Music Therapy

Music has the power to soothe. When you feel stressed by speech and language disabilities, this relaxing effect may be especially welcome. Plus, music can enhance your sense of well-being and boost your motivation. In this positive frame of mind, you’re in a better position to make the most of your therapies.

Anyone can switch on an MP3 player or radio. But some people take it a step further. Music therapy is a treatment that involves listening to or making music for therapeutic purposes under the guidance of a trained professional. One preliminary study of music therapy in people with brain injuries found that it reduced depression and anxiety. Less distracted by negative emotions, you’re free to focus more energy on your recovery.

A stroke or brain injury can rob you of the ability to communicate effectively. It’s a big loss, because language is vital for relating to others and getting along in daily life. But with a tune in your head and a song on your lips, you may be able to reclaim some of the speaking and listening skills you’ve lost.

there may be a more direct link between music and language. Listening to or making music is a complex brain activity. It activates areas of the brain that are involved in a variety of functions, such as emotion, thought, movement, and hearing. Some of these same areas also may be useful for producing language.

In addition, the human brain has a remarkable ability known as plasticity. This means that it can reorganize itself, functionally and structurally, in response to new demands. Intensive practice of a skill, such as playing a musical instrument or singing, might help the healthy areas of your brain assume a bigger role in language. You don’t need to be a good musician or singer for this to occur—just one who practices regularly.