Hypnotherapy for Pain Management
Reduce Pain. Reclaim Control. Improve Quality of Life.
Chronic pain can be exhausting—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
Over time, pain affects more than your body. It impacts your sleep, energy, focus, and overall wellbeing.
If you’re looking for a safe, natural, and effective way to manage pain, hypnotherapy offers proven support.
How Hypnotherapy Helps with Pain
Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind to shift how your brain processes and perceives pain signals.
It’s not about ignoring the pain—it’s about reducing its intensity and improving how you cope.
In each session, we focus on:
Lowering pain levels
Calming the nervous system and reducing stress
Releasing muscle tension
Reinforcing a sense of calm, control, and resilience
Providing tools for self-management between sessions
Conditions Supported by Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy has been shown to assist with:
Chronic back and neck pain
Fibromyalgia
Migraines and headaches
Arthritis-related discomfort
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) pain
Post-surgical recovery
Phantom limb pain
The Science Behind Hypnotherapy for Pain Management
Hypnotherapy is not just a complementary therapy—it is strongly supported by scientific research as an effective tool in managing both acute and chronic pain conditions. Here’s what the evidence shows:
Meta-Analyses & Systematic Reviews
Montgomery et al. (2000) conducted a meta-analysis of 18 controlled studies, concluding that hypnosis significantly reduces pain intensity across a range of conditions, including cancer pain, surgical pain, and chronic non-malignant pain.
(Source: Montgomery, G. H., et al., International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 2000)
A more recent review by Thompson et al. (2019), covering over 40 studies, also confirmed that hypnotherapy consistently leads to statistically significant reductions in pain and improvements in quality of life.
(Source: Thompson, T., et al., Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 2019)
Brain Imaging Research
Modern brain imaging confirms that hypnotherapy alters how pain is processed:
Researchers at Harvard Medical School (Spiegel et al., 2016) used fMRI scans to show that hypnosis decreases activity in key brain areas associated with pain perception, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex and somatosensory cortices—effectively reducing the subjective experience of pain.
(Source: Spiegel, D., et al., Cerebral Cortex, 2016)
Clinical Trials & Chronic Conditions
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain:
Elkins et al. (2007) found that fibromyalgia patients experienced significant reductions in pain intensity and improved quality of life after hypnotherapy sessions compared to control groups.
(Source: Elkins, G., et al., International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 2007)Chronic Back & Neuropathic Pain:
Jensen et al. (2006) demonstrated hypnotherapy’s effectiveness in reducing pain intensity, improving sleep quality, and enhancing overall wellbeing in patients with various chronic pain conditions.
(Source: Jensen, M. P., et al., Clinical Journal of Pain, 2006)
IBS & Condition-Specific Research
One of the most thoroughly researched areas is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition closely tied to chronic abdominal pain:
Whorwell et al. (1984) showed that hypnotherapy significantly improves IBS symptoms, particularly abdominal pain, and has since been widely endorsed by gastroenterologists.
(Source: Whorwell, P. J., et al., The Lancet, 1984)
Professional Recognition
The American Psychological Association (APA) recognises hypnotherapy as an empirically supported treatment for pain management.
The British Pain Society acknowledges hypnosis as an effective adjunctive therapy in managing chronic pain.
The research is clear: Hypnotherapy is a safe, evidence-based approach to pain relief.
It works by reducing pain perception, calming the nervous system, and improving emotional resilience—all without the need for invasive procedures or medications.
If you’re seeking a natural, effective option to better manage pain, hypnotherapy is well-supported by science to help you achieve that goal.
Frequently Asked Questions – Pain Management Hypnotherapy
How does hypnotherapy reduce pain?
Hypnotherapy guides you into a deeply relaxed, focused state where we can access the subconscious mind.
In this state, we help reframe how your brain processes pain signals, reducing the intensity of pain and improving your ability to manage it.
Will hypnotherapy completely eliminate my pain?
While results vary, many clients experience a noticeable reduction in pain levels and an increased sense of control.
Hypnotherapy may not cure the source of pain but can significantly reduce its impact on your daily life.
Is hypnotherapy safe for pain management?
Yes, hypnotherapy is safe, natural, and non-invasive.
It complements medical treatments and does not interfere with medications. You remain fully aware and in control throughout.
How many sessions will I need?
Most clients benefit from 3 to 6 sessions, though this may vary based on the type and severity of pain.
We’ll personalise a plan tailored to your specific needs.
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No. You are always in control during hypnotherapy.
It’s not stage hypnosis or mind control—you remain fully aware, relaxed, and able to engage in the process.
What types of pain can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy has been shown to support a range of conditions, including:
Chronic back and neck pain
Fibromyalgia
Migraines and headaches
Arthritis discomfort
IBS-related abdominal pain
Post-surgical recovery
Phantom limb pain
Can hypnotherapy help with the emotional side of chronic pain?
Absolutely. Chronic pain often affects more than just the body—it can cause stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Hypnotherapy addresses both the physical sensation of pain and the emotional impact, helping you feel calmer, more resilient, and better equipped to manage daily challenges.