Pain Management

Research has shown medical hypnosis to be helpful for acute and chronic pain. In 1996, a panel of the National Institutes of Health found hypnosis to be effective in easing cancer pain. More recent studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for pain related to burns, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis and reduction of anxiety associated with surgery. In 2000, a meta-analysis, or study of 18 studies of hypnosis, showed that 75% of clinical and experimental participants with varying types of pain obtained substantial pain relief – supporting the claims of the effectiveness of hypnosis for pain management.

There is growing evidence and established research to suggest that hypnosis:

• Has a greater influence on the effects of pain rather than the sensation of pain
• May be more effective or at least equivalent to other treatments for acute and chronic pain
• Have the potential to save both money and time for patients and clinicians, if the patient responds to hypnosis
• May be able to provide analgesia, reduce stress, relieve anxiety, improve sleep, improve mood and reduce the need for opioids
• Can enhance the efficacy of other well-established treatments for pain