Surgery Support & Physical Healing
There are many things that can promote a positive surgical outcome. Good
nutrition, stress management, being a non-smoker, and following post-op instructions
are obvious examples but did you know that use of hypnosis and / or guided imagery prior
to surgery can also be beneficial?
There are numerous studies documenting the benefits of using hypnosis and guided imagery to improve surgical
outcomes by reducing side effects and promoting faster recovery. For example,
a 2010 study entitled “
Mediators of a brief hypnosis intervention to control side effects in breast
surgery patients: Response expectancies and emotional distress”
(Montgomery et. al. 2010) confirmed the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing
post-surgical side effects in breast surgery patients. It’s interesting to note that
the purpose of the study was not to determine 'if' hypnosis works but 'why' it works.
The latter part of this page provides
links to many other studies related to the pre/post surgical benefits of
hypnosis and guided imagery.
In addition to being an effective surgical adjunct, hypnosis and guided imagery have also
been shown to be effective in promoting physical healing. A small study conducted by
Dr. Carol Ginandes
(Ginandes, Rosenthal. 1999) compared healing times for ankle fractures. Both
a control group and the hypnosis group received normal medical intervention in treating their
fractures. After six weeks, when x-rayed, the control group had the anticipated
six week healing rate but the healing rate in the hypnosis group was at a nine week rate - 50%
better than the control group. In another study
(Driediger, et. al. 2006)
guided imagery was found to 'enhance the rehabilitation experience' in athletes. The study
encourages those responsible for the treatment of injured athletes to understand the benefits
of imagery in the rehabilitation process.
Hypnosis and Guided Imagery can be used to support surgical and non-surgical procedures by
reducing patient anxiety, reducing side effects, providing post-op pain management, and
promoting faster, more comfortable recovery. On a personal note, Debbie used hypnosis for
her own surgery and it worked great!
First Session - What to Expect
As a Washington State licensed Nurse Practitioner, Debbie uses her medical background and training
to get a good understanding of what you need in preparing for your medical
procedure. She begins by taking an in-depth history and discussing any
considerations associated with your procedure. Debbie takes the time to listen to
so she can better understand how the procedure is affecting you and your family as well
as finding out any specific treatment goals that you may have.
Once the background information has been gathered, Debbie will work with you to create
a personalized treatment plan that may include one-on-one session(s) and customized and /or
pre-recorded CD(s). In most cases, usually one or two sessions are all that's needed
to successfully prepare for surgery and promote physical healing.
Accepted methods of payment are Cash, Check, Visa, and Mastercard. Debbie
does not accept insurance. However, as a Washington State licensed Nurse Practitioner
she can provide clients with receipts that they can turn into their insurance company for
possible reimbursement.
In appreciation for all that they do, US active and retired military personnel receive a $25 discount off their first session
with Debbie. Thanks to those who serve!
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“Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control
our fears, not to oust them.”
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| Vincent McNabb |
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