Chronic pain is real. It is not imagined, exaggerated, or a sign of mental instability. If you are experiencing persistent pain, it is important to understand that the pain itself is a genuine physical experience caused by neural circuits in the brain. These pain pathways can become reinforced over time, often beginning with an initial injury or stressor, and then getting locked into a cycle where the nervous system continues to send pain signals even when no physical damage remains. This does not mean the pain is in your head—it means the brain and nervous system have adapted to perceive pain as an ongoing threat, keeping the pain cycle active.
The Link Between Repressed Emotions, the Fear-Pain Cycle, and Chronic Pain
The body and mind are deeply connected. Unprocessed emotions, unresolved trauma, and subconscious fear can contribute to a state of nervous system dysregulation, leading to chronic pain conditions. This occurs through what is known as the fear-pain cycle—a self-perpetuating loop in which fear of pain actually intensifies and prolongs it. When pain is perceived as threatening, the brain amplifies the sensation, reinforcing the experience and making it harder to break free.
For example, if someone experiences back pain and fears that movement will make it worse, that fear signals the brain to stay in a heightened state of alert. This creates more tension, which increases pain sensitivity, trapping the individual in a loop of discomfort and avoidance. Over time, the nervous system learns to stay in this overprotective mode, causing pain to persist even after an initial injury has healed or in cases where there was never any structural damage at all.
The Science Behind Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a revolutionary, research-backed method that addresses the root cause of many chronic pain conditions—an overactive neural circuit rather than a physical injury. PRT works by rewiring the brain to eliminate the pain circuits that are keeping the nervous system stuck and creating new neural circuits that promote a pain-free state. It allows the brain to relearn safety and let go of the conditioned pain response, providing relief to those suffering from chronic pain and other mind-body conditions.
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Psychiatry demonstrated the efficacy of Pain Reprocessing Therapy. The study found that 66% of participants with chronic back pain were completely pain-free after just four weeks of treatment, and 98% reported significant improvement. These results highlight that chronic pain is often a conditioned response rather than a purely structural issue, and it can be unlearned through targeted brain retraining.
Expanding PRT to Other Mind-Body Conditions
Pain Reprocessing Therapy is not only effective for chronic pain but also for other conditions categorized under TMS (Tension Myositis Syndrome), Mind-Body Syndrome, Psychophysiological Disorders, Perceived Danger Syndrome, and Neural Circuit Pain. These conditions often share a common root: the brain perceiving certain bodily sensations as threats, even when no actual physical harm is present.
At Mind-Body Hypnosis, we are excited to offer Pain Reprocessing Therapy as part of our coaching services. Tiffani Cappello and LynDell Long, both trained in PRT by top professionals in the field, are now helping clients overcome chronic pain and other nervous system-related conditions. By combining the principles of Pain Reprocessing Therapy with Transformational Hypnosis, we provide a powerful, holistic approach to healing.
Ready to Free Yourself from Chronic Pain?
If you’ve been struggling with chronic pain, anxiety-related physical symptoms, or other mind-body conditions, know that healing is possible. Pain does not have to be a lifelong sentence. By retraining your brain and calming your nervous system, you can break free from the cycle of fear and pain.
We are excited to bring this cutting-edge therapy to our clients and look forward to helping you reclaim your health and well-being.
