Dance Therapy in the Socialization of Individuals with Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

The article provides theoretical generalizations on the use of dance therapy in the correction and socialization of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). It also presents the author’s year-long programme of such rehabilitation and quasi-experimental observations on its effectiveness. The article proves that dance therapy performs a much wider range of functions, than correction of MSDs. It acts as an effective way of social and psychological adaptation of individuals with MSDs. In particular, it allows one to develop independence, train relaxation skills and concentration, enhance the creativity of the inner self, creative imagination, reduce tension in the team, listen to and hear others better, relieve body tension, enhance communication skills, develop intellectually in the field of various arts, identify and correct problems in a particular child and children groups. The article proposes the hypothesis according to which one-year dance therapy should improve the manifestations of social adaptation of individuals with MSDs. The findings of the article can be used, first of all, in the post-Soviet countries, where dance therapy does not have a long tradition and requires borrowing international experience.