A pain clinic focuses on diagnosing and treating pain, which can be acute or chronic. These clinics bring together doctors, physical therapists, and other specialists to offer a range of treatments, from movement-based therapy to targeted procedures. Patients often receive ongoing education about self-management strategies, and follow-up visits help track progress over time. Here are some services offered at leading pain clinics:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy focuses on improving mobility and reducing pain through personalized exercise plans and hands-on techniques. A physical therapist evaluates how you move and which muscles feel weak or tight. From there, they build a program tailored to your body and your goals. Physical therapy operates in outpatient and hospital settings, and it also supports recovery after injury.
Sessions often include guided exercises, stretching, and hands-on techniques. You might work on strengthening the muscles that support your spine or improving flexibility in stiff joints. Therapists also teach you movements to practice at home, so your progress continues between visits.
Joint and Spine Injections
Joint and spine injections are targeted treatments that deliver medication directly to a specific area. A pain clinic uses these injections to address pain in the back, neck, knees, and other joints. The goal is to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves or tissues, and injection types include:
- Epidural steroid injections: Medication is placed near the spinal nerves to calm inflammation.
- Facet joint injections: These target the small joints along the spine.
- Joint injections: Medication goes directly into a joint, such as the knee or hip.
- Nerve blocks: Anesthetic is injected near a nerve to interrupt pain signals.
Doctors often use imaging, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to guide the needle to the correct spot. This precision helps them place the medication exactly where it is needed. Many injections take only a few minutes, and they are performed on an outpatient basis. Your provider will explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, including any activity limits afterward. Since responses to injections vary, your care team will monitor how you feel and adjust your plan accordingly.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat to treat some types of nerve pain. A specialist inserts a thin needle near the targeted nerve, guided by imaging for accuracy. Radiofrequency energy then heats a small section of nerve tissue, which interrupts the pain signals traveling to the brain. The procedure is typically performed while you are awake but under local anesthesia. Doctors may recommend it for conditions such as spinal arthritis or ongoing joint pain that has not responded to other treatments. Effects vary between patients, and your provider will discuss the details of your diagnosis before scheduling. After the procedure, you receive instructions on rest, activity, and follow-up care.
Visit a Pain Clinic
Pain clinics combine physical therapy, targeted injections, and procedures like radiofrequency ablation to address pain from multiple angles. Each treatment is matched to your diagnosis and reviewed by a care team. If you live with chronic or acute pain, a consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your symptoms and treatment options. Contact a pain clinic today to schedule an appointment.
