Welsh National Opera (WNO) has reported substantial improvement in pain management, mental and emotional health, and overall quality of life for participants in its latest wellness programme study, using singing and breathing as treatment.  

The study, conducted by Milestone Tweed, reports substantial improvements in pain management, mental and emotional health, and overall quality of life for participants of WNO's wellness programme. Running from March 2024-2025, the programme offered those living with persistent pain a six-week online singing and breathing course. The schedule included these weekly hour-long sessions as well as optional fortnightly drop-in sessions. 

Owen Hughes, National Clinical Lead for Persistent Pain, NHS Wales, stated: ‘Feedback from participants has been fabulous with many telling us that being involved in the programme has been life changing… 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’ 

Each session reported an average of 6 attendees per session, with 65 participants recorded across the eight drop-in sessions, demonstrating high engagement rates from participants. 95 per cent of participants reported continuing to use the breathing and exercise techniques post-programme.  

Participant of the study June Evans shared her experience: ‘The programme has genuinely changed my life. Before I started the sessions, I was consumed by grief for the life I had before my illness and felt constantly controlled by my pain. Wellness at the WNO has taught me how to tame the pain, and every session brings me one step closer to the person I used to be. It has brought joy back into my life and has showed me how to smile again.’ 

Qualitative findings highlighted themes such as holistic therapy through music, joy and positivity, empowerment, acceptance, self-management, community belonging, and increased knowledge and learning. 

Not only has this programme demonstrated the ability to improve pain symptoms and quality of life, but it is also significantly more cost effective: 

WNO has delivered social prescribing initiatives for a plethora of long-term conditions. Its flagship study supported individuals with Long COVID and has since expanded to include other long-term conditions such as ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Other studies include a programme for secondary school students experiencing anxiety and low confidence, a partnership with Velindre Cancer Centre to address breathlessness, and a pilot programme for individuals in supportive care in collaboration with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.  

The study has been funded by the Welsh government and delivered in partnership with NHS Wales.