Everyone understands that music is capable of helping those that are suffering. Recent numerous studies have also shown that music therapy can actually improve recovery times for surgery as well as help reduce pain throughout the entire process of having surgery performed and even through recovery.
The University of Kentucky published a medical-research study that shows the benefits of classical music before, during and after surgery. Patients were more relaxed, had a more pleasant experience and recovered faster than those that were not exposed to music at any point during their surgery.
A specialist is in control of the playlist options. This is to ensure that the music is not upsetting and does not increase negative feelings. It is recommended that patients enact some control over the music they listen to, ideally selecting from a few different playlists.
This evidence-based therapy is a method that can help all patients regardless of their age. Children, adolescents and adults all benefit from using music therapy during surgery. Children may also receive more benefits as they are more prone to being afraid, anxious and have lower pain tolerance. Music can ease their mind and provide comfort during the procedure and after.
There are other findings that delve deep into the types of music that work best. Positive, soft and classical music are generally more beneficial. Live music could be more effective for pain management, but it isn’t always possible or realistic to have live music in these scenarios.
The goal of this research is to implement practices that help patients reduce anxiety and pain throughout their surgical process. Doctors and researchers want to find a way that will help people in unconventional ways. Using music as a way to help with surgery means that less medications can be used, and the patient can feel healthier about the choices they are making.
“Music therapists have long known that music can be an effective tool to manage pain and anxiety,” said Lori Gooding, UK director of music therapy and lead author on the review. It has only taken so long to do clinic research because of funding and interest. The Kentucky Children’s Hospital was one of the first institutions to implement this therapy on patients. They hope that this therapy continues to garner interest in the medical community as well as with patients that want to reduce their pre-operative and post-operative stress levels.
Resources and References:
About University of Kentucky Study
Link to Study
Related News About Music Helping With Surgery:
Using Music to Ease Patient Stress During Surgery
Listening to Bach eases pain during surgery
Classical Music Affects Heart Transplants
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