Motivation Guided Imagery, Visualization, and Hypnosis May Speed Injury Healing By Elizabeth Quinn Elizabeth Quinn is an exercise physiologist, sports medicine writer, and fitness consultant for corporate wellness and rehabilitation clinics. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Quinn Reviewed by Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS on August 14, 2020 facebook twitter linkedin instagram Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in weight management and eating behaviors. Learn about our Review Board Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS on August 14, 2020 Print Yuri Arcurs/Getty Images Can you speed up the body's healing process using your mind? Techniques such as guided imagery, or self-hypnosis, and visualization not only help athletes perform well during competition but research continues to find that it may be possible to speed up the healing process by using specific mental skills and techniques and maintaining a positive mindset. Researchers have been studying how the mind influences healing for decades, and the results continue to find a genuine connection. A qualitative analysis of the use of imagery by injured athletes concluded that "the implementation of imagery alongside physical rehabilitation should enhance the rehabilitation experience and, therefore, facilitate the recovery rates of injured athletes." Another study looked at the differences in people who healed quickly and those who healed slowly and found some significant differences. Those who healed faster had the following characteristics: Took personal responsibility for their recovery processHad high motivation, desire, and determinationHad more social supportMaintained a positive attitudeFrequently used imagery and other visualization techniques.Expected a full and successful return to sports What is Imagery? One specific technique that is often used in sports psychology, and in healing is called imagery. This is sometimes referred to as guided imagery, mental rehearsal, or self-hypnosis. These are all terms used to describe specific techniques that use all of the senses to create mental images, feelings, and sensations related to the desired outcome as though it is happening now or has already happened. By using all your senses to create the authentic experience of having the desired outcome, you mentally and physically rehearse this desired state. Research on imagery use by injured athletes, cancer patients, and those undergoing physical rehabilitation has shown that using imagery has many positive outcomes, including: Increased feelings of controlIncreased rate of healingEnhanced ability to cope with therapyIncreased motivation to participate in self-careImproved moodImproved quality of lifeDecreased post-operative painDecreased post-operative anxietyReduced length of time in the hospitalReduced amount of pain medication taken When to Use Imagery Techniques There are many uses of imagery or self-hypnosis in sports medicine. These techniques are useful in injury recovery, pain reduction, sports performance enhancement, and general stress management. There are possibly many more uses that haven't yet been studied. Imagery for Pain Reduction The idea behind using imagery for pain reduction is built upon the principle of relaxation. When muscles are relaxed, they hold less tension. This often leads to reductions in the experience of pain. Imagery techniques that often help increase relaxation and reduce pain include imagining the sensation of getting a massage, sitting on a warm beach, or taking a hot bath. Some people have success with imagery by imagining the pain being released from the body in a visual way, such as being breathed out with each exhalation. If you mentally rehearse experiences such as this in great detail, you are using imagery. Imagery for Healing Just as people use imagery for reducing pain, individuals have reported that similar techniques work for promoting healing and recovery. Examples of healing imagery include imaging a broken bone being glued back together or torn muscles are woven back together. Some people use warm, healing colors to promote a feeling of warmth over a body part. Even silly images of strength and power found in comic books have been used successfully to aid healing. Overcome Performance Anxiety in Sports With Psychology Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Driediger, M., Hall, C., Callow, N. "Imagery Use by Injured Athletes: A Qualitative Analysis." Journal of Sports Sciences, March 2006 Evans, L. Hare, R., and Mullen, R. "Imagery Use During Rehabilitation From Injury." Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, Vol. 1. 2006 Ievleva, Orlick. "Mental Links to Enhanced Healing: An Exploratory Study." TSP, 5(1), March 1991.