Cancer Institute A national cancer institute
designated cancer center

David Spiegel

Publication Details

  • The treatment of contractures of the hand using self-hypnosis.

    Spiegel D, Chase RA. J Hand Surg Am. 1980; 5 (5): 428-32

    The successful treatment of a man with severe posttraumatic contractures of the hand using a combined psychological and physical rehabilitation approach is reported. The contractures had functional and organic components, as did the treatment, which involved teaching the patient self-hypnosis exercises and the use of a splint. The patient obtained virtually complete return of movement after 3 1/2 years of total disability. The importance of identifying and mobilizing rather than challenging the patient's motivation for recovery using a rehabilitation approach is discussed. Hypnosis can facilitate recovery in such psychosomatic disorders in patients with the requisite hypnotic capacity and motivation.

    PubMedID: 7430579

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