Dr Michelle Dickinson: nanotechnologist on whether music can speed up recovery after surgery

If you are going in for surgery soon and are looking for a simple, creative way to recover faster - music might be the key. According to research presented at the 2024 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress, listening to music post-surgery can make a noticeable difference in your recovery. The researchers analysed 35 studies on the effects of music on surgery patients.  They found that listening to music either through headphones or speakers resulted in: Lower pain levels: Patients who listened to music reported less pain the day after surgery, with up to a 19% reduction on pain scales.  What's interesting is that the researchers couldn't prove that the patients were actually in less pain, but their perception around the amount of pain they were in was reduced.  Reduced anxiety: Music helped lower anxiety levels by about 3%, offering patients much-needed calm during recovery.  Less opioid use: Patients listening to music used less than half the amount of morphine compared to those who didn’t.  Slower heart rate: Music listeners had a reduced heart rate, which aids recovery by promoting better circulation and reducing the risk of complications like abnormal heart rhythms.  The theory is that when patients wake up after surgery, they might feel scared or be unsure about where they are. Music helps to ease this transition after surgery and reduces stress levels in the body.  Unlike more active recovery methods, listening to music requires little effort, making it a perfect option for post-op patients. So, if you’ve just had surgery, the advice is simple - just play the music you love.  Whether it’s classical, rock, or pop, music could be a comforting and powerful tool to help you heal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.