Can Music Reduce Postoperative Pain?

March 21st, 2010 by Elaine R. Ferguson, MD Leave a reply »

Music therapy is now growing in its use throughout the United States as an evidence based complement to traditional medical treatment.

Adults, seniors, teens children and a wide variety of physical diseases, mothers in labor, acute and chronic pain have all benefited from using music therapy.

According to the American Music Therapy Association the idea of music as a healing influence dates back to the writings of Aristotle and Plato. During the 20th century the discipline began after World Wars I and II when community musicians of all types, both professional and amateur, went to Veterans hospitals around the country to play for the thousands of veterans experiencing both physical and emotional trauma from the wars.

Researchers at the University of Central Florida’s Department of Nursing created a study to determine if listening to music or having a period of quiet rest, before taking the first walk after surgery could reduce pain or anxiety. They also sought to determine if the music impacted heart and breathing rates, blood pressure and oxygen levels in people undergoing a total knee replacement surgery.

The researchers randomly placed fifty-six patients scheduled for knee replacement surgery in either music listening group or a quiet rest group. They found that there was no statistical difference between the two groups, in terms of the significant reduction in pain experienced over time. The researchers concluded that the evidence supported the utilization of both methods to decrease anxiety and pain.

Additionally, there was not risk of side effects, and the benefits of decreased pain and anxiety has the potential to spare and diminish the use of narcotic pain relievers. This reduces the likelihood of drug side effects. The authors suggested that nurses can offer music as a pain and anxiety intervention in knee replacement surgery patients

Looking to find the best info on how to get well, then visit www.howtogetwellfaster.com to find the best advice on holistic health for you.

Related Blogs

Advertisement

Leave a Reply