The Benefits of Music in Occupational Therapy
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Faculty Mentor
David Schary, Ph.D.
Abstract
Occupational therapy (OT) can be described as the therapeutic use of everyday activities. It functions on the premise of using occupations, or meaningful activities for a person, to rehabilitate or improve a person’s life. Music can also be used therapeutically by a certified professional. Music therapy is backed by a growing body of scientific evidence for the benefits of music. However, the therapeutic use of music is in no way limited to certified music therapists. Many occupational therapists already integrate some form of music into their treatment of individuals through music-assisted occupation, music as occupation, and/or music as preparation for occupation. Nevertheless, not much is known about the scientific benefits of incorporating music into traditional occupational therapy treatment. This literature review will cover the positive effects of music-based occupational therapy. Specifically, it will be divided into sections based on the different areas that music-based occupational therapy can improve. This includes pain, movement, emotion and self-expression, cognition, relationships, and personal meaning. All of these factors can lead to enhanced motivation or participation in the therapy process, producing improved results for the client and occupational therapy practitioner.
Course Assignment
PESH 381 – Schary
Start Date
21-4-2017 12:45 PM
The Benefits of Music in Occupational Therapy
West Center, Room 221
Occupational therapy (OT) can be described as the therapeutic use of everyday activities. It functions on the premise of using occupations, or meaningful activities for a person, to rehabilitate or improve a person’s life. Music can also be used therapeutically by a certified professional. Music therapy is backed by a growing body of scientific evidence for the benefits of music. However, the therapeutic use of music is in no way limited to certified music therapists. Many occupational therapists already integrate some form of music into their treatment of individuals through music-assisted occupation, music as occupation, and/or music as preparation for occupation. Nevertheless, not much is known about the scientific benefits of incorporating music into traditional occupational therapy treatment. This literature review will cover the positive effects of music-based occupational therapy. Specifically, it will be divided into sections based on the different areas that music-based occupational therapy can improve. This includes pain, movement, emotion and self-expression, cognition, relationships, and personal meaning. All of these factors can lead to enhanced motivation or participation in the therapy process, producing improved results for the client and occupational therapy practitioner.
