Pain Reduction: Music Reduces Need for Post-Surgery Opioids

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

Gift Yourself - A "Final Act of Generosity"

In my December 6th, 2018 wellness blog I discuss estate planning and end of life care. Some may find this topic a bit inappropriate during the holiday season, though I disagree. Families and friends, some, though not all, tend to spend more time together this time of year. What better time to have candid discussions with those closest to you? Plus, depending on your spiritual and/or religious beliefs…this is a time that the acts of birth, death, and renewal are on the minds and hearts of many.

The last task I completed on my estate planning to-do list was to finalize what will happen after I have passed away. I decided to donate my body to science, specifically, to the University of Utah medical school anatomy lab. I am an alumni of the University of Utah, understand the importance of research, and received some of my own training in a cadaver lab. Coincidentally, the December 2018 edition of the University magazine Continuum included a 6-page article discussing the importance and purpose of the body donor program. The article speaks of this type of donation as a “final act of generosity”, and I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. My family and I know that by donating my body to science I am providing future health practitioners a vehicle to learn from. In exchange I receive free embalming, cremation, and requested that my ashes are returned to my son after the work my body provides is complete. The final option is a decision that may or may not be a fit for you. If you are interested and wish to learn more, follow this link:

https://continuum.utah.edu/features/a-virtuous-circle/

Be Well!

~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES

Founder, Anderson Therapeutics & Author of, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery

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Immune Support...Thymus Thumping

Simple choices can strengthen your immune system and protect your health. Health behaviors such as avoiding tobacco, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy weight, and if you do drink alcohol...drink in moderation. Sound familiar? These suggestions are lifestyle choices that have a powerful and positive impact on your health. *

Additional steps to boost your immune health and prevent illness include:

  • Receiving moderate sunshine.

  • Drinking herbal teas.

  • Meditation, prayer, and deep breathing techniques.

  • Thymus Thumping. Learn about this lymphoid organ and how thymus thumping can benefit you and your family. Check out this video demonstration and/or these easy to follow steps on a patient education sheet from the Seattle Children’s Family Resource Center, titled, The Three Thumps, here.

PLEASE NOTE: This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Take what is useful, investigate these options, and speak to your physician before incorporating something new into your personal wellness plan.

Take good care of yourself now more than ever to protect yourself, prevent illness, and invest in your health.

Stay home as much as you are able, and stay safe. ~Tiffany

*This post is an excerpt first shared in the September 2019 Anderson Therapeutics monthly newsletter, emailed to subscribers, and archived online. Please note that monthly newsletters shifted to seasonal/quarterly editions beginning March 2020. Read the September 2019 issue in it’s entirety here.

Joint Replacement Resource Guide - FREE COPY!

Now through December 2, 2020 readers can receive a FREE ELECTRONIC COPY of a resource guide for joint replacement recipients, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. Read on to learn more about this valuable book…

Butternut to Bionic earned 4/4 star reviews from GoodReads and is listed as, “highly recommended reading” by Reader Views. This resource guide was nominated for the 2018 AARP Purpose Prize, 2018 Health Literacy Award, and the 2019/2020 Reader Views Literary Award.

Amazon reviewers like Lynn L., Registered Nurse states, “This book belongs in every doctor’s office. Every patient’s home.” Naturopath Physician Dr. Leslie P. commented, “Even though it is specific for those going through hip replacement, her advice is relevant for most any type of surgery.”

Butternut to Bionic is a story of personal triumph AND a resource guide unlike others. Why? Simply because the conversational style of the book discusses how to incorporate alternative therapies into preparation for, and recovery from, joint replacement surgery. Alternative therapies such as Acupuncture, Reiki, Therapeutic Massage, Dietary Therapy, and Aromatherapy are widely used by patients during recovery from surgery but are topics not often addressed with their physician…though they should be. Butternut to Bionic introduces readers to author Tiffany Anderson and her personal experience of recovery from serious illness leading to dual hip replacement. Personal anecdotes, candid observations, and private details add to the unique approach of this guide. Drawing on her 22+ years of professional experience in the field of health, she has written this book from the patient’s perspective to help others facing similar circumstance. Hip and knee replacement recipients, family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers will find this book intriguing, insightful, and useful. A companion website shares FREE wellness resources and a weekly health blog. Get your copy of this guide in paperback, e-book, or on Kindle here!

Happy Holidays!

The Anderson Therapeutics Team

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Happy Thanksgiving...

My day begins early with exercise, a warm beverage, and a hearty breakfast. This afternoon I’ll enjoy a light lunch with my grown son and play board games to celebrate the holiday. Our meal will include a hearty soup, a vegetable platter, and dessert…a slice of homemade pie - recipes below. If the weather allows I’ll enjoy a long hike later in the day.

Wishing you and yours a safe and healthful holiday!

Lemony Chickpea Rice Soup

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

Be Well. ~Tiffany

Vegan (and Omni) Thanksgiving Preparation...

In one week I celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. The how, the when, the where, and the why we choose to celebrate this holiday has changed dramatically over the years, and for a number of reasons…

  • I am an empty-nester; extended family has grown and gone

  • Each of my grandparents have passed away

  • My retired parents would prefer to gamble at a nearby casino and dine at a buffet rather than bother with cooking

  • Some of us work multiple jobs and odd hours

  • This year…COVID19 urges us to stay home and avoid large gatherings

And then there’s me…one with particular tastes and am the only person in my circle of family and friends who has adopted a vegan whole food plant-based oil free diet. Tasty holiday recipe links below!

My family and friends are accustomed to, and fully support, my dietary preferences. In my resource guide and website I share my experience and failures following trends and fad diets over the course of my adult life. This is not a new story, since many people struggle to find a successful and doable diet. My current meal plan evolved over time. There was plenty of trial and error, time and effort spent educating myself, and ultimately I discovered The McDougall Program while watching the film Forks Over Knives. I learned about the work of Dr. John McDougall (author of books like The Starch Solution) and T. Colin Campbell (author of The China Study). After this introduction I dramatically changed my way of eating and transformed my life on multiple levels.

Today, and in the week ahead, I am expressing heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the aforementioned pioneers, who practice what they preach, and help others understand the science of nutrition. By following recommendations to focus on starch, whole foods, and avoid oil…I sleep well and wake-up refreshed, I manage arthritic and artificial joint pain without prescription medication, and my overall health has improved dramatically. The bottom line is that I can honestly say that I feel good on a regular basis.

Below are a few links to plant-based Thanksgiving recipes. They are gathered from a few of my favorite foodies such as Plant Based Gabriel, Brand New Vegan, SpudFit, and of course, my hero…Dr. McDougall. Wherever you are, however you celebrate Thanksgiving (or choose not to), and whatever types of dishes grace your table, dine well! We are each in charge of our own health status and have the ability to improve our current state of health simply by improving our diet, exercising, and better managing stress.

Be Well! ~Tiffany Anderson, LMT, RMT, BS, CHES Founder, Anderson Therapeutics Author, Butternut to Bionic: A Resource Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery

*Portion of this blog first posted November 21, 2019

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