WNO programme ‘helps manage persistent pain’

A Welsh National Opera (WNO) wellness programme has been successful in helping people manage persistent pain symptoms, a study has found.

An evaluation of the Wellness with WNO: Managing Persistent Pain Programme pilot found there were substantial improvements in pain management, mental and emotional health, and overall quality of life for participants.

Persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, is pain that lasts for more than three months and can impact a person’s quality of life, affecting their physical, emotional and social well-being.

44 participants took part in 36 sessions of the online singing and breathing pilot, which launched in March 2024. A further 65 participants took part in eight drop-in session.

The results showed a 67% improvement in pain/discomfort, a 67% improvement in anxiety/depression and 69% of participants reported enhanced health-related quality of life.

Sessions were estimated to cost £12 per person per hour, compared with £34.30 for NHS physiotherapist services for chronic pain.

Owen Hughes, national clinical lead for persistent pain, NHS Wales, which worked alongside WNO on the programme, said: “This partnership with WNO has been hugely successful.

“Feedback from participants has been fabulous with many telling us that being involved in the programme has been life changing. Not only have they enjoyed learning to use breath and song to help manage their pain, but it has also given them the confidence to socialise again.

“Several participants have said that they’ve gone on to join choirs and some are looking to return to work. The power of music and song has really made a difference to their lives.”