Music therapy for chronic pain

  • Pain is considered chronic if ongoing for more than 3 months.

    There are often many factors that can contribute to chronic pain: these factors could be physical but also psychological and social.

    People living with chronic pain often also experience social isolation, anxiety and depression.

    • Listening to and actively making music can block the brain recieving pain signals as well as releasing dopamine, a hormone that improves mood.

    • The use of singing techniques can help improve negative relationships with the body as well as reduce muscle tension and lower the heart rate.

    • Making playlists can support coping mechanisms such as energy pacing and provide motivation to complete day to day tasks.

    • Songwriting can provide a place to express and release emotions and communicate experiences.

My specialisms

Clinical work

I spent a year working with both individuals and groups at a chronic pain clinic.

A thorough and nuanced understanding of the complexities of chronic pain has informed my creative, flexible and holistic approach.

Working together, we’ll aim to find ways of using music to support coping mechanisms, develop acceptance and resilience and improve general wellbeing.

Research

My research investigated the prevalence of chronic people amongst people seeking refuge and asylum.

This has lead to a deeper understanding of the way in which pain interacts with social systems.