Music Therapy and Pain Management

Although music therapy has been in existence formultiple side effects that slow down the process of
many years, it is only now after a large number ofrecovery. However, non-pharmacologic non-invasive
people have admitted to have seen their near andinterventions such as music therapy and other forms
dear ones getting benefited from this form ofof relaxation techniques are immensely helpful and
therapy that people are getting to know about it andeffective in hastening the process of recuperation.
accepting it more readily than ever before. ThisProviding music therapy to patients is a very good
therapy is known to improve the cognitive abilities ofoption because everyone enjoys some or the other
a person, communication skills, ability to socialize, andform of music. Therefore, this therapy provides a
even improve motor skills and emotionalcure along with fun and aids in complete relaxation,
development. It also aids in boosting self-confidence,the key to early recovery. Music is soothing to the
increasing attention span, improving self-esteem,ears and provides comfort, as well as the much
enhancing listening skills, and most importantly, it aidsrequired distraction from the sensation of pain apart
in developing non-verbal communication and selffrom regulating the blood pressure and respiratory
expression. Apart from all these benefits, this therapyrates.
has another very important benefit -- it aids in painApart from reducing the perceived intensity of pain,
management.music also reduced the sense of loneliness that the
Current research demonstrates and supports thehospital environment can create in the patient's mind.
effectiveness of music therapy as an innovativeSoothing music can ease out the feelings of fear,
noninvasive therapy for healing procedural, acute andapprehension, anxiety and stress. As a result, the
chronic pain. The positive effects of this therapypatient requires less dosage of pain killers and even
range from sense of immense relaxation to a sensethe recovery is quicker. Fast cheerful music on the
of intense joy, a feeling of absolute peace andother hand serves to induce responses like tapping of
comfort, and an overall sense of well-being. Asfeet and fingers, or humming, which can be physically
evidences of its authenticity and effectiveness areand psychologically encouraging. Whichever kind of
growing, more and more hospitals across the globemusic is employed to elicit the desired effect, the
are considering including music therapy as an additionalbeneficial impacts serve to hasten the rehabilitation
postoperative therapeutic measure.process.
Pharmacologic interventions are accompanied by