Music for Recovery: Instruments That Support Wellness

Music has long been recognised as a powerful tool for healing—and today, more healthcare providers are turning to outdoor musical instruments to support individuals recovering from trauma. Whether in hospices, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or therapy gardens, musical play offers a gentle, inclusive way to promote emotional expression, physical movement, and social connection.

Trauma Takes Many Forms—So Should Healing

Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, including illness, injury, grief, or prolonged stress. While some individuals may be diagnosed with PTSD, many others live with unspoken or complex trauma. In these cases, traditional talk therapies may not always be accessible or appropriate—especially for children, non-verbal individuals, or those with cognitive impairments.

This is where music becomes medicine.

As explored in our White Paper: Music as Medicine: Combating PTSD with Music & Music Therapy, musical engagement—particularly through improvisation—can help individuals process emotions, reduce anxiety, and regain a sense of control. Outdoor musical instruments make musical engagement more accessible by removing barriers such as the need for musical training or a formal music therapist. While the instruments themselves are an investment, they offer long-term value by enabling spontaneous, inclusive musical experiences for people of all ages—children, adults, and older individuals—who may be living with trauma, illness, or undergoing rehabilitation. Just as importantly, they bring moments of joy and light relief to emotionally challenging environments. Whether it’s a patient, family member, or caregiver, making music together can spark laughter, connection, and a sense of normalcy—reminding everyone that healing can include moments of fun.

Outdoor musical instruments are uniquely suited to therapeutic environments because they are:

• Inclusive – No musical experience is needed to play
• Accessible – Designed for all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users
• Durable & Hygienic – Built for all-weather use and easy to clean
• Non-threatening – Encourage expression without pressure or performance

They also promote cross-midline movement, fine and gross motor skills, and mindfulness—all of which are essential in trauma recovery and rehabilitation.

Real-World Impact: Case Studies in Healing

Across the globe, healthcare providers are integrating Percussion Play instruments into their wellness spaces:

• Children’s Healing Center, Grand Rapids created an interactive music garden to support children with weakened immune systems, offering a joyful, safe space for play and connection.
• Bar-sur-Seine Hospital, France installed instruments to enhance their sensory garden, supporting patients with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions.
• Palm Beach Children’s Hospital added outdoor instruments to provide a calming, therapeutic outlet for young patients and their families.
• Aldeburgh Hospital, UK and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital have both used musical instruments to transform outdoor spaces into healing environments that support physical and emotional well-being.

While music therapists play a vital role in many care settings, outdoor musical instruments can be used effectively by anyone—caregivers, nurses, family members, or the individuals themselves. Their intuitive design invites spontaneous interaction, making them a valuable resource even in settings without formal music therapy programs.

Let’s Create Spaces That Heal

Whether you're designing a sensory garden, a hospice courtyard, or a rehabilitation centre’s outdoor area, Percussion Play instruments can help transform your space into a sanctuary of recovery, resilience, and joy. These instruments invite people of all ages and abilities to connect through sound—offering moments of calm, creativity, and even laughter in emotionally challenging environments. From patients and residents to families, caregivers, and staff, musical play fosters shared experiences that uplift and unite. Let us help you create a space where healing happens naturally, one note at a time.

• Explore our range of outdoor instruments
• Download the White Paper: Music as Medicine: Combating PTSD with Music & Music Therapy
• Contact Us to Start Your Project