2025/2026 Updates with complete solutions.
Evidence Based Practice and Applied Nursing Research
La’Choniquie Evans
College of Health Professions, Western Governors University
D219: Scholarship in Nursing Practice
May 29, 2025
, The Healing Power of Music: Rethinking Pain Management Through Music
Therapy
A Personal Approach to a National Crisis
Pain transcends mere physical discomfort; it weaves itself into the emotional and psychological
fabric of our lives. For those recovering from surgery, pain can often feel like an insurmountable
barrier—one that isolates them from their loved ones and their own sense of well-being. But
imagine if something as simple, yet profoundly human, as music could play a role in alleviating
that pain. Music therapy is not just an adjunct to recovery; it is a scientifically-backed method
that can ease pain, reduce anxiety, and lessen our nation’s dependence on opioids. This approach
has transformative implications for patients, their families, and healthcare providers alike.
The Human Impact of Pain
Pain is not a solitary experience; it has a ripple effect that extends to family members, caregivers,
and the entire healthcare system. When post-operative pain is mismanaged, it can lead to
elevated heart rates, prolonged healing periods, heightened stress levels, and diminished quality
of life. Family members watch helplessly as their loved ones endure suffering. In contrast, music
therapy presents a welcoming avenue for relief—one that transcends traditional medications.
This form of therapy allows patients to engage actively in their own healing, creating a safe and
soothing environment while fostering a deeply personal connection to their recovery.
Organizational Strain from Poor Pain Management
When patients struggle to find effective pain relief, many resort to emergency room visits—often
driven by desperation. These trips are not just inconvenient; they are costly and consume
valuable resources that could be better utilized elsewhere in the healthcare system. The
emotional toll on patients and their families is significant, as they navigate the complexities of
inadequate pain management. By incorporating music therapy into treatment plans, we can not
only enhance the quality of care but also ease the burden on healthcare providers facing an uphill
battle against patient pain.
A Personal Approach to a National Crisis
Pain is not just a physical experience—it's emotional, psychological, and deeply personal. For
patients recovering from surgery, pain can feel overwhelming and isolating. But what if
something as simple and universally human as music could make a difference? Music therapy is
not just a feel-good addition to recovery—it's a powerful, evidence-based tool that can reduce
pain, lower anxiety, and even decrease our nation’s reliance on opioids. For patients, families,
and healthcare providers alike, the implications are transformative.