Hypnotherapy for Chronic Pain: How Dr. Diesen Uses it for Real Relief
Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right, but the pain just won’t budge? Maybe you’ve seen the specialists, you’ve done the physical therapy, and you’ve adjusted your routine, yet that lingering ache or those post-accident headaches still follow you around like a shadow.
If that sounds like your daily life here in Jacksonville, you aren't alone. Many of our neighbors come to us feeling a bit stuck. They want to get back to enjoying a walk at Riverside Park or a quiet morning on the porch without their body screaming at them. When we mention hypnotherapy, we often see a raised eyebrow or a polite smile that says, "Wait, like the guy with the pocket watch?"
It is a common reaction, and we get it! Most of what we know about hypnosis comes from movies or stage shows in Vegas. But at Ortega Chiropractic Clinic, hypnotherapy isn’t a performance: it’s a powerful, science-backed tool that Dr. Diesen uses to help our neighbors reclaim their lives from chronic pain and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
So, what is it really? And how does it fit into a local chiropractic clinic? Let's pull back the curtain and talk about why this might be the missing piece in your recovery puzzle.
Demystifying the "H-Word"
Let’s clear the air right away: Hypnotherapy isn’t magic, and it definitely isn’t about losing control. You aren’t going to cluck like a chicken or reveal your deepest secrets. In fact, you are in the driver's seat the entire time.
Think of it like this: Have you ever been driving down I-295 and suddenly realized you’ve arrived at your exit without consciously remembering the last three miles? Or have you ever been so lost in a good book that you didn't hear someone say your name? That is a natural state of focused attention. Hypnotherapy is simply a way for Dr. Diesen to help you reach that state on purpose so you can focus on healing.
During a session, Dr. Diesen guides you into a state of deep relaxation. While your body is resting, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions. For someone dealing with chronic pain, those suggestions are designed to change how your brain perceives the signals coming from your body.

Why Dr. Diesen Brings Hypnotherapy to Chiropractic Care
You might wonder, "Why does a chiropractor offer hypnotherapy?" The answer is simple: We treat the whole person.
Dr. Diesen has spent years helping patients in Jacksonville move better and feel better through chiropractic care. But he realized that for some, especially those who have been through the trauma of a car wreck, the body "holds onto" pain even after the physical injury has started to heal.
The brain and the nervous system can get stuck in a loop. It’s like a car alarm that keeps going off long after the thief has left. Dr. Diesen uses hypnotherapy to help "reset" that alarm. By combining his expertise in the physical spine with his training in the mental and neurological aspects of pain, he provides a level of care that goes beyond just a quick adjustment.
Real Relief for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is exhausting. It wears you down mentally as much as it does physically. When you live with something like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or long-term back pain, your brain starts to amplify those pain signals.
Research has shown that hypnotherapy can actually decrease activity in the parts of the brain that process pain. It helps "dial down the volume" of the discomfort. For our neighbors who want to avoid heavy medications or are looking for a drugless way to manage their symptoms, this is a game-changer.
It isn't just about feeling better for an hour; it’s about giving you tools you can use at home. Dr. Diesen works with you to develop self-regulation skills, so when you feel a flare-up starting while you’re at work or out with family, you know exactly how to calm your nervous system down.

The TBI Connection: Healing After the Wreck
If you’ve been in an auto accident, the injuries aren't always visible. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and concussions can leave you with brain fog, intense headaches, and a sense of constant "fight or flight."
This is where our team approach really shines. While our board-certified neurologist, Dr. Mirabelli, evaluates the neurological impact of your injury, Dr. Diesen can use hypnotherapy to address the symptoms that make recovery so difficult.
Hypnotherapy is incredibly effective at helping with:
Post-traumatic headaches: Reducing the frequency and intensity of those pounding pains.
Insomnia: Helping your brain quiet down so you can get the restorative sleep you need to heal.
Anxiety and Stress: Calming the "survival mode" that often follows a serious wreck.
Recovering from a TBI is a marathon, not a sprint. By using hypnotherapy as part of our TBI program, we help you manage the mental fatigue and stress that come with the journey.
A True Team Approach Under One Roof
At Ortega Chiropractic Clinic, we aren't just a collection of doctors in the same building. We are a team that actually talks to each other about your care.
When you come to see us, you aren't just getting an adjustment. You’re getting a plan that might include:
Chiropractic Care to align your spine.
Neurological Expertise from Dr. Mirabelli to monitor your brain health.
Physical Therapy to regain your strength and mobility.
Counseling Support from Lew Whiting, LCSW, who helps our neighbors navigate the emotional toll of trauma and chronic illness.
Who should you trust with your recovery? We believe you should trust a team that sees you as a neighbor, not a case number. Because we have all these specialists in one place, we can pivot your treatment quickly. If Dr. Diesen sees that your physical progress is being stalled by high stress, he can introduce hypnotherapy or suggest a session with Lew Whiting. It’s seamless, personal care.

The "Neighbor" Difference
What sets us apart? It is the way we treat you from the moment you walk through the door. We’ve been serving the Jacksonville community for over 25 years. We aren't a faceless 800 number or a corporate chain.
When you’re our patient, you have our direct cell numbers and emails. If you’re worried about a new symptom or just have a question about your hypnotherapy session, you can reach out to us directly. We value your time, which is why we aim for same-day appointments and keep our waiting times short.
We know that after a car accident, the last thing you want is a complicated referral process. At Ortega, you usually don't need a referral from a primary doctor to get started. We make it simple because your recovery is the priority.
Simple Steps to Feeling Better
Taking the first step toward a new type of therapy can feel a little daunting, but we promise it is simple.
Give us a call: You can reach us at (904) 425-4545. We’ll chat about what’s going on and get you scheduled.
Meet the team: You’ll sit down with Dr. Diesen to discuss your history, your pain, and your goals.
Create your plan: We’ll decide together if hypnotherapy, chiropractic care, or a combination of our services is right for you.
If you’ve recently been in an auto accident, remember that Florida has a strict 14-day rule for insurance coverage. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. You can visit www.2weekrule.com for a complimentary evaluation to make sure your rights and your health are protected.

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
Chronic pain and injuries from an accident can make you feel like a stranger in your own body. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Whether it’s through the focused relaxation of hypnotherapy or the expert care of our neurology and chiropractic team, we are here to help you get back to the life you love.
Are you ready to see what a team approach can do for you? Are you ready to finally find real relief?
Give us a call today at (904) 425-4545. We’re ready to welcome you to the clinic and start working on your recovery, neighbor to neighbor.