Ketamine for Chronic Pain

Ketamine for Chronic Pain

Supporting Patients Living With Long-Term Pain
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Treatments

IV, IM, KAP, or concierge treatments available

Session Time

2-Hour Appointment Window

Ketamine Cost

IM $299 | IV $400 | Package pricing & first responder discounts

Consultations

Free 15-min phone consult & free in-person medical evaluation

Ketamine for Chronic Pain | A New Option When Other Treatments Fall Short

Ketamine for chronic pain may help when traditional treatments have not provided enough relief. More than 50 million adults in the United States live with chronic pain, and many continue to struggle despite medications, injections, physical therapy, or other treatments. Chronic pain can affect sleep, mobility, work, and overall quality of life.

 

Unlike many conventional pain treatments, ketamine works differently. Research suggests that ketamine may help reduce pain by affecting pathways in the brain involved in pain processing. As a result, some patients experience lasting relief when other treatments have not worked.*

 

At Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives in West Jordan, Utah, treatments are provided in a supervised medical setting with ongoing monitoring throughout the process. To learn more, call (385) 685-1410 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or fill out our online form.

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What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than three months. It can develop after an injury, illness, surgery, or nerve damage. Unlike short-term pain, it does not always improve as the body heals. Instead, the nervous system may continue sending pain signals long after the original cause has resolved. Over time, the brain and nervous system can become more sensitive to pain, making symptoms harder to manage.

 

The effects of chronic pain often go beyond physical discomfort. It can interfere with sleep, limit daily activities, affect relationships, and make it difficult to work or stay active. Many people also experience anxiety, depression, or frustration as they cope with ongoing symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of U.S. adults live with chronic pain, and nearly 7% experience chronic pain severe enough to limit daily activities. For some people, traditional treatments do not provide enough relief, which is why alternative options such as ketamine therapy are being explored.*

Chronic Pain Conditions Treated With Ketamine Therapy

Ketamine therapy may help people living with chronic pain that has not responded well to medications, injections, physical therapy, or other treatments. Conditions that may benefit include:
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Chronic back or neck pain
  • Migraine and cluster headaches
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Phantom limb pain
  • Arthritis-related pain

How Ketamine for Chronic Pain Works

Ketamine works differently from many traditional pain medications. Instead of simply covering up pain, it affects the brain and nervous system pathways involved in pain signaling. Over time, chronic pain can make these pathways overactive, causing pain signals to continue even after an injury has healed. Ketamine may help reduce this activity and support healthier pain processing.*

 

The four steps below explain how ketamine may help relieve chronic pain.

Ketamine Blocks Overactive NMDA Receptors

Ketamine binds to NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord. These receptors play an important role in how the body processes pain. According to a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, blocking NMDA receptors is one of the main ways ketamine may help reduce nerve-related pain. By reducing this overactivity, ketamine may help interrupt the pain signals that contribute to chronic pain.*

Glutamate Activity Increases
As NMDA receptors are blocked, glutamate activity increases. Glutamate is a brain chemical that helps nerve cells communicate. These changes may help the brain respond differently to pain signals.*
Neuroplasticity Begins

Increased glutamate activity may promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections and adapt over time. Because chronic pain can change how the brain processes pain, neuroplasticity may help support healthier pain pathways.*

Pain May Begin to Improve
As these changes occur, some patients report a reduction in pain symptoms. Research suggests that ketamine may provide meaningful relief for certain chronic pain conditions, particularly when other treatments have not been effective. Some patients also report improvements in sleep and overall quality of life following treatment.*

Ketamine vs. Traditional Pain Medications

Traditional pain medications can help manage chronic pain, but they may not work for everyone. Some people continue to experience symptoms despite medication, while others develop side effects or find that treatment becomes less effective over time. Ketamine therapy works differently from many conventional pain treatments and may offer another option for certain patients with chronic pain.*
Feature Ketamine Therapy Traditional Pain Medications
How It Works Affects NMDA receptors and glutamate activity Often targets inflammation or pain receptors
Onset of Relief Some patients report relief within hours or days* Varies by medication
Dependence Risk Low when administered in a supervised medical setting* Some medications, including opioids, carry a risk of dependence
Administration Provided in a monitored clinical setting Often taken at home
Best For Chronic pain that has not responded to traditional treatments Mild to severe pain, depending on the medication

Who Is a Good Candidate for Ketamine for Chronic Pain?

Ketamine therapy may be a good option for people living with chronic pain that has not responded well to traditional treatments. Good candidates may:
  • Have fibromyalgia, CRPS, nerve pain, or other chronic pain conditions
  • Continue to experience pain despite medications, injections, physical therapy, or other treatments
  • Have side effects from pain medications
  • Live with both chronic pain and depression or anxiety
  • Be looking for a non-opioid approach to pain management
Before treatment begins, every patient completes a comprehensive medical evaluation. Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, reviews each patient’s health history, current medications, symptoms, and treatment goals to determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate. While many people may qualify, ketamine may not be recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or have a history of psychosis.

Ketamine for Chronic Pain: Treatment Options at Therapeutic Alternatives

Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives offers two types of ketamine treatment for chronic pain. Both are given in a private, medically supervised setting in West Jordan, UT. Each appointment is two hours in total, with peak effects lasting 40 to 60 minutes.

Intramuscular (IM) Ketamine

IM ketamine is given as a shot into a large muscle. The medicine starts working quickly after treatment begins. In addition, it does not require an IV. Most visits last about two hours. The strongest effects often last 40 to 60 minutes. A licensed provider will check vital signs before the session to ensure safety.

