The effect of relaxation, and relaxation with music, on Fibromyalgia syndrome pain.

A Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of requirements for the degree of
Masters of Music Therapy (by coursework)

Author: Belinda Tucquet (nee Ayres)

ABSTRACT

The research study evaluated the effect of relaxation, and relaxation with music on Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) pain. Four female participants with a confirmed FMS diagnosis attended four relaxation sessions – two non-music relaxation sessions, and two relaxation with music sessions. A modified version of the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (MFIQ) was completed by participants before and after each session to report levels of pain, relaxation, and mood state.
It was expected that the relaxation with music sessions would have a greater effect on decreasing pain levels, increasing relaxation levels, and positively shifting mood states, than the non-music relaxation sessions. Results were varied, and in some parts unexpected, but were encouraging. All participants reported feeling more relaxed, less pain, and a lesser degree of feeling depressed/blue and anxious/nervous after each session. There was a greater degree of change in pain levels after the non-music relaxation sessions compared to the relaxation with music sessions. However, participants reported a greater shift in relaxation levels and feelings of being depressed/blue after the relaxation with music sessions. The degree of change reported in feeling anxious/nervous was the same for both the non-music relaxation sessions and the relaxation with music sessions. These results suggest that relaxation with music positively affected pain levels and mood state for four women suffering FMS. Further research is necessary with a larger sample size and longer time frame in order to explore this area of music therapy further. The results are encouraging.