, and improvement/maintenance in pulmonary functioning - Instrumental experiences are adapted to make them more accessible and to ensure the experience can be successful while continuing to provide challenges to the individual. - Live music accompanying physical exercise to reinforce the individual's efforts through tempo, dynamic and rhythm - Use of mallets, drum sticks, and strategically placed instruments to maintain and improve fine motor and gross motor skills - Songwriting to facilitate expression of emotions and encourage interaction among group members - Guided imagery, music-assisted biofeedback, and autogenic skills training encourage relaxation, stress reduction, and positive physiological changes (i.e., lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate) For more specific information on the use of Music Therapy with specific Rehabilitation Services, see our Rehabilitation Services page. All treatment provided depend on the individual(s) being served. For more information on service types provided by Blue Ridge Music Therapy, please visit the Services page. Related Information:      Rehabilitation Services      Home Health Services      Counseling Services

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This site last updated 25-Sep-2009