Dance Therapy Rehabilitation - Harmony in Motion

Introduction

Dance is the rhythmic movement of the body, usually to music, in a designated location, to express a thought or feel, to let off steam, or to enjoy the movement. In neurological illnesses, it has been established that environmental enrichment during physical exercise is beneficial. An organized use of dance could significantly improve the physical rehabilitation setting. As a result, dance therapy offers an alternate kind of physical activity that may help with affect, cognition, and social integration in a range of neurological conditions.

What Is Dance Therapy?

When used therapeutically, dance can have several positive effects on health. Dance is a symbolically represented interest. Dance and movement therapy (DMT) uses movement to assist patients in achieving social, emotional, cognitive, and physical integration. Even though it is classified as psychotherapy, physiotherapists may find it useful in treating movement problems such as Parkinson's disease. Fundamentally, DMT is impacted by:

• Humanistic theory of psychotherapy.

• Psychodynamic theory.

• Gestalt's theory.

DMT provides a method for resolving issues that are painful, frightening, or otherwise hard to access and handle cognitively. These issues may also be buried in the unconscious and difficult to describe. DMT is a recognized profession that the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) defines as a therapeutic approach to enhance a person's emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration.

How Does Dance Therapy Work?

Dance therapies aim to help patients get better postural and balance control. The hypothesized connection of movement and emotion is the foundation of DMT. There are five categories in which the physical and psychological gains can be divided:

• Muscle coordination.

• Increased range of motion and tension release.

• Enjoyment through relaxation.

• Resocialization and integration within a wider group system.

• Nonverbal creative expression for emotional expression.

• Overall self- and body-awareness, better self-esteem, and relaxation-induced delight.

Dancing activates multiple deep brain structures and large regions of the cerebral cortex. After a dance intervention, a recent descriptive systematic study showed alterations in brain structure. Among these adjustments were:

1. Enhanced gray matter volume in the precentral gyrus (related to motor control).

2. Increased hippocampal and parahippocampal volume (related to memory).

3. Enhanced white matter integrity in the corpus callosum (related to communication between the two hemispheres).

Dance and movement therapists evaluate emotional expressions, nonverbal cues, and body language. Typical interventions include "mirroring,” imitating or copying the person's movements to show compassion and affirm the other person's experience. Jumping beats can be incorporated into a dance with a group of individuals going through depression, as studies have indicated that these individuals move less vertically. Using a "movement metaphor" to assist a client in demonstrating a therapeutic goal or difficulty through movement (for example, the therapist may offer the client a white flag prop to commemorate an emotional surrender).

What Are the Indications of Dance Therapy Rehabilitation?

DMT is being used more and more to treat a range of medical, behavioral, and psychological issues to reduce unpleasant symptoms and foster insight, integration, and overall well-being. Research has indicated that dance plays a significant role in executive decision planning. The flexible field of dance and movement therapy is based on the notion that movement and feeling are intertwined. Dance therapy's artistic expression helps improve communication abilities and foster thriving relationships. It is frequently used to address mental, emotional, physical, and social problems like:

1. Physical Problems:

• Persistent discomfort.

• Obesity in children.

• Cancer.

• Joint hypertension arthritis.

• Heart-related conditions.

2. Mental Health Concerns:

• Depression and anxiety.

• Disorders of eating.

• Low self-worth.

• Traumatizing events.

3. Cognitive Problems:

• Dementia (a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities).

• Autism.

• Problems with communication.

What Are the Contraindications of Dance Therapy Rehabilitation?

Though some individuals may have particular contraindications, dance therapy is generally considered a safe and helpful therapeutic strategy. It is crucial to remember that these restrictions may change depending on the person's health, medical background, and preferred method of dance therapy. The following conditions indicate being more cautious while opting for this therapy:

• Injuries: Individuals with severe physical restrictions or injuries that could worsen with mobility could require adjustments or different therapy. Those who are unable to engage in dance therapy may find it inappropriate.

• Cardiovascular Diseases: To guarantee safety, those with severe cardiovascular diseases may need to participate in dance therapy under close supervision. The length and intensity of the movements may need to be adjusted.

• Balance Issues: Individuals suffering from serious balance or coordination problems may need to use caution when participating in dance therapy.

• Pregnancy: It may not be advisable to perform certain activities or positions when pregnant. To protect both the unborn child's health and the pregnant woman's safety, dance therapy sessions may need to be modified for pregnant individuals.

How Is Dance Therapy Rehabilitation Administered?

A licensed therapist administers DMT and has a proven track record of improving patient outcomes for various conditions. They follow the subsequent theoretical tenets:

• As the body and the mind are intertwined, changes in one affect the other.

• A person's movement might reveal facets of their personality.

• Nonverbal cues are used in therapy relationships to convey information.

• Movements can symbolize unconscious content or processes.

• Improvisation and experimenting with movement can lead to new ways of being.

After eight weeks of sessions, DMT has shown promise in enhancing cognition and general quality of life in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. The field of neuropsychology has been researching various brain-related dysfunctions to find the best clinical intervention to support functional recovery. This research has given rise to the idea of environmental enrichment, which is an environment that stimulates the brain by encouraging. Their objectives are to:

• Encourage the development of a life span.

• Prevent, identify, and address problems that impede normal functioning.

• Establish, review, and formulate treatment objectives.

• Put planned interventions into action.

• Create a treatment plan and make necessary adjustments to meet the client's needs.

Conclusion

Dance therapy is a developing field with a lot of unexplored territory. Its increasing effect and positive outcomes are undeniable. Dance movement therapy has a comprehensive approach, treating not just the physical but also the emotional, cognitive, and social facets of a patient's life. According to the current study, this therapy is a useful tool for improving the environment for patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease (PD). It can improve their overall quality of life and cognitive function.