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? As a Health Educator, Wellness Coach, Reiki Master, and joint replacement recipient, I can personally attest to these results. I share my experience of pain reduction in the resource guide, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide for Hip Replacement Surgery. Music therapy, guided imagery, and positive affirmations are examples of impactful audio tools that can better manage pain. In my book I discuss a wide variety of methods that I used to avoid and minimize the need for prescription painkillers, such as highly addictive opioids (read Chapter 4, Pain Management: Before, During, and After Surgery). My results 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 that my resource guide, companion website, and FREE online resources can assist you.
Review my credentials as an Educator and Wellness Professional. Here’s a freebie for you. Read this excerpt from 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 continues to work well for me. I appreciate that my medical team fully support, and helped me to formulate a personalized pain management plan. I have found healthcare providers that recognize there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan for pain. Every patient is different. Pain is a personal experience. I seek a less invasive approach…this has provided me with a sense of control over my recovery and ongoing pursuit of an improved quality of life.
The resources, tools, and tips outlined in my book apply to nearly any type of surgery. 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.
I invite you to check out my affordable resource guide. Caregivers, healthcare providers, and patients have found it intriguing, useful, and insightful. Butternut to Bionic is both a personal story and resource guide that was nominated for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize, the 2018 Health Literacy Award, received 4/4 star reviews on GoodReads, and holds 4.7/5 star reviews on Amazon.
Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES Founder, Anderson Therapeutics
Source: (1) Southern Idaho Edition NAsoid.com, October 2018, p. 8