Ketamine Infusion Therapy in San Antonio
A Physician-Guided Approach to Chronic and Treatment-Resistant Pain
What Is Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy is a specialized pain management treatment used to help patients with chronic and treatment-resistant pain conditions. Ketamine is an FDA-approved medication that has been used safely for decades as an anesthetic. In recent years, low-dose ketamine infusion therapy has been used in controlled medical settings to support the management of certain chronic pain disorders.
Unlike traditional pain medications, ketamine works on the central nervous system by targeting NMDA receptors in the brain. This mechanism helps regulate abnormal pain signaling rather than simply masking symptoms. By addressing how the nervous system processes pain, ketamine infusion therapy can play a role in a comprehensive pain management plan.
Ketamine infusion therapy is administered intravenously at carefully monitored doses under physician supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Works for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can cause the nervous system to become overly sensitive, leading to persistent pain even after an injury has healed. Ketamine infusion therapy helps address this by:
Modulating pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord
Reducing central sensitization associated with chronic pain
Helping reset abnormal pain signaling
Providing relief when other treatments have been ineffective
Some patients experience improvement during the infusion, while others notice benefits in the days following treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy may be appropriate for patients who:
Experience chronic or treatment-resistant pain
Have not achieved adequate relief with traditional pain management options
Are seeking non-surgical pain relief
Are medically stable and able to undergo monitored infusion therapy
Not all patients are candidates for ketamine therapy. Certain medical conditions, medications, or health factors may affect eligibility. A physician consultation is necessary to determine if this treatment is safe and appropriate.
What to Expect During Ketamine Infusion Treatment
Ketamine infusion therapy at Ortho San Antonio follows a structured and closely monitored process:
Initial Consultation
A physician evaluates your medical history, pain condition, and prior treatments.Treatment Planning
If appropriate, a personalized infusion plan is created based on your condition and response goals.IV Infusion
Ketamine is administered through an IV over a controlled period while vital signs are monitored.Monitoring and Recovery
Patients are observed during and after treatment to ensure safety and comfort.Follow-Up Care
Response to treatment is assessed, and additional infusions or complementary treatments may be recommended.
Most patients are able to return home the same day but will need a ride following treatment.
What sets dr. Ricardo Alvarado apart from other pain management doctors?
Dr. Alvarado specializes in the latest advanced interventional pain management techniques for chronic pain, including traditional fluoroscopic approaches, extensive training in advanced ultrasound guided interventional techniques, spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulator placement, IV infusion therapies, as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques for spinal canal stenosis.
Our Pain Management Locations
-
![Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Physicians in Medical Center San Antonio, Texas]()
Piedras
ADDRESS: 4100 E. Piedras, Suite 165, San Antonio, TX 78228
-
![Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Physicians in Boerne, Texas]()
Boerne
ADDRESS: 138 Old San Antonio Rd, Suite 302, Boerne, TX 78006
-
![]()
Castroville
346 Country Road 4712, Castroville, TX, 78009
WHy come to ortho san antonio for your Ketamine Infusion Therapy?
The providers at Ortho San Antonio have provided over 160 years of combined experience. Our practice consists of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, fellowship-trained pain management specialists, sports medicine physicians, & physical therapists to ensure we are with you every step of the way.
Our goal is to get you back to what you enjoy, safely.
What Dr. A’s Patients Have To Say About Pain Management here at Ortho San Antonio
