The Therapeutic Effects of Music
The idea that music can have beneficial health effects goes back as far as Plato and Aristotle. Later, the concept of music’s rehabilitative effects was noted in a late 18th Century article in Columbian Magazine, and thereafter, it was the subject of two medical dissertations in the early 1800’s.
Because of its early success, the therapeutic effect of music is now widespread. In the not very distant past, it was employed as a technique to help injured soldiers in their rehabilitation during WWI and WWII[1]. The soldiers often sustained catastrophic injuries including:
- Brain injuries
- Trauma of various kinds
- Spinal cord injuries
- Limb amputation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (although that term may not have been used at that time).
Later, a profession emerged involving using music for its therapeutic benefits, called “music therapy.” The professionals at NeuLife Rehab in Mount Dora, Florida understand those therapeutic benefits and have extracted them for use in the daily lives of our Clients.
Among other benefits, studies show that exposure to music tends to promote self-expression, relaxation and to facilitate positive mood changes. Another study suggested that, when compared with other methods of reducing the symptoms of clinical depression, music was useful in improving mood and was well-accepted by Clients.[2] Therefore, where appropriate to the modality of post-acute rehabilitation being employed, background music may be incorporated. Moreover, tasteful music can be heard in various parts of the facility, benefitting all Clients.
Proper and timely post-acute rehabilitation that may determine the difference between disability and independence is what NeuLife refers to as the “platinum post-acute period” — the crucial window following acute care that is needed to nurture the whole person to health with specialized, clinically relevant services.
NeuLife’s philosophy is that healing, wellness and personal fulfillment are best achieved in a positive and uplifting therapeutic environment where caring staff encourages, assists and supports each client so he or she may achieve specific goals. NeuLife believes personal fulfillment is equally as important as goals to achieve function and independence.
NeuLife, in Mount Dora, Florida, is an accessible residential post-acute program providing specialized rehabilitation to individuals diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Amputations, Burns and other Catastrophic Injuries and Challenging Diagnoses.
2725 Robie Avenue
Mount Dora, Florida 32757
[1] http://www.musictherapy.org/about/history/
[2] Maratos, A. S., Gold, C., Wang, X., Crawford, M. J. (2008). Music therapy for depression.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 1. Art. No.: CD004517. DOI:
10.1002/14651858.CD004517.pub2; http://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/bib_mentalhealth.pdf
