Do Inflammatory Arthritis Inpatients Receiving Group Music Therapy Improve Pain Compared to Music Listening?

Pain management is rated by patients with inflammatory arthritis as the highest priority in their disease treatment. Past research showed that music therapy is associated with reduced pain and depression. The purpose of this study is to better understand the effectiveness of music therapy for people with inflammatory arthritis. Participants will be randomly assigned to: 1) Music Therapy group facilitated by a music therapist, or 2) Music Listening group that listens to a relaxation CD (compact disc). Standardized tests will determine if participating in music therapy group helps reduce pain and depression, improve physical function and confidence levels in applying self-management strategies.