Evaluating Psychological Interventions for Pain, Recovery, and Outcomes in Surgical and Medical Care.

Hypnosis is a recognised technique in pain management and anaesthesia. Historically used by James Esdaile in the 19th century, it remains underutilised in modern clinical settings. This narrative review examines the historical context, mechanisms, and clinical applications of hypnosis, highlighting its effectiveness in general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, obstetrics, oncology, and paediatrics. Evidence shows that hypnosis can reduce perioperative pain, anxiety, and opioid use, while enhancing recovery. Neuroimaging studies reveal altered brain activity during hypnotic states, supporting its physiological basis. Despite these benefits, adoption remains limited due to misconceptions, lack of awareness, and insufficient training among healthcare providers. Cultural attitudes and the absence of standardised protocols also hinder its integration. Hypnosis has demonstrated particular value in chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer-related symptoms, offering a low-risk, cost-effective adjunct to care. This review calls for structured training to integrate hypnosis into routine, patient-centred clinical practice.