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Individuals with 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:
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Increasing motor
coordination
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Reinforcing and
providing motivation for physical exercise
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Fostering independence,
self-confidence, and self-esteem
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Motivating interaction
with others
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Facilitating relaxation and
stress reduction
The following treatment examples can be applied to either
individual or group therapy (other treatment types may apply):
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Improvisation to facilitate
non-verbal expression of emotions, to provide opportunities to make
choices, take risks, and develop confidence and feelings of empowerment
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Vocal work
(improvisation or pre-composed music) to facilitate breath support, lung
capacity, and improvement/maintenance in pulmonary functioning
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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.
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Live music accompanying
physical exercise to reinforce the individual's efforts through tempo,
dynamic and rhythm
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Use of mallets, drum
sticks, and strategically placed instruments to maintain and improve
fine motor and gross motor skills
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Songwriting facilitates
expression of emotions and encourages interaction among group members
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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,
click here.
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.
Other pages of interest:
Music Therapy and Rehabilitation
Services
Music Therapy and Homecare
Services
Music Therapy and
Psychological Counseling
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