The Effects of Hypnotherapy in Addition to Traditional Medicine on Patients with Acute or Chronic Pain

Pharmacological interventions are traditionally the first line treatment for pain but they come with disadvantageous side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, gastrointestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, stupor and loss of consciousness. In addition, with high, long-term doses, they could potentially cause immunosuppressive effects and dependence on the medication (NIDA, 2021). These side effects decrease the client’s overall quality of life. Hypnotherapy is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. Guided by a trained, certified hypnotist or hypnotherapist, hypnosis allows the client to be more receptive to suggestions to enact healthful changes in their perceptions, sensations, emotions, memories, thoughts or behaviors. The utilization of hypnotherapy can limit pain by altering the client’s perception. The use of hypnotherapy is successful in altering both acute and chronic pain (Elkins et al., 2007). Common causes of pain include menstrual pain, surgical procedures, physical injuries, ischemia, and chronic health conditions such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis to name a few. Hypnotherapy, when used in conjunction with pharmacological treatments for acute and chronic pain, can potentially result in decreased pain and increased clients’ overall quality of life.