Tapping Into Your Body’s Natural Pain Relief: Understanding the Placebo Response
- Dr Jonny Rajan
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
At The Manchester Pain Clinic, we believe in exploring every safe and effective path to pain relief—especially those that put you at the centre of your care. One such path is the placebo response, a powerful natural mechanism that’s gaining real traction in modern medicine.
You may have heard the term "placebo" and thought of sugar pills used in clinical trials. But new research tells a different story. The placebo response is far from imaginary—it’s a real biological process where your body releases natural chemicals, like endorphins and dopamine, simply because it expects to feel better. These are the same pain-relieving substances found in many prescribed medications.
So what does this mean for managing chronic pain? In short—it’s a game-changer.
By creating positive routines and rituals, such as regular gentle movement, relaxation techniques, or even taking a supplement at the same time each day, you can stimulate your brain’s natural ability to ease pain. It’s not just about what you do—but how you believe in what you’re doing. The intention, meaning, and trust you place in your treatment play a key role in unlocking the placebo effect.

We’ve seen firsthand how empowering this approach can be. Many of our patients feel more confident and in control when they adopt strategies that support their body’s own healing systems. This doesn’t replace medical treatments—it enhances them. It’s about integrating science and self-care, allowing for less reliance on medications and more focus on personalised, sustainable well-being.
Simple steps—like setting a regular sleep schedule, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in low-impact physical activity—can help reinforce this natural healing response. And when combined with expert-led care, the results can be truly transformative.
The placebo response is a powerful reminder of the connection between mind and body. At The Manchester Pain Clinic, we’re here to guide you through the latest evidence-based treatments—while also supporting the tools that come from within.
If you’re curious to learn more about how we can personalise your pain management plan to include therapies that tap into your body’s natural abilities, we’d be delighted to talk.
Let’s take the next step together—towards safe, effective, and empowering relief.
Who We Help
Our patients come from across Manchester, Cheshire, and the North West, and include:
Busy professionals who need fast, expert answers
People who’ve been told there’s nothing more that can be done
Individuals navigating private medical insurance pathways
Those who’ve tried everything—but still live in daily discomfort
What they all have in common is a desire to feel like themselves again. And that’s where we come in.
Why Choose The Manchester Pain Clinic?
✅ No waiting lists – fast access to diagnostics and treatment
✅ Located at The OrthTeam Centre – world-class facilities in South Manchester
✅ Patient-first experience – from your first enquiry to aftercare
✅ Transparent pricing and support with insurance claims
✅ Genuine care – we listen, we personalise, and we walk with you through recovery
Take the First Step Today
If chronic pain is interfering with your life, don’t settle for short-term fixes. At The Manchester Pain Clinic, we’ll help you understand your condition and guide you towards real, lasting recovery -with expert care every step of the way.
Take Control of Your Pain Today
If you are experiencing persistent or worsening pain, don’t wait for it to take over your life. Seeking expert medical advice early can lead to more effective treatment and improved long-term outcomes.
How You Can Start Your Journey
If you or a loved one are struggling with persistent pain, know that there are options. The Manchester Pain Clinic specialises in personalised care designed to break the cycle of suffering. For those interested in learning more about their options for private treatment, visit www.manchester-pain-clinic.co.uk to schedule a consultation.