Fibromyalgia

In this controlled study of 40 patients, hypnosis improved functioning and reduced pain more than physical therapy.

The study was published in the Journal of Rheumatology. 40 Fibromyalgia patients were randomly assigned treatment of either Hypnotherapy or Physical Therapy. The therapy lasted 12 weeks with a follow up at 24 weeks. The patients in the Hypnosis group showed a significantly better outcome with respect to pain reduction, fatigue upon awakening, sleep patterns, and global assessment at 12 and 24 weeks.

The authors concluded that hypnosis was effective in relieving the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. "Every client using hypnosis for FMS has gained a significant reduction in symptoms. Many have become symptom free during the course of therapy and have remained that way after the sessions have ended. They have been able to reduce their dependence on medications and return to a more active lifestyle".