Rehabilitation after surgery can seem a daunting challenge. Your medical providers will help you with the standard resources such as instructions for care, medication, and physical therapy. Fortunately, there are therapies you can use to aid in the reduction of issues that interfere with the recovery process.

Take charge of your body and be proactive to ensure thorough rehabilitation. It is in your best interest to be an informed patient. Medical research has proven techniques such as music, meditation, and visualization can aid in reducing pain and complications from surgery. Alternative therapies have been used for years but only in recent times has data been analyzed for postoperative benefits.

In 2015 researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 72 studies of nearly 7000 patients in controlled trials to learn if music could affect postoperative pain and anxiety (The Lancet). In the group that listened to music, there was a 20 percent reduction in pain, 10 percent less anxiety, and a significant increase in the level of patient satisfaction with the procedure.

Meditation has also proven effective for helping both before and after surgery. Engaging the mind and body connection has been shown to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and improve the long-term outcome. The Journal of Neuroscience published a study in 2011 that determined meditation reduced pain intensity by forty percent after patients practiced mindfulness for four days.

The evidence is clear. You have the ability to achieve a better outcome after surgery by using additional therapies including yoga, acupuncture, essential oils, massage, nutrition, hypnosis, herbs, and even Tai Chi. These adjuncts can help speed you on your way to an excellent outcome after your surgery.