Physical impairment
The term physical impairment can indicate a range of different conditions. These include congenital disabilities such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida and progressive conditions such as muscular dystrophy. We also include here conditions that create lung weakness, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or lung disease.
Neurological disorders, which can also cause severe physical impairment, are treated separately as they form a specific area of work.
Potential benefits
Every course of music therapy is different, and there are no set results. However, some of the ways that people with physical impairment have been found to benefit from music include:
- rhythm of music stimulates movement
- achieving better muscle co-ordination, balance and strength
- developing motor skills needed for holding and making use of objects (e.g. a beater)
- helping to co-ordinate muscle patterns needed for walking etc.
- music promotes relaxation which in turn is good for releasing muscular tightness
- use of voice and wind instruments facilitates language development and improves breath control for those with breathing difficulties, promoting physical health
- increased mobility improves mental and emotional wellbeing
- boosting confidence and self-esteem, improving mood and social skills
Look up the Research evidence for using music to help people with physical impairments.
