Music Therapy in PM&R

[antigooner]

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Is anyone familiar with the use of music therapy in PM&R applications? I do recall reading a study that showed improved results for Parkinson's patients who practiced gait training with a metronome or music.

In particular, I'm interested in which institutions with a PM&R residency might have opportunities work with music therapists and possibly conduct studies on its usefulness in PM&R. If anyone has info on this, I would really appreciate your input!

 

[Jitter Bug]

Well right now I don't think payors will reimburse for true music therapy, so you won't find much of it around. One of the large hospitals in my town offers music therapy and cool stuff to inpatients (aromatherapy, massage, music therapy: usually for anxiety/pain) through a private grant from hospital donors.

I wouldn't call gait training to a metronome music therapy per se. Anyone can use a metronome. Also speech therapist may try to have apraxic or aphasic patients sing a tone to improve their ability initiate speech. Doesn't make them vocal coaches or musicians.

I think that is different than what I would consider music therapy, which would be skilled performance of music (vocals, instruments, rhythms etc) in order to alleviate distressing symptoms or augment speech or motor patterns.

Maybe a music therapist will stumble across this thread and have more to say.

 

[Punkn]

We have a music therapist (and her intern) at Case Western MetroHealth who're available to all of our inpatients. I believe they do group and individual work (drum circles, songs as well as several individual instruments available such as piano, guitar, flute). The patients really enjoy it. Sorry I don't have very many specifics.

 

[koyaanisqatsi]

I trained at BCM/UT and spent many months at TIRR. The music therapists there were excellent and worked with just about all of our inpatients with brain injuries. PM me and I can give you more details.