IV Ketamine Infusion

IV ketamine delivers a slow, controlled dose through a small IV line. This method allows for precise dosage adjustment during the session. The full appointment is two hours, with 40 to 60 minutes of peak effects. Many chronic pain patients respond well to IV treatment because of its steady, consistent delivery.

Concierge Ketamine Treatment

Some people choose to receive ketamine treatment at home. For these visits, a licensed provider comes to the patient. Home visits are offered in Salt Lake County, Utah County, Davis County, and nearby areas. A provider stays with the patient during the session. Ketamine should not be used alone or without a provider present.

Ketamine for Chronic Pain Cost

All sessions at Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives include a medical intake, clinical supervision, and access to weekly virtual support groups. The table below shows current pricing.

Treatment Type Single Session Package of 6
Intramuscular (IM) Injection $299 $1,495
IV Infusion $400 $2,000

First responders and mental health professionals receive $50 off per session. Patients who refer a friend receive a $50 discount, and so does the person they refer. Most treatments are self-pay. However, health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) may be applied.

Ketamine Cost in Utah

How to Get Started: 3 Simple Steps

01

Step
Schedule a Free Phone Consultation

Call (385) 685-1410 or fill out the online form to book a free 15-minute phone call. A patient care coordinator will review your pain history, ask about prior treatments, and answer your questions. This step helps confirm whether ketamine therapy is a strong fit.

02

Step
Complete a Free In-Person Medical Evaluation

Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, will complete a detailed in-person evaluation. He reviews medical history, current medications, and treatment goals. Together, you will build a personalized care plan. In many cases, treatment can begin the same day.

03

Step
Start Care in a Comfortable, Private Seting

Treatment takes place in a quiet, private room designed to promote relaxation. A licensed provider stays present throughout the full two-hour appointment. Vitals are monitored before treatment to ensure safety. Before leaving, the team checks in to confirm you are fully alert and comfortable

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Preparation Guide

Benefits of Ketamine for Chronic Pain

Ketamine therapy may offer several benefits for people living with chronic pain. While results vary, patients have reported:

  • Fast-acting relief, sometimes within hours of treatment*
  • A non-opioid option with a low risk of dependence when administered in a supervised medical setting*
  • Relief when other treatments have not provided enough results
  • Reduced pain intensity and improved daily function*
  • Better sleep and improved mood alongside pain relief*
  • Personalized treatment plans based on individual symptoms and goals

What the Research Shows About Ketamine for Chronic Pain

Research on ketamine for chronic pain has continued to grow. According to a review published in Pain Physician, ketamine helped reduce pain in people with complex regional pain syndrome and other hard-to-treat pain conditions. Researchers also found that some patients continued to experience pain relief after treatment ended.*

 

Additional studies suggest that ketamine may be particularly helpful for certain types of nerve-related and treatment-resistant pain. While results vary from person to person, current research supports ketamine as a promising option for some individuals who have not found enough relief with traditional treatments.*

  • FAQs

Ketamine for Chronic Pain

Many patients notice a drop in pain levels within hours or days of their first session.* However, results vary. Most treatment plans include six sessions over two to three weeks. Some patients return for monthly maintenance sessions to sustain relief over time.
Yes, when administered by trained providers in a medical setting. Every session is supervised by a licensed clinician. Vitals are monitored before treatment starts, and patients stay until fully alert before leaving. Common short-term effects include mild dizziness or nausea. These typically pass within the two-hour appointment window.
Most plans begin with six sessions over two to three weeks. After the initial series, maintenance sessions may be scheduled as needed. The right number depends on the type of pain, its severity, and the patient’s response to treatment.

Ketamine therapy may help with fibromyalgia, CRPS, neuropathic pain, migraines, post-surgical pain, and chronic back or neck pain. It is most often used for patients who have not improved with other treatments. A full evaluation determines whether ketamine is appropriate for a specific condition.

Yes. Ketamine often works well alongside physical therapy, counseling, and prescribed medications under medical supervision. Candace Curzon, LCSW, provides integrated mental health support for patients managing pain alongside depression or anxiety. Combining treatments often leads to stronger, more lasting outcomes.

Yes. Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives offers concierge services for patients in Salt Lake County, Utah County, Davis County, and surrounding areas. A licensed provider administers treatment in a fully supervised setting. Unsupervised at-home use is never recommended.

When given at therapeutic doses in a clinical setting, ketamine carries a low risk of addiction. Sessions are closely supervised, and dosing is carefully controlled. Patients with a history of substance use disorder should discuss this openly with the provider during the evaluation.

Before treatment begins, a member of our team will review your medical information, answer any questions, and check your vital signs. Once treatment starts, most patients feel deeply relaxed and may experience a sense of calm or temporary disconnection from their surroundings. The peak effects typically last 40 to 60 minutes within a two-hour appointment. Throughout the session, our team closely monitors your comfort and safety. Before you leave, we will make sure you are feeling well and have a safe ride home.

Ketamine for Chronic Pain Near Me | West Jordan, Utah

Ketamine Therapy at Therapeutic Alternatives serves patients throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Cottonwood Heights, Herriman, and Murray. Treatment is led by Austin Francom, APRN, FNP, with support from Candace Curzon, LCSW. Every patient receives a personalized treatment plan, compassionate care, and close medical supervision throughout the process.

 

If chronic pain continues to affect your daily life despite medications, injections, physical therapy, or other treatments, ketamine therapy may be worth exploring. Our team can help determine whether treatment is a safe and appropriate option based on your symptoms, medical history, and goals. To schedule a free 15-minute consultation, call (385) 685-1410 or fill out the online form today.

  • GET STARTED

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULT

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
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