Hypnosis for Chronic Pain Workshop

WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?

Hypnotist James Hazlerig defines hypnosis as “Real results from imaginary events.”

Imagine that you are watching a movie. You’re aware of the fact that those are all actors dressing up and pretending to be something they are not. The story they tell is an imaginary event, and yet in spite of that, you get swept up in that story. That story they tell can create real results within you of emotions of happiness, or sadness. Or even real physical results of laughing, or crying.

When you are focused on the movie, this is a natural hypnotic trance. You may be so focused that someone can be calling your name you don’t even notice! Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that you’ve experienced many times. It’s not mind control, but how to control your own mind.

Hypnosis can be used as a tool to heighten your receptivity and refocus your mind in order to use the full power of your mind and make the positive changes you want in your life.

CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTIZED? 

Yes! Since hypnosis is a natural occurring state, anyone who is willing can experience hypnosis.Hypnosis is simply a set of instructions that someone can follow. Some people can be more receptive than others. That’s why working with an experienced professional is so important to customize the experience for you.

Many people can quickly and easily experience hypnosis, and they can continue to use their hypnotic skills long after they leave the clinic.

HOW DOES HYPNOSIS WORK? 

Hypnosis isn’t something that’s done to you. Instead, it’s triggering a process that happens inside your brain all the time.

Researchers are using imaging like fMRI in order to better understand what is happening in the brain when someone enters a hypnotic state. One part of the brain is particularly important when it comes to processing pain called the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC). This area is important for pain because it involves our attention, motivation and links with our Rest, Digest and Heal system (Parasympathetic Nervous System). Hypnosis has been shown to activate areas like the ACC, which helps to change the person’s experience of pain.

However, there are many different models that explain how hypnosis works, and yet that doesn’t take away from the power it has.

Did you know that scientists don’t have a clue how Tylenol works? There is research showing Tylenol does reduce pain, but the mechanism to the most widely used medication for pain still remains a mystery.

In that same way, hypnosis continues to be researched and new breakthroughs in understanding are happening all the time.

WILL I LOSE CONTROL AND BE MADE TO DO SOMETHING I DON’T WANT WITH HYPNOSIS? 

No. You are free to accept or reject any suggestions made.

One definition of hypnosis is “A set of instructions that someone can follow.”

You cannot be made to do anything against your own internal moral code, or if you simply don’t want to.

When you know something has to change, it has to be now, and it has to be you, hypnosis is simply a tool to make it happen.

CAN I BE STUCK IN HYPNOSIS? 

No, you can’t be stuck in hypnosis as much as you can’t be stuck in sleep.

Since hypnosis is a natural experience, you’ll just come out naturally if not provided the instruction to do so.

Some people find they don’t want to leave the hypnotic experience because they enjoy it so much, but they’ll still naturally come back to the present moment if left on their own.Just like coming to awareness after a pleasant nap.

CAN I DRIVE AFTERWARDS? 

Of course!

You may feel relaxed, but you’ll have full control of your actions and reactions when you finish the session.

I HAD A FRIEND TRY HYPNOSIS AND IT DIDN’T WORK FOR THEM. WHAT HAPPENED? 

Our experience of hypnosis is as unique as our fingerprints. It comes down to two factors.

The first is the client’s willingness for change (Something has to change. It has to be me. It has to be now).

The second is the skills of the hypnotist.

If the client doesn’t have an honest desire for change or is fearful of the process, the hypnotic instructions simply won’t be effective.

Hypnosis is a skill and not a “one-size-fits-all” process. A trained hypnotist will custom-design a process to teach you hypnotic skills that will help you reach your goals.

WHAT DOES HYPNOSIS FEEL LIKE? 

Every experience is unique to the individual and the experience they are seeking treatment for.

You may notice an increased emotional awareness, changes in sensations like decreased pain,or simply feel “normal.”

If hypnosis is a tool to change the stories we are engaged in, quite often you’ll feel a sense of calm or relaxation when those negative stories are changed.

However, when you go into the experience with no expectations and curiosity, anything can happen.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET RESULTS? 

Rapid change is possible with hypnosis.

Most people begin to experience benefits from the very first session, though hypnosis is a skill that can take time to master.

Watch the video here(link to test your hypnotic receptivity video) to find out just how receptive you are to hypnosis. You may be surprised at how effective it can be to reduce your pain now.

HOW CAN HYPNOSIS HELP FROM A PHYSIOTHERAPY PERSPECTIVE? 

When active physiotherapy treatments are combined with hypnosis, change can happen quickly and effectively. The International Association of the Study of Pain (IASP) describes pain as “a sensory and emotional experience.” The IASP recognizes that we can’t simply treat the sensation of pain. We need to treat the emotional components related to pain such as stress, anxiety and fear.

For example, someone who was injured at work may be anxious and fearful about returning to work. They may feel fear about the specific place at work they were injured, anxious about returning to the physical tasks at work, or just stressed about all of the changes that happen when off work with an injury.

All of this fear, anxiety and stress can be reduced using hypnosis techniques, helping your mind and body to be more calm and present. That means the exercise and other physiotherapy treatments you have will be more effective.

Hypnosis research also shows that simply going into a hypnotic state can calm your nervous system. Your parasympathetic nervous system, or your Rest, Digest and Heal system, will then become more active. Developing a self-hypnosis practice is an important part of the treatment so you can tap into this state anywhere, anytime.

Hypnosis and high performance also go hand in hand. Hypnosis isn’t just for Olympic athletes anymore. From improving your confidence when you return to your sport to developing self-hypnosis skills to get you in the zone. Hypnosis can be a skill that helps you level up your game.

WHAT IF I WANT HYPNOSIS TO HELP ME WITH SOMETHING OTHER THAN AN INJURY? 

Hypnosis can help heal from emotions or experiences that are unrelated to a physical injury or condition such as generalized anxiety, depression or even to stop smoking. However, this would not be covered under a physiotherapy session. Reach out to Danyel at our Physical Pursuit Physiotherapy team if you have questions related to how hypnosis could help you.

WHERE CAN I GET HYPNOSIS TREATMENT FROM A PHYSIOTHERAPIST?

If you live in the South Okanagan, you can book with Danyel Degenhardt at Physical Pursuit Physiotherapy. Danyel will complete a thorough assessment and determine how effective an option hypnosis will be for you.

Danyel also provides telehealth sessions online to any resident of BC.