Mind/Body Techniques for Relief of Chronic Pain

Mind/Body Techniques for Relief of Chronic Pain Daniel F. Cleary and Michael B. Ellner

Disclosures Michael Ellner –Nothing to Disclose

Daniel Cleary –Nothing to Disclose

Abstract/Summary Mind�body medicine offers physicians excellent resources for helping their patients increase their coping and pain relief skills and abilities A comprehensive list of citations is included at the end of this presentation

Learning Objectives Identify Mind/Body resources Differentiate physical and perceptual limitations expressed by patient Describe how to utilize patient language to shift awareness in your practice Identify how to promote patient compliance

Daniel F. Cleary and Michael B. Ellner

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Because more than 50% of patients surveyed by the Centers for Disease Control want complementary and alternative treatments integrated into conventional medicine

And we can help!

Medical Practitioners Entrance Patients

It is called the

White Coat Induction And is perhaps the fastest, most powerful induction available Today we will learn to use it to enhance comfort

Mind‐Body Medicine is evidence based for:  Pain Relief  Stress Reduction  Improving Immune Function  Motivation and Compliance  Improving Moods

Mind/Body Medicine is made up of a family of guided or self-directed techniques that focus attention toward greater awareness and control of both mental and physical function

Hypnosis, self-hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback, yoga, and tai chi are popular forms of Mind/Body Medicine Evidence suggests that these approaches have the potential to help people feel better and heal better A comprehensive list of citations is included at the end of this presentation

Patient Perception Reality is not the event Reality is the perception of the event Perception is observation of events through the filters of past experience, beliefs and learned behaviors

Mind/Body Communication Placebo Effects are well known and yet often undervalued The influence of thought processes and expectations can determine compliance and outcome in many cases, particularly with chronic conditions

Anxiety/Fear Hearing a diagnosis can cause –Functional Deafness •the words that follow may be mixed or missed

When the patient reacts with shock or fear –They enter a form of Fight or Flight Response

Fight or Flight Response Is evidence of the Mind/Body connection The practitioner who recognizes this response can utilize patient perception of the event to shift awareness toward Rest and Digest The way the diagnosis and treatment options are addressed can enhance patient compliance

Healing, ease and comfort are set aside in the Fight or Flight response until after the crisis is past With prolonged or chronic conditions, assisting patients to access natural Rest and Digest awareness enhances compliance and healing

Pain Always Has An Emotional Component  There is: – The way you feel – The way you feel ABOUT how you feel

 Often the lines get blurred  While I may not be able to change the physiological signals being sent and received,

I CAN change the way I respond

Language, both verbal and physical, is an interactive process that can be utilized to engage patients in feeling better while participating in treatment or therapy

When we feel better We heal better!

Options Either/Or –while seeming to offer choice, is often: • ‘which end of the sharp stick’ • and can result in a sense of helplessness

Is there a third option available? Are there resources available to ease the level of distress?

Breathing When speaking with patients, the practitioner can lead by example: –Breathe deeply and slowly –Maintain eye contact –Notice body language

Relaxation Relaxation is also often overlooked or under valued as a resource  Teach simple progressive relaxation techniques as a standard of care to all patients

Today We Spoke Of Mind/Body resources Perceptual limitations Language Patient compliance

Join Dan and Michael in our breakout room and explore the experience of Mind/Body connections Sign up sheet at IMDHA table or see Michael or Dan

Daniel F. Cleary and Michael B. Ellner Are available world-wide to train your staff and assist clients www.danclearyhypnosis.com www.ellner.info

Thank You

References  The benefits of hypnosis: Kessler, R, et al, Hypnosis and Relaxation with Pain Patients: Evidence for Effectiveness, Seminars in Pain Medicine, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2003.  Anderson, R, Low Back Pain and Hypnosis, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patient Oct., 2006.  Hypnosis is effective in relieving chronic pain: JAMA. 1996(Jul);276:313‐318.  Hypnotherapy relieves cancer related pain: JAMA. 2000(Jan);283:118‐119.  Hypnotherapy relieves IBS related pain. Amer J Gastroenterol. 2002;97:954‐961.  Tan G, Alvarez J and Jensen M. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches to Pain Management. J Clin Psych Session. 2006;62(11)  Mind‐Body Medicine. J Am Board Fam Pract 2003;16:131‐147.  The benefits of Meditation: PsychosomMed. 1981 Apr;43(2):157‐64.  People who feel better – Heal Better: Stress 'hinders healing process‘ Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/‐/2/hi/health/4499080.stm.