Presidio Pain Relief

Your doctor may refer you to a pain clinic if they feel you need more specialized support than what they’re able to provide. Pain management doctors have expertise in treating chronic pain that is significantly affecting your day-to-day life. You may be referred to a pain management specialist whether you have been previously diagnosed with a condition or if you’re still in the process of being diagnosed.

Pain management clinics and their providers all share a common goal. They help to arm you with scientifically supported knowledge about your pain and provide you with the tools to better manage your condition. By doing this, they can help you increase your overall functionality, reduce your pain, and increase the confidence and control that you have over your own life.

What do patients expect from their first visit to a pain clinic?

When you first visit a pain clinic, expect a comprehensive examination. You will likely start with an initial consult with a pain management doctor who will ask you a variety of questions about your pain, how you currently manage it, and how it affects your day-to-day life.

This is usually followed up with a physical examination to assess the health of your body, where you feel discomfort, and to look for any other coinciding symptoms. This may also include further testing such as blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, or MRIs. Depending on the clinic you’re attending, they may be able to perform these tests on-site or, if that’s not an option, they will schedule you for an appointment at a nearby medical facility.

It's important to be honest with the practitioners while they are completing their assessments for a well-rounded and complete medical assessment. It will also help your provider to establish the most effective treatment plan for your pain.

Once your first appointment is complete, you will likely be sent home while the professionals at the medical clinic confer about your results. You should expect to follow up in the form of a call or a letter to establish your next appointment, where your doctor will be able to go over the results with you.

How long does it take for pain management to work?

The amount of time it can take for a pain management plan to work is dependent on many factors, including the complexity of your condition, physical and mental components, and your personalized treatment plan. Therefore, there is no set timeline for improvement.

However, a thorough pain management plan has been clinically proven to help you improve your physical and mental health. Chronic pain can be managed or remedied via a wide range of treatment options laid out by your pain care specialist that will lead to a better quality of life overall.

It’s important to note that your personalized plan is more likely to be effective by working closely you’re your doctor so that your plan can be monitored and adjusted as needed.

What is the process of pain management?

Pain management begins at diagnosis. By understanding what the underlying problem is, your pain care specialist can design a treatment plan that is specific to your condition as well as your individual needs.

Chronic pain can be managed by utilizing different medical strategies. These include:

Prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications

Home remedies, such as hot or cold packs

Physical therapy

Hydrotherapies

Psychological therapy

Massage

Acupuncture

Community support groups

Electrical nerve stimulation

To effectively treat your pain, it’s important to consult with medical professionals that you can trust. At Presidio Pain Relief, our team of pain specialists can help diagnose and treat your condition to ensure that you have the best quality of life possible. We look forward to serving you!

For more information, contact us or book an appointment with the experienced team at Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco, California. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.