Are you living with chronic pain? Have you tried multiple treatments without success? Have you heard about ketamine infusion therapy but are unsure what it entails, or if it's right for you? You're not alone. Ketamine infusion therapy is a relatively new treatment option that is gaining popularity due to its success in managing chronic pain.
Dr. Keith Javery and Dr. Girish Juneja are multi-board-certified pain management experts, holding the highest level of expertise in treating chronic pain throughout West Michigan offer ketamine infusion therapy at. Grand Rapids Pain to provide long-term pain relief for their patients.
Whether you're struggling with chronic pain and haven't found relief, or are curious about how ketamine infusions could help you, don’t wait any longer.Schedule an appointment today with the expert team at Grand Rapids Pain.
In this blog, we'll answer some frequently asked questions about ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain to help demystify this treatment and give you a better understanding of how it works.
What is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of a low dose of ketamine through an IV (intravenous) line to relieve chronic pain and for mental health treatment for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic drug that has been used for decades in surgical and emergency settings. In recent years, researchers have discovered its potential to help manage and alleviate persistent pain from conditions like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, migraines, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and more.
How Does Ketamine Infusion Therapy Work for Chronic Pain?
Ketamine works by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the brain, which are involved in the processing of pain signals. This helps to reduce pain sensations while also promoting neuroplasticity, which means it can help create new pathways in the brain and potentially improve chronic pain conditions.
Who is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
You may be a good candidate for ketamine infusion therapy if you:
- Have chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments
- Are experiencing severe side effects from other pain medications
- Are unable to tolerate traditional pain medications
It is important to note that ketamine treatment is not a cure for chronic pain, but rather a treatment option to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life. A thorough evaluation by Dr. Javery and Dr. Juneja at Grand Rapids Pain will be necessary to determine if ketamine therapy is the right treatment for you.
What Should I Expect During a Ketamine Infusion Therapy Session?
Ketamine therapy is an outpatient procedure that takes place in a comfortable and controlled environment, such as the Grand Rapids Pain. The treatment involves receiving a low dose of ketamine through an IV over a period of several hours.
During the session, patients are closely monitored by medical professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Safe?
Yes, ketamine infusion therapy is considered safe when administered by experienced and qualified medical professionals. At Grand Rapids Pain, Dr. Javery and Dr. Juneja are both highly experienced in administering this treatment and closely monitor patients during the infusion session to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Are There Any Side Effects of Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
As with any medical treatment, there are potential side effects of ketamine infusions. Some patients may experience mild dissociative effects, such as feeling detached from their body or surroundings. However, these feelings typically subside quickly after the treatment.
Other side effects may include nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness. Dr. Javery and Dr. Juneja will closely monitor any side effects and adjust the dosage as needed to ensure your comfort and safety.
How Many Ketamine Infusion Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of ketamine infusion therapy sessions needed varies for each individual. Some patients may experience significant relief after just one session, while others may require multiple sessions spread out over several weeks. The expert team at Grand Rapids Pain will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a relatively new treatment, and insurance coverage may vary. At Grand Rapids Pain, we accept a variety of insurance plans to help patients access treatment more easily. This includes most major insurance providers, as well as Medicare. View our full list of accepted providers here.
Experience Relief at Grand Rapids Pain in West MI
Ketamine infusion therapy represents a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with chronic pain, offering an alternative when traditional treatments fall short. By understanding the procedure, its safety, and potential side effects, patients can make informed decisions about pursuing this innovative treatment.
Grand Rapids Pain, home to the most experienced interventional pain specialists in West Michigan, is at the forefront of providing cutting-edge ketamine infusion therapy for pain management. With a compassionate and knowledgeable team, we are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment for those seeking chronic pain relief.
If you're exploring options to manage chronic pain, ketamine infusion therapy may be worth considering. Contact Grand Rapids Pain today to schedule a consultation and find out if this treatment is right for you.
