Can Hypnosis Help Me Manage My Pain?

By Ramzy Ayachi, CH

NOVA Hypnosis and Wellness

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

Can Hypnosis Help Me Manage My Pain?

Do you hurt constantly? Are you wrestling with pain from cancer, arthritis, TMJ, back or neck issues, migraines, or fibromyalgia? Are you tired of dealing with all the side effects of pain medication? Do you wish there was some other way of finding relief?

Can Hypnosis Help?

A client will typically report some level of pain relief after only one session through a powerful, interactive, and fun process of hypnosis, whereby the hypnotist guides the client to the appropriate level (depth) of hypnosis for the presenting problem through a series of suggestions.

Once at the appropriate level of hypnosis, the client's subconscious mind is optimally open and receptive to the combination of positive suggestions co-created by the hypnotist and the client during the intake portion of the session.

Because hypnotherapy occurs on the level of the subconscious mind, change can be more dramatic, noticeable, and permanent than when the conscious mind is engaged.

Many clients can learn how to completely alleviate their pain through self-hypnosis after only four or five sessions.

Hypnosis is gaining more recognition nationwide as an established option for mitigating pain. In fact, according to results from randomized controlled studies published in 2003 by David R. Patterson and Mark P. Jensen in the psychological bulletin Hypnosis and Clinical Pain, hypnosis had a significant and reliable impact on both procedural and chronic pain.

Other research, published by Gary Elkins, Mark P. Jensen, and David R. Patterson in a 2007 issue of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, showed that hypnosis was more effective for chronic pain than physical therapy or education.

Some hypnotherapists are certified pain management specialists with unique training in the use of hypnosis for managing chronic or acute pain. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain and is ready for natural, safe, and effective relief, you may want to consider scheduling a consultation.

Note It is recommended that you always seek the advice of a licensed mental health or medical provider prior to starting any new treatment plan or with any questions regarding your medical or mental health condition.

Most hypnotherapists neither diagnose nor treat mental health or medical conditions, nor do they provide counseling or medical care. Please be aware these services are meant to supplement, not substitute for the care provided by your licensed mental health or medical provider.