Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, traditionally used to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, is increasingly recognized for its potential to help people manage chronic pain. According to a Banner Health psychologist, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—guided eye movements, tapping, or sound—combined with focused recall of difficult memories and reprocessing to help the brain process distressing experiences in healthier ways.
How EMDR Works for Pain
Chronic pain involves both physical and psychological components. When pain becomes long-term, the nervous system can continue sending pain signals even after the original injury has healed. EMDR is designed to stimulate the nervous system to change how it responds to pain signals, reducing distress. The therapy operates on principles similar to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, helping the brain file difficult memories and sensations in ways that don’t trigger the same intense emotional or physical reactions.
Research and Effectiveness
EMDR has been extensively researched and recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, and the World Health Organization. While it may not eliminate pain entirely, EMDR can make pain more manageable, lessen pain intensity, improve mood, and even reduce medication needs. It benefits people with conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, phantom limb pain, migraines, and back pain or pelvic pain.
What Sessions Involve
EMDR follows eight structured phases guided by a licensed therapist. Sessions include goal setting, practicing coping tools, bilateral stimulation while focusing on specific memories, reframing negative thoughts with positive ones, and noticing physical sensations as emotional responses shift. Some people notice relief quickly, while others require more time. Lasting change typically requires multiple sessions, as the brain needs repeated practice to adjust and heal.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/better-me/how-emdr-therapy-may-help-with-chronic-pain