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Using hypnosis to accelerate the healing of bone fractures: a randomized controlled pilot study
1Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA.
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
|March 9, 1999
Summary
Hypnosis may accelerate bone fracture healing, showing trends toward faster anatomical and functional recovery in a pilot study. Further research is warranted to confirm these promising findings for enhanced tissue repair.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- Hypnosis is established for psychological and functional benefits.
- Its role in anatomical healing remains under-investigated.
- Bone fracture healing serves as a model for testing anatomical repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if hypnotic interventions can speed up bodily tissue healing.
- Specifically, to test hypnosis's effect on bone fracture healing rates.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled pilot study involving 11 healthy adults with fractures.
- Participants received standard orthopedic care.
- The treatment group underwent hypnotic interventions (sessions, audiotapes) alongside standard care.
Main Results:
- Trends indicated faster healing in the hypnosis group by week 9.
- Radiographic data showed a significant difference in fracture edge healing at 6 weeks.
- Hypnosis subjects exhibited improved mobility, functional ability, and reduced analgesic use.
Conclusions:
- Hypnosis shows potential in enhancing both anatomical and functional aspects of fracture healing.
- The study suggests further investigation into hypnosis for accelerating tissue repair.
- Despite limitations, findings support exploring hypnosis as an adjunct therapy for healing.