Learning to speak again through music therapy

Preston Watson, a board-certified music therapist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, lets the sound, and science, of music help patients’ progress.

One patient, who experienced a stroke and was left with aphasia — an inability to speak — became a testament to Watson’s expertise in integrating neurologic music therapy treatment as a core element of the healing process.

Watson was fully committed to the patient’s recovery, attending occupational, physical and speech therapy sessions. “She was musically inclined from the start. I could tell when we first began working together,” said Watson.

From facilitating melodies with an autoharp for rhythmic cueing to utilizing specific pitches to develop word assignments, the music helped guide the patient’s movements and speech progress, one session at a time.

Even though the patient could not speak, Watson discerned that she wanted to spend time outside.

“At the beginning of a physical therapy session, to the best of her ability, she let me know that she wanted to feel the sunshine now that she could comfortably walk with a cane,” Watson said.

During that physical therapy session, the patient, her husband, Watson and Kalina Caudillo, a physical therapist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, went outside for a walk.

“We spent the whole session walking outside, enjoying the garden and using musical patterns to help with her pacing,” said Watson.

The patient and her spouse held hands throughout the walking session. Towards the end of the session, she paused to sit on a garden bench. Her husband released her hand so she could balance herself on the bench.

After they separated, the patient reached out for her husband’s hand again and, speaking for the first time since her stroke, said: “Hold my hand.”

It was an emotionally charged moment for everyone present.

“It was inspiring to see the progress she made both physically and mentally, and how music therapy played a role in her recovery,” said Watson.

“From that moment on, we knew she and her husband had a strong bond, and that bond would be a key part of her rehabilitation process.”

In a Celebrating You nomination, Caudillo wrote: “Preston’s passion to help her communicate, impact her walking and create an atmosphere of joy did not go unnoticed. You are instrumental to our team (no pun intended).”