Music Therapy Credited with Gifford Recovery

Congresswoman Gabby Gifford and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, have allowed several interviews lately crediting Gabby’s recovery, in part, to music therapy. Giffords was injured last year after a horrific shooting at an Arizona shopping center. She was shot in the brain and has to relearn to walk and talk.

The brain is a bevy of connections with those connections that are utilized the most becoming stronger over time. The weaker ones become weaker but do not disappear. Neurologists can map the various brain functions and are able to understand which tasks are learned in which parts of the brain. Language is stored in the left side of the brain but music can activate visual, motor and coordination on both sides of the brain. Music also can invoke memory and emotion. Gifford’s music therapist has indicated that "nothing activates the brain as extensively as music".

Music is often used to recover speech not just from those injured but also from those with developmental disabilities. All developmental domains can be advanced with the use of music therapy. Cognitively, music therapy can assist with focusing and awareness. It can calm anxiety. Music therapy can stimulate and organize muscle response by utilizing rhythm. Song and dance can improve social skills and encourage cooperation with others. Often times, it can also raise the level of self esteem and communication, as proven by the work with Gabby Giffords. Emotional outbursts are often diminished by the use of this therapy.

Bridges of Indiana is currently serving the music therapy needs in the Muncie, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Vincennes and Evansville areas. Our therapists will demonstrate that music therapy is a powerful tool in stimulating response both physically and mentally. Don’t hesitate to contact your local Bridges of Indiana office or therapies@bridgesofindiana.com for more information.

Submitted by,

Elizabeth Nelson, MSW

Behavior Clinician