Pain is no longer something Indians are choosing to endure. From urban gyms to quiet living rooms, more people than ever are reaching for immediate relief. This shift has transformed the pain management market into one of the fastest-growing segments in Indian healthcare. Since 2020, the market has more than doubled, crossing a massive fifteen thousand crore rupees by May this year. The growth is not just in numbers. It reflects a powerful change in mindset.
Covid triggered an important shift. Earlier, many viewed pain relief medication as a last resort or feared dependency. But the pandemic brought a new awareness. Fatigue, stress, and recurring discomfort are now seen as issues worth addressing early, not ignoring. People are realizing that untreated pain affects their quality of life, and this realisation is driving a massive surge in demand.
According to industry experts, nearly five new pain relief brands are launching every week. In 2020, India had about fifteen hundred brands in this space. Today, that number has climbed past twenty seven hundred. From legacy names like Volini and Saridon to newer entrants with more targeted solutions, consumers have more choice than ever.
Analgesics and rubefacient products are leading the charge. Analgesics alone account for nearly three fourths of the category, with paracetamol emerging as the most widely used. What makes this growth unique is that it is not just happening in hospitals or through prescriptions. It is being driven by everyday people walking into pharmacies, picking up topical creams, popping pills, and returning to their routines faster than ever.
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The reason is not hard to understand. More urban lifestyles, more stress, irregular sleep, and a sharp increase in fitness injuries are all contributing to pain becoming a routine issue. From gym-goers to remote workers, everyone wants quick, convenient solutions that are easily available and socially accepted. And brands are responding by investing in formats that are easier to carry, apply, and buy.
Medical professionals continue to caution against random or frequent use. But that has not slowed down demand. Instead, the space is evolving with better education and better products. Companies like Cipla Health and Bayer are rethinking how they market their solutions. They are no longer treating pain as a symptom but as a consumer need.
What is also notable is how investors are viewing this space. With double digit growth and clear consumer pull, pain management is turning into a serious business opportunity. The category is now growing three times faster than the overall non-prescription market. That is not just a short-term trend. It is a reflection of how wellness is becoming more proactive, more personal, and more urgent.
From soothing headaches to easing muscle strains, pain relief is being rebranded in India. No longer a last resort, it is now part of everyday health. And that means the market will only keep expanding.
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