Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, have found that receiving music therapy can significantly lessen a patient’s need for opioids and other painkillers after invasive surgery. The researchers tested 161 patients; 49 in the music group and 112 in a control group. After their surgery, both groups were offered painkillers intravenously at doses requested by the patient. Of those engaged in music therapy, 86 percent avoided the painkillers (emphasis mine), compared to only 26 percent of the control group (1).
Skeptical? Surprised? Many can attest to these results. In the resource guide, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery I share a personal experience as I faced life threatening illness that ultimately lead to joint replacement.
Pain is a personal experience. Most healthcare providers recognize there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for pain. Thankfully, I have secured a medical team that helped me formulate a pain management plan to fit my personal needs.
Music therapy, guided imagery, and positive affirmations are examples of impactful audio tools that can manage pain. A wide variety of methods such as these were my choice to avoid and minimize the need for prescription painkillers, such as highly addictive opioids (Chapter 4, Pain Management: Before, During, and After Surgery). The results I experienced impressed my physician, my surgeon, and most importantly…myself, the patient experiencing the pain. Are you seeking better ways to manage your pain? I believe this guide, companion website, and additional FREE online resources may assist you. The resources, tools, and tips outlined in this book apply to nearly any type of surgery.
Free excerpt from the guide, Butternut to Bionic on the topic of pain management:
Describing and measuring pain is a challenging task for patients and medical providers. Managing pain is a priority when you have a chronic condition and become the owner of an artificial joint. Minimizing your pain helps you gain quality sleep, keep your sanity, and improve your quality of life. Each and every one of us handles pain a little differently, experiences it differently, and will tolerate pain in differing degrees. (p.65)
…Listen to soothing music, say a prayer, or listen to guided imagery to relieve any anxiety or preoperative jitters…(p.48, Chapter 2, Preparing for Surgery)
…Both guided imagery and meditation harness your mind’s abilities and can help with pain relief, stress management, and restorative sleep. Using these techniques for pain management is an affordable option. They have no (adverse) side effects, co-pays, or restrictions…(p.74)
My preference to access a wide variety of methods to manage pain has worked well for me. Every patient is different and as already mentioned, pain is a personal experience. I have sought and continue to seek a less invasive approach…this provided me with a sense of control over my recovery and has improved my quality of life.
My mission as a Health Educator, Wellness Coach, Reiki Master, Patient Advocate, and Author is encouraging others to, Be proactive patients and actively participate on their journey to improved health.
The information provided here is advice only and not meant to replace medical care. Speak to your physician before making changes that can impact your health.
Be Well. ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES Founder, Anderson Therapeutics
Review credentials.
Caregivers, healthcare providers, and patients have found it intriguing, useful, and insightful. Butternut to Bionic is my story and was nominated for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize and 2018 Health Literacy Award, received 4/4 star reviews on GoodReads, and holds 4.7/5 star reviews on Amazon.
Post first published 12/12/2019, edited for content 12/09/2021 by staff @ Anderson Therapeutics.
Source: (1) Southern Idaho Edition NAsoid.com, October 2018, p. 8