If you think hypnosis can shield you from pain, think again, according to new research.

University of Hartford researchers compared five different behavioral treatments for finger pain delivered under hypnotic and non-hypnotic conditions.

Treatments included imagining a pain-protective glove, relaxing various muscle groups, picturing a warm summer day and reciting statements like: "I'll make the pain less severe when it comes."

While all five treatments lessened the intensity of pain among participants, the hypnotic versions were no better than the non-hypnotic techniques in reducing pain, even among participants who were highly sensitive to hypnotic suggestions, say the researchers. The results are published in the journal Health Psychology.

Researcher Leonard Milling said the amount of pain relief felt by the participants was partially due to how much they expected to benefit from the therapy.

Shorter treatments were also just as effective as longer ones, an encouraging sign for their use in pain relief among patients who have a hard time concentrating or who suffer through multiple painful tests and therapies, like burn victims or cancer patients.

But Milling cautioned that the team studied mild to moderate pain, and the results in severe or chronic pain may be different.