MAY 2006, VOLUME 34, NUMBER 1, Abstract 5
HYPNOSIS AND PHANTOM LIMB PAIN
Ramony Chan, Clinical Psychologist
Treating phantom limb pain is a difficult task, as its pathophysiology and aetiology are not yet well understood (Jensen & Rasmussen, 1994). Patients with phantom limb pain not only suffer enormously, but they are also mystified and frustrated by their experience of pain in a limb that is no longer there. Among many treatments available, hypnosis could be promising, since it is well known to be effective in the treatment of pain (Hawkins, 200; Montgomery, DuHamel, & Redd, 2001). The following case study addresses the application and effectiveness of hypnosis in the treatment of phantom limb pain.