Beyond physio: The role of music therapy in brain injury rehabilitation

Published May 21, 2025In: Clinical Negligence

When we think of rehabilitation following a brain injury, our minds naturally jump to physiotherapy, occupational therapy (OT) and speech and language therapy (SALT). These are vital components of but what if the most transformative breakthroughs happen beyond physio?

Music therapy is emerging as a vital component of comprehensive neurorehabilitation: a powerful, evidence-backed approach that brings emotional healing into the heart of neurological recovery. At our claims conference, hosted on the 1 May, we were join by Daniel Thomas from Chroma. The conference shared how creative arts therapists work alongside leading professionals to integrate music into multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) treating complex neurological conditions.

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is not simply about listening to music. It's a structured, clinical intervention delivered by qualified therapists using rhythm, melody and improvisation to reach areas of the brain and psyche that conventional therapies often cannot. Music therapy is a profession recognised in law and is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. It taps into deep neural networks to aid communication, stimulate motor function and crucially allow for emotional expression.

This matters deeply, especially in paediatric neurorehabilitation where trauma, frustration and emotional dysregulation can be barriers to functional progress.

Why emotional expression is critical

Traditional models of care often undervalue the emotional and dimensions of recovery. Yet time and again, emotional turmoil including anger, inappropriate behaviours and withdrawal are what families and professionals alike cite as the greatest challenges.

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, observed that after six months of music therapy, pupils demonstrated “a heightened sense of justice, increased empathy for others and improved ability to trust others whilst allowing others to rely on them.” These emotional and social improvements were accompanied by better classroom behaviour and concentration, underscoring the importance of addressing emotional well-being in educational settings.

Emotional stability isn't a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s a core requirement for meaningful, sustained recovery.

Challenging outdated assumptions

There’s a prevailing notion that if you have physiotherapy, you don’t need anything else. Research increasingly shows this is flawed. Music therapy doesn't replace physio, OT or SALT. It enhances them.

By working alongside traditional therapies, music therapy can help patients improve motor control, emotional regulation and communication. It uncovers hidden potential, often in children and adults who are thought to have reached their limits.

The question isn't "why add music therapy?" it’s "why leave it out?"

Real stories, real change

At the conference Daniel shared the story of Amy, a young woman with cerebral palsy. He shared how creative arts have helped support Amy's journey, sharing a testimonial:

“It doesn’t have a hold of my voice thanks to music.”

Her words echo what many parents and carers describe. Studies have shown that families involved in music therapy report:

better sleep quality for parents
reduced emotional outbursts
improved communication
improved parental quality of life

Put simply, music therapy helped families breathe again.

A call for integration

At Switalskis we support the use of creative art therapies, urging a rethink of what "standard" care looks like. Music therapy should no longer be seen as an add-on or luxury. It should be built into the core of every recovery plan alongside physio, OT, SALT and clinical psychology.

In fact, NICE guidelines now support music therapy as part of emotional and care in various conditions including acquired brain injury, autism and cerebral palsy.

Looking forward

Arts therapies, including music, are not economically inefficient or alternative. They are essential. They enable true, person-centred rehabilitation, reaching parts of the brain and emotions that other therapies can't touch.

So next time someone asks, “Why music therapy?”, consider asking in return:

"Can we really afford to overlook the emotional lives of those we care for?" Because when therapy includes the whole person, not just the diagnosis , the outcomes speak for themselves.

We’re here to support you

If you or someone you care for is living with the effects of a brain injury, our specialist solicitors can help you access the full spectrum of rehabilitation support — including creative therapies like music therapy.

Contact Switalskis today to find out how we can support your recovery journey and help secure the care that truly makes a difference.