Breaking Boundaries: The Woman Who Defied Pain Through the Use of Hypnosis

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by severe, persistent pain, often affecting the limbs. Traditional treatments include physical therapy, medications, and nerve blocks, but these approaches don’t always provide relief. In recent years, hypnosis has emerged as a promising alternative for managing CRPS symptoms.

A notable case involves a 27-year-old woman named Saffron Fry from Woodcroft, Australia. Diagnosed with a brain tumor, Saffron underwent a craniotomy—a surgical procedure to remove part of the skull—while under hypnosis instead of general anesthesia. Dr. Michael Goldblatt, an Adelaide-based anesthetist, guided her through the process, helping her focus on positive imagery during the surgery. This approach facilitated the procedure and contributed to her postoperative recovery.

While Saffron’s case primarily highlights the use of hypnosis in surgery, it underscores the broader potential of hypnotherapy in pain management. Research indicates that integrating hypnosis with physical therapy can be effective for CRPS patients. A retrospective study involving 20 patients with CRPS of the hand and wrist found that combining physical therapy with hypnosis led to significant improvements in pain reduction, range of motion, and overall function.

These findings suggest that hypnosis, particularly when combined with other therapeutic modalities, can offer significant relief for individuals suffering from CRPS, especially when conventional treatments have not been effective.