Music is increasingly being used in hospitals as a complementary method to help patients manage pain. At UC San Diego Health in the United States, a nurse named Rod Salaysay has been playing instruments such as the guitar and ukulele for recovering patients after surgery. This approach began gaining more attention in the early 2000s as research on music and pain relief expanded. Studies published in the journals Pain and Scientific Reports suggested that listening to music may reduce the perception of both acute and chronic pain. Researchers reported that music did not fully remove pain, but it helped patients feel calmer and sometimes request fewer pain medications. Experts explained that music may interrupt the cycle of anxiety, stress, and pain that is common in hospital environments.

Music appears to relieve pain in several ways. According to researchers from Erasmus University Rotterdam, music works best when patients choose the songs themselves, as familiarity and emotional connection may activate more areas of the brain. In a study involving 548 participants, listening to preferred genres such as classical, pop, rock, or electronic music increased pain tolerance during exposure to cold temperatures. Specialists such as psychologists and music therapists stated that music redirects attention away from pain, lowers stress levels, and stimulates positive emotions. However, the effect varies depending on personal taste, level of attention, and the type of pain experienced. Some studies also indicated that daily, focused listening could reduce long-term pain. While music cannot replace medical treatment, it is considered a safe, affordable, and non-invasive method that may enhance patient recovery and foster a more compassionate healthcare atmosphere. This growing interest illustrates the profound therapeutic potential of music within modern medicine.