Clinical Hypnosis -Treatment for Chronic Pain

​

The empirical support for hypnosis for chronic pain management has flourished over the past two decades. Clinical trials show that hypnosis is effective for reducing chronic pain. The findings from these clinical trials also show that hypnotic treatments have several positive effects beyond pain control. Neurophysiological studies reveal that hypnotic analgesia has clear effects on brain and spinal-cord functioning that differ as a function of the specific hypnotic suggestions made, providing further evidence for the specific effects of hypnosis. The research results have important implications for how clinicians can help their clients experience maximum benefits from hypnosis and treatments that include hypnotic components. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved) Hypnotic Approaches for Chronic Pain.

 

Amanda Barnier, professor at Macquarie University's Department of Cognitive Science was quoted in August 2017. "Hypnosis has a really old history -- at least as old as psychology, if not older. "In the past it has been used to conduct surgeries, amputations and assist people with really severe pain. It actually has a really nice, long, experimental and clinical history and is very scientific.

​

According to Barnier, hypnosis can be used to provide effective relief for a number of psychological and physical symptoms.to help treat conditions including anxiety, depression, habit disorders, trauma, and acute and chronic pain. Going on to say "Indeed, economic and meta-analyses show that hypnotic treatments can have long-lasting effects and cost half as much as some traditional treatments Studies have shown that Hypnosis is likely to be effective for more than 75% of people studied suffering from diverse forms of pain in both children and adults

​

​

How does it work

​

Hypnosis for Pain management address the body and mind, highly recommended for those who are battling with long-term pain. Anxiety and stress are two common side effects that tag along with chronic pain and make the sensation worse. It is a fact, the way the mind will respond to pain also links to the perception of the physical sensations.

​

The techniques pain management experts use in hypnosis therapy sessions often includes forms of progressive distraction, relaxation induction and the power of visualizations to tackle pain itself. In combination with post-hypnotic suggestions, it helps to release clues on how to control the chronic pain and focus better on wellness and recovery.

​

When a person is under the effects of hypnosis, it helps them focus well on relaxation and let go of all thoughts that have a negative impact on their life. This helps to tune out the brains conscious part temporarily and open it up for other suggestions. The suggestions a therapist makes will help to encourage relief from pain.

​

Rather than pushing, you to believe that pain is something that does not exist, a hypnosis session for pain will aim at managing your anxiety and fear related to the pain you experience. Hypnosis therapy helps to relax the nervous system and reduce stress in order to make it less reactive to the pain.

​

Hypnosis therapy for pain relief also refocuses the mind away from pain to pleasant thoughts. Through visualization techniques, they will ask you to describe a place and think about other details to distract your mind.

​

​

Duration of the Sessions

 

Note that the duration and number of sessions for hypnosis therapy depend on your circumstances. However, a standard hypnotherapy treatment will last 4-10 sessions. During these sessions, your pain management specialist may also make some recordings for you to use at home. Hypnotherapy is a safe and natural therapy that has no side effects and definitely worth the try. Most people who choose it say it is a great tool to combat chronic pain.

 

​