A recent study suggests that listening to music after surgery can help reduce pain levels and anxiety in patients, potentially leading to a decrease in the need for painkillers. Eldo Frezza, a researcher at California Northstate University College of Medicine, conducted a review of 35 studies to explore the effects of music on post-operative recovery.
The studies involved about 100 participants each, with half of them listening to music after abdominal or bone-related surgery while the other half did not. The results showed that those who listened to music reported a 20% reduction in pain levels and required less morphine during their hospital stay compared to those who did not listen to music. Additionally, music was found to lower heart rates and reduce self-reported anxiety levels.
Annie Heiderscheit from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK explains that music can shift our focus away from pain by increasing levels of serotonin, a signaling molecule that promotes feelings of well-being. This distraction from pain and anxiety could be a cost-effective and accessible way for hospitals to support patients in their recovery process.
While the findings are promising, Frezza suggests that future research should involve larger studies with randomized allocation of patients to further validate the results. This approach would provide more reliable evidence on the benefits of music therapy for post-operative care.
In conclusion, the use of music as a complementary therapy after surgery shows potential in improving patient outcomes and reducing the reliance on painkillers. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish music as a standard practice in post-operative care.