A ketamine infusion is an intravenous (IV) delivery of ketamine, an anesthetic medication. While the original use of ketamine was keeping patients comfortable during surgery, doctors discovered several decades ago that the drug also had highly beneficial effects beyond surgery.
Ketamine may work in several ways to relieve pain. Experts believe that it works on the brain receptors involved in pain. It helps to boost your levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that ultimately enables your brain to forge new communication pathways to change the way you experience pain.
Today, the AABP Integrative Pain Care team offers ketamine as one of their effective treatment options for treatment-resistant chronic pain.
Ketamine infusions can treat chronic pain, particularly pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments. A few of the pain types that often respond to ketamine infusions include:
In addition, ketamine infusions can help with mental health problems, including treatment-resistant depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Ketamine infusions aren’t generally a first step in pain management. But, if you try treatments like oral medication, physical therapy, nerve blocks, and other injections but don’t get the results you need, ketamine could help.
The AABP Integrative Pain Care team recommends ketamine infusions on a case-by-case basis.
AABP Integrative Pain Care administers ketamine infusions in the office in a controlled and safe environment. You’ll lay or sit back in a comfortable position, and the team attaches the IV to a vein in your arm or leg.
The ketamine and saltwater solution flows into your body gradually during the next hour or so. You’ll relax but won’t go to sleep during the infusion. Many people describe a sensation of great warmth and euphoria during their infusion.
The team monitors your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and pulse throughout your treatment. After the infusion, you’ll relax in the recovery room for around half an hour. You can then return home. You can’t drive immediately after an infusion, so arrange for a loved one to take you home.
Ketamine infusions often take effect quickly, with many people experiencing positive changes after just a few sessions. The AABP Integrative Pain Care team can tailor a ketamine infusion plan to give you long-lasting pain relief.
Call the AABP Integrative Pain Care office nearest you or book an appointment online now.