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Please note that STROKENEWSLETTER NET is operated by a stroke survivor and is not managed by a licensed medical professional. All stroke therapies and rehabilitation methods mentioned should only be performed under the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult with your doctor or a certified medical professional before starting any new treatment or therapy regimen.
The Role of Music in Stroke Recovery: How a Favorite Song Can Be Therapy
Intro:
Music has a way of reaching places in our hearts and minds that nothing else can. For many stroke survivors, music becomes more than just entertainment—it becomes part of their healing journey. In this month’s newsletter, we’re exploring how a favorite song can truly be therapy.
The Healing Power of Music:
When you think about recovery after a stroke, most people picture physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. But one powerful form of healing is sometimes overlooked: music. Music has an incredible way of reaching parts of us that words and exercises simply can’t. A favorite song can stir memories, bring comfort, and even help retrain the brain after a stroke. For many survivors, music becomes not just background noise—it becomes therapy.
Listening to a beloved song often feels like reconnecting with a piece of yourself that the stroke couldn’t take away. That old favorite tune you grew up with, the song that played at your wedding, or the one that always lifts your mood on a hard day—it has the power to spark joy and comfort in ways nothing else can. In those moments, you’re not thinking about what’s been lost; you’re simply feeling the rhythm, the melody, the connection.
Science Meets Emotion:
Research backs this up, too. Studies have shown that music can activate multiple areas of the brain at once, including regions involved in movement, memory, and speech. That’s why tapping your foot to a beat or singing along to lyrics can do more than just feel good—it can literally help rewire the brain. For stroke survivors struggling with speech, singing words can sometimes come easier than speaking them. This is why music therapy is increasingly used as part of stroke rehabilitation.
But beyond the science, there’s something deeply personal about the role music plays in recovery. Music gives you permission to feel, to release emotions you might not have words for. It can bring comfort on lonely days, motivation when therapy feels hard, or simply a sense of normalcy when life feels turned upside down.
Music in Daily Life:
For survivors, finding the right songs can become part of the healing process. It might be a playlist of calming tunes to ease anxiety, or upbeat music to fuel a therapy session. Sometimes, it’s about rediscovering songs from the past that hold powerful memories. Other times, it’s about exploring new music and creating fresh associations with this new chapter of life. Every song that resonates is like a step forward, a reminder that joy and growth are still possible.
At the heart of it all, music is more than sound—it’s connection, healing, and hope wrapped into one. Stroke recovery is a long and often challenging journey, but music offers moments of light along the way. Whether it’s humming your favorite melody, singing in the shower, or letting a playlist carry you through a tough day, never underestimate the role music can play in bringing comfort, strength, and a sense of self back into your life.
Sidebar Extras:
Recovery Playlist Ideas
Relax & Restore – calming instrumentals for stress relief
Motivation Mix – upbeat tracks to get moving during therapy
Feel-Good Classics – familiar hits that lift your mood instantly
(Tip: Search these keywords on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music to get started!)
Music Therapy Resources:
Ask your rehab team about local music therapy programs near you.
Community Corner:
“I can’t say enough about the power of music. When words wouldn’t come, songs I loved gave me my voice back.” – Ladybird of LadybirdsGarage.com
Try This at Home:
Pick one song that always makes you smile. Play it at the start of your day or during therapy. Notice how your mood shifts and how your body responds—sometimes, even a little movement to the rhythm can be its own form of therapy.
10 More Ways Music Helps in Stroke Recovery:
We already know music can lift our spirits and bring joy — but its power in recovery goes even deeper. Here are 10 extra ways music can support healing after a stroke:
Boosts Brain Healing – Music stimulates multiple parts of the brain at once, encouraging new connections and pathways to form.
Sharpens Focus – Rhythms and melodies help train the brain to pay attention, improving concentration during therapy.
Improves Sleep – Calming tunes before bed can ease stress and make rest deeper and more restorative.
Eases Pain – Music can distract from discomfort, lower pain perception, and even help reduce the need for pain medicine.
Supports Breathing – Singing or humming along to songs strengthens lung function and encourages relaxation.
Creates Connection – Group activities like drumming, singing, or listening together reduce isolation and build community.
Strengthens Motor Skills – Clapping, tapping, or playing instruments can retrain movement and coordination.
Builds Healthy Routines – Playing specific songs for exercise, relaxation, or therapy helps create structure and consistency.
Boosts Confidence – Learning or re-learning a favorite song brings a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Brings Back Memories – Familiar music taps into long-term memory, sparking joy, comfort, and recognition even on hard days.
Next time you listen to music, notice how your body and mind respond. You might find the rhythm guiding your steps, the lyrics giving you strength, or the melody bringing a smile when you need it most.
Share Your Recovery Song:
Music has a way of touching each of us differently. Do you have a song that motivates you, calms you, or helps you push through therapy?
Send us an email and tell us your go-to recovery song (and why it matters to you).
We’ll gather your favorites and feature some of them in the next newsletter — together we can build a Stroke Recovery Playlist filled with songs that inspire strength, healing, and hope.
Join the Conversation on Social Media:
Let’s take this beyond the inbox! Share your recovery songs on our Facebook Group
Post a short clip, a photo of your playlist, or just write the title of your song with a note about why it inspires you.
This not only spreads positivity but also helps other survivors discover new songs that can lift them up during recovery.
See you guys next month!
Chris and Tim