For many people, the idea of hypnotherapy to treat pain sounds too good to be true, right? Well, there have been thousands of studies done on just this with effective results.
Firstly, anyone can be hypnotised. In fact, it's a natural state. Ever had those drives in the car on the way home and then wondered "where did that last 10 mins go?" Or, have you ever been engrossed in a book or activity and had someone call your name more than once before you answer? That's it. We all do it. So with relaxation techniques and guided supervision by a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist, you can get into a deep state of trance and be given suggestions to help with all kinds of painful experiences such as dental appointments, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), radiation, recovery after a surgical procedure, burns, mixed chronic and acute pain.
People have even undergone complete surgery using only hypnosis (hypno-analgesia). Hypnosis is used to target both the sensory (feeling) and affective (emotional) responses due to pain/painful experiences. Anyone suffering pain is also likely to suffer anxiety and depression. Chronic pain is debilitating. It attacks every part of your life, not just your body.
Just doing everyday normal movements can induce anxiety and therefore we tend to isolate ourselves and become depressed. Forgetting what it's like to live the way we used to – pain free. To learn more about the pain levels of people suffering from anxiety and depression, as well as effective treatments for pain, go here..
Hypnotic Suggestions, a Powerful Tool!
If you have not seen a solid evidence of the efficacy of hypnosis sessions, here's a short narrative of its effects on a willful candidate for hypnosis:
A wonderful patient of mine who had suffered arthritis for over 10 years came to me after feeling depressed and defeated by her pain. Among countless other treatments and diets over the years, she had endured pain trying all kinds of medical procedures and alternative treatments. Until she decided to give hypnotherapy a go.
During her first hypnotherapy session, she was in a lot of pain, describing it an 8/10. She was almost in tears putting her shoes on that morning. After our first session that day, her pain perception following her hypnotic experience was significantly reduced to an amazing .5! You see "we" (hypnotherapists) are not allowed to turn pain off for clients as it's a very important part of our system. While her subconscious mind was in a trance-like state, which is characterised by heightened focus and deep relaxation, it became more receptive to positive suggestions.
Once she came out of hypnosis, her pain was described as a 5/10. Post-hypnotic suggestions continue to work into the brain long after the client has left, which explains why her pain levels progressively went down to a 3/10 by that evening. Now in her case and many others who suffer long-term pain, it is expected you will need ongoing treatment. Each patient treatment plan would vary.
Many studies show that just 30 minutes of hypnosis prior to treatment made a huge difference in the pain and anxiety levels of the patient. If you suffer chronic pain, expect anywhere between 3-4 months of treatment, where your hypnotherapist would see you twice a week – to start, and slowly you will learn to self-soothe with self-hypnosis techniques. Listening to recorded sessions at home alongside treatments. Then, you'll have 1-2 treatments a month until eventually none. Pretty cool, right?
You see, although hypnotherapy may take months in regard to long term pain, there are no nasty side effects. You cannot be allergic.
The Effects of Hypnosis for Pain Management
Pros: No side effects
Results from your first session
No drugs necessary – although we do not advise that you stop your current treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Here are the other benefits you can reap:
- Relaxing state of mind
- Lasting long-term results
- Learning to hypnotise yourself is a lifelong skill
- Clinically proven in thousands of studies all over the world
- Focuses on both emotional and physical symptoms of pain
Cons: You will need to commit!!
Studies have shown that patients who undergo surgery and use the power of hypnosis have an overall more satisfactory experience. Furthermore, the positive effects of hypnosis can be gleaned from a study of prior studies (meta-analysis) that was done in the year 2000. It collected data from Guy Montgomery, PhD, Katherine DuHamel, PhD, and William Redd, PhD, showing that 75% of clinical and experimental participants with a range of pain issues obtained substantial pain relief using hypnotic techniques. You can find that article here.
For a range of studies done between 1982 and 2012 on various procedures, go here.
In conclusion, instead of hypnosis being your last resort to overcoming or managing pain, hypnotherapy can be used before procedures, as well as during and after. Do your own research and make sure you use a Clinically Qualified Hypnotherapist!
