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Managing Chronic Pain with Hypnotherapy: The Science and Solutions



Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, and many suffer in silence, uncertain about which treatment will work for them. Traditional treatments, including medication and physical therapy, can provide relief, but often come with side effects or limited effectiveness. For those in Christchurch, looking for alternative options, hypnotherapy offers a scientifically-backed, non-invasive way to manage and reduce pain. At Koru Therapies, we specialise in using hypnotherapy to help clients regain control over their pain, promoting healing and well-being.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is complex, often persisting even after the initial injury or condition has healed. It affects not only the body but also the mind. Research shows that chronic pain is linked to heightened sensitivity in the brain’s pain centres, creating a vicious cycle where the brain amplifies pain signals. This can make even minor discomfort feel unbearable.

According to recent studies, chronic pain can be categorised into nociceptive pain ,sharp, aching, throbbing pain, caused by tissue damage (e.g., arthritis or injuries), and neuropathic pain, which occurs due to nerve damage (such as in diabetic neuropathy)​. There's also neuroplastic pain, where pain persists without an obvious physical cause, driven by stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma​.

How Hypnotherapy Helps with Pain Management

Hypnotherapy involves guiding clients into a relaxed state, called a trance, where they become highly focused and open to suggestions. In this state, the mind can be trained to perceive pain differently, reducing its intensity. But how exactly does this work?

Studies show that during hypnosis, areas of the brain responsible for processing pain are less active, particularly the anterior cingulate cortex, which typically reacts to pain signals. This reduction in brain activity helps individuals separate the emotional experience of pain from the physical sensation, making the pain more manageable​.

Further, research indicates that hypnosis helps not only with acute pain but is particularly effective for chronic pain, helping individuals focus less on the discomfort and more on relaxation and healing​.

Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Pain

Here are the key ways hypnotherapy can benefit those suffering from chronic pain:

  1. Altering Pain Perception: By changing how the brain interprets pain signals, hypnotherapy can reduce the perceived intensity of pain. This can make conditions like fibromyalgia or lower back pain feel less overwhelming​.

  2. Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Chronic pain often leads to increased stress, which in turn exacerbates the pain. Hypnotherapy helps break this cycle by guiding individuals into a deeply relaxed state, reducing overall tension​.

  3. Cognitive Restructuring: Hypnotherapy can help clients develop healthier thought patterns around their pain, enabling them to focus less on discomfort and more on positive coping mechanisms.

  4. Empowerment: Hypnotherapy promotes self-regulation, offering clients tools like self-hypnosis that they can use in daily life to manage flare-ups and maintain control over their pain.

Latest Research on Hypnotherapy for Pain

Recent studies continue to affirm the benefits of hypnotherapy in managing chronic pain. For instance, a systematic review published in 2024 found that hypnosis can lead to significant reductions in pain intensity across multiple conditions.  Another study highlighted how hypnotherapy could be especially effective for individuals with neuroplastic pain, which is often linked to emotional triggers rather than physical injury​.

 A 2018 meta-analysis of 85 studies concluded that hypnosis significantly reduces pain intensity and improves pain-related outcomes for individuals suffering from various chronic pain conditions.

Additionally, at Stanford University, researchers found that hypnosis alters how the brain responds to pain, helping patients focus less on pain and more on relaxation techniques. This has been particularly useful in cases of cancer pain, where anxiety about the disease can amplify the sensation of pain​.

The science is clear: hypnosis is more than just a temporary distraction—it creates real, long-lasting changes in how the brain processes pain​.

Who Can Benefit from Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy isn’t just for those with obvious physical conditions like arthritis or injury. It is particularly beneficial for:

  • People with fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, which are often resistant to conventional treatments​.

  • Individuals suffering from neuropathic pain, such as shooting, stabbing or burning pain

  • Those with neuroplastic pain, especially if linked to emotional stress, anxiety, or past trauma​.

In fact, about two-thirds of people are highly responsive to hypnosis, making it a viable,  natural option for many individuals.

Why Choose Hypnotherapy at Koru therapies?

Koru therapies is dedicated to providing personlised hypnotherapy sessions tailored to each client's unique needs. Your experienced practitioner is trained in clinical hypnosis and works with clients to understand the root causes of their pain, whether they stem from physical trauma, surgery, emotional stress, or a combination of factors.

We take an empathetic, supportive approach, ensuring that each session is designed not only to reduce pain but to give clients the tools to manage it on their own.  All treatments are tailored specifically to the client’s pain and lifestyle, and the methods used are scientifically backed. We help clients develop self-hypnosis techniques that can be used at home for ongoing relief, empowering them to control their pain long after their session ends. 

Success Stories from Clients

We’ve had the privilege of helping many individuals in Christchurch find relief from chronic pain through hypnotherapy. One client, who had been struggling with chronic back pain for years, found significant improvement after just a few sessions. They shared how learning to visualise their pain as a controllable dial helped them regain the ability to enjoy activities they had long given up.

Another client with fibromyalgia noted that hypnotherapy gave them more than just pain relief—it also provided a profound sense of calm and clarity, helping them manage their symptoms without relying on medication.

Book Your Session Today

If you’re tired of living with chronic pain and looking for a natural, effective solution, Koru therapies is here to help. We invite you to book a consultation today and discover how hypnotherapy can transform your approach to pain management. With personalised care and a proven, scientific approach to pain relief, we are committed to helping you regain control of your health and well-being.

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain, hypnotherapy offers a holistic, drug-free alternative that can make a real difference. Visit www.korutherapies.co.nz today to take the first step toward a pain-free life.


Get relief from your pain & injuries

* If you're unsure which service to book, please contact Kirsten directly on 027-332-0214 or info@korumassage.com to discuss. 

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