Chronic pain is highly prevalent in older adults and has a major impact on functional status, mood, and quality of life. In hospitalized elderly patients, pain management is particularly challenging because of multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and increased vulnerability to drug side effects. This randomized controlled study investigates whether hypnosis, including self-hypnosis, is a feasible and effective non-pharmacological intervention for chronic pain management in hospitalized older patients.
Study design and intervention
This single-center randomized controlled trial compared hypnosis to massage in hospitalized older patients with chronic pain. Patients received three weekly sessions during hospitalization. Hypnosis sessions followed a brief structured model including induction, deepening, and post-hypnotic suggestions, with an emphasis on teaching self-hypnosis to promote patient autonomy. Massage was used as an active control intervention aimed at relaxation and well-being. Pain intensity, pain interference, mood, functional status, and analgesic use were systematically assessed during hospitalization and after discharge.
• high prevalence in community-dwelling and institutionalized elderly patients
• frequent association with depression, sleep disturbances, and reduced functional independence
• increased risk related to analgesic medications (polypharmacy, adverse effects, intoxication)
• growing interest in non-pharmacological strategies such as physiotherapy, massage, psychological support, and hypnosis
These challenges justify exploring safe, complementary interventions adapted to geriatric populations.
Study design and intervention
This single-center randomized controlled trial compared hypnosis to massage in hospitalized older patients with chronic pain. Patients received three weekly sessions during hospitalization. Hypnosis sessions followed a brief structured model including induction, deepening, and post-hypnotic suggestions, with an emphasis on teaching self-hypnosis to promote patient autonomy. Massage was used as an active control intervention aimed at relaxation and well-being. Pain intensity, pain interference, mood, functional status, and analgesic use were systematically assessed during hospitalization and after discharge.
Main results and clinical effects
Keyfindings of the study include:
• significant reduction of pain intensity after each session in both hypnosis and massage groups
• greater and sustained reduction of average pain over time in the hypnosis group during hospitalization
• significant improvement in depression scores only in the hypnosis group
• no significant differences between groups three months after discharge
These results indicate a specific and cumulative effect of hypnosis on pain perception and mood during hospital stay.
Clinical implications and limitations
Hypnosis was shown to be safe, feasible, and well accepted in very old hospitalized patients, even those with multiple comorbidities. It allowed patients to take an active role in their pain management and appeared to positively influence emotional well-being.
However, the lack of long-term benefit after discharge highlights the importance of continued practice of self-hypnosis and the need for post-discharge support strategies. Short hospital stays and limited number of sessions may also have reduced long-term effects.
Overall, hypnosis represents a valuable complementary tool that can be integrated into multidisciplinary pain management for older patients.
