Recent studies highlight that listening to music — whether before, during, or after surgery — may significantly improve recovery outcomes.
- A 2024 review of 35 studies found that patients who listened to music after surgery had lower pain levels and reduced anxiety compared to those who did not — with effects visible as early as the first day post-surgery.
- In a 2023 trial involving patients under anaesthesia and undergoing laparoscopic surgery, those exposed to music had better postoperative recovery scores, lower pain measures, and improved overall comfort.
- Other research shows that music can lower physiological stress responses associated with surgery — including heart rate and stress-hormone (cortisol) levels — which may contribute to faster healing and smoother recovery.
Why Might Music Help — The Theory Behind the Effect
Medical and psychological researchers propose a few reasons why music might positively affect surgical recovery:
- Anxiety and stress reduction: Surgery often triggers fear, stress, and anxiety. Music — especially calming or patient-preferred tunes — can soothe the mind, lessen anxiety and produce a relaxation effect.
- Pain perception modulation: Pain isn’t just physical — it has a strong emotional and perceptual component. Music may distract the brain from pain signals, reducing how intensely pain is perceived.
- Lower drug dependency: Because music seems to ease pain and stress, patients sometimes require fewer painkillers or sedatives — which can also reduce drug-related side effects and speed recovery.
- Improved emotional & holistic well-being: Recovery isn’t just about wounds healing. Music can improve mood, support emotional stability, reduce nausea or discomfort, and promote a sense of calm — all of which influence healing.
What Types of Music or Timing Work Best
Multiple studies suggest that music is helpful when used before, during, or after surgery — though effects seem strongest when music is started pre- or post-operation.
Also — when patients are given a choice of music (rather than a fixed “classical-only” playlist), results tend to be better: less anxiety, higher satisfaction, and smoother recovery.
Importantly: music should be calm, soothing, and at moderate volume — loud or high-beat music might distract rather than calm, especially in sensitive medical contexts.
What’s Promising — And What’s Still Not Fully Proven
✅ What’s Promising
- Most studies agree: music correlates with reduced post-surgical pain and anxiety, and better patient satisfaction
- Music is safe, inexpensive, non-invasive — unlike stronger sedatives or painkillers which carry side effects.
- It’s easy to implement — patients can listen via headphones, speakers; there’s virtually no cost or extra risk.
⚠️ What’s Not Yet Clear
- Music doesn’t guarantee full relief: the effect varies by type of surgery, patient’s preferences, emotional state, and other factors.
- Not all studies find a big difference — for instance, in some trials, pain reduction was modest or not statistically significant.
- Music doesn’t replace medical care, pain management, or proper post-operative care. It should be considered a supportive therapy, not a substitute.
What This Means for Patients (Like You or Someone You Know)
If you or a loved one is scheduled for surgery — simple, major, or anything — consider asking the medical team if playing soft, patient-preferred music is allowed before, during, or after the operation.
It’s a low-cost, low-risk way to possibly reduce pain, stress, and even the need for heavier medicines — which could lead to a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
Also — once out of surgery, continuing music during recovery may help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and support healing.
Bottom Line
Listening to music during surgery is emerging as a simple but powerful non-pharmacological tool. It won’t replace good medical care — but as many studies show, music can help reduce pain and anxiety, lower drug needs, and improve overall recovery experience. Given how easy and inexpensive it is, music therapy might well be worth recommending for many surgical patients.
