The stress and anxiety associated with chronic pain can turn into a vicious cycle. The pain gives way to increased stress. Meanwhile, increased stress may exacerbate the pain—leaving you feeling frustrated and drained. But there is hope. If you’re seeking lasting relief and an elevated sense of well-being, consider exploring ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at Field Trip Health.
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) combines the power of ketamine with psychotherapy. KAP works by resetting the pain mechanism and signals in the body. It increases neuroplasticity, leading to new patterns of thinking and feeling. This can help you move past pain and toward improved overall well-being.
For more information, book a free discovery call with one of our trusted nurses. We’re here to support you and answer any questions you may have. For more information or to book a medical consultation, book a free discovery call with one of our trusted nurