You know that feeling when a song comes on and your body moves without thinking? Turns out, there’s more to that than good vibes. In fact, researchers are now using that very response to help people recover from some of the most life-altering health conditions. I talked with Brian Harris of MedRhythms about how music therapy for stroke and Parkinson’s recovery is helping patients rewire their brains and walk again. This is about more than soothing sounds or background music. It’s clinical, measurable, and best of all, it’s helping people heal right from home.

Music Therapy for Stroke and Parkinson’s Recovery with Brian Harris of MedRhythms

Brian Harris is a board-certified music therapist with a deep understanding of how music impacts the brain. He’s also the co-founder and CEO of MedRhythms, the company behind the first FDA-approved prescription music product, designed specifically for people with neurological injuries and movement disorders.

His journey started in small-town Maine, where his love for music collided with a calling to help others. After witnessing a young boy with severe developmental delays cognitively “wake up” during a music therapy session, Brian knew he was onto something bigger than just melody. That moment planted the seed for what eventually became MedRhythms.

Today, the company is helping people affected by stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis regain mobility using structured music interventions. Think: headphones, foot sensors, a touchscreen, and a curated playlist all working together to help the brain re-learn how to move.

And it’s not just feel-good. It’s backed by real science and clinical results.

The Science Behind Music Therapy and Brain Healing

So how does this work for stroke and Parkinson’s recovery?

Why rhythm matters for the brain

Our brains are naturally wired to respond to rhythm. There’s a direct link between the auditory and motor systems. So when we hear a steady beat, like the kind in music, it activates the parts of the brain responsible for movement.

This process is called auditory-motor entrainment, and it’s the foundation for music therapy in neurological rehab. In people who’ve experienced brain damage (from stroke, Parkinson’s, MS, or injury), that rhythmic stimulation can retrain the brain to improve walking, coordination, and balance.

What the MedRhythms system does

• Two small foot sensors track the user’s stride, speed, and symmetry
• A touchscreen delivers real-time adjustments to the therapy session
• Headphones play rhythmically aligned music (powered by Universal Music Group)
• The algorithm adapts live based on the user’s progress, no therapist needed on site
  

The goal is simple: help people walk more naturally, more safely, and more confidently. And the early results are impressive, a 22% improvement in walking speed after just five weeks for stroke patients.

While recovery timelines and durability vary by condition, the progress people are seeing is nothing short of amazing.

Why This Matters for Your Healing Home

I believe healing doesn’t just happen in hospitals; it happens right in your living room. For anyone managing a neurological condition, independence at home is everything.

Being able to move through your space, cook dinner, take the dog out, or just walk from the bedroom to the couch without fear of falling; those are the quiet victories that make life feel whole again.

And this kind of therapy? It makes those victories possible. Without the stress of driving to a clinic three times a week. Without expensive or invasive equipment. Just a rhythm, a song, and your body learning how to trust itself again.

Brian and his team are putting real tools into people’s hands. Tools that heal through consistency, personalization, and most importantly, a bit of motivation.

Final Thoughts on Music Therapy for Stroke and Parkinson’s Recovery

If you’ve ever needed a sign that healing is still possible, this is it.

Whether you’re recovering from a stroke, living with Parkinson’s, or navigating MS, music therapy offers a promising (and empowering) new path. One that’s backed by science but still meets you in the most human way possible: through sound, movement, and connection.

Combining the power of rhythm with the precision of technology offers a promising new approach to neurological rehabilitation: supporting mobility, independence, and a higher quality of life for individuals recovering at home.

Bio:

Brian Harris is the Co-Founder and CEO of MedRhythms; a company that is building next-generation neurotherapeutics that leverage the power of music and technology. Brian is a board-certified music therapist and one of 350 Neurologic Music Therapist Fellows in the world. Brian’s clinical work was focused at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, USA where he created and implemented their first inpatient full-time Neurologic Music Therapy program, specializing in neurologic injury and disease and built this program to be the most comprehensive NMT program in the country.

Brian is also the Co- Founder of the Arts & Neuroscience group at the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. He has been an invited speaker at venues throughout the world including: Harvard Medical School, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Stanford University, the Neurology Foundation of India, and Google. Brian is an author on multiple patents and publications related to music and rehabilitation and his work has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, The Huffington Post, and Rolling Stone.

Resources:

• MedRhythms: medrhythms.com
• InTandem by MedRhythms: intandemrx.com
• Movive by MedRythms: movive.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MedRhythms
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/medrhythms

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services. The statements and views expressed are not medical advice and are not meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor. This podcast, including Jen Heller and her guests, disclaims any responsibility and any adverse effects you may experience from the specific use of the information contained herein. The opinions of guests are their own and this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for the statements made by guests. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you have a medical condition, consult your licensed physician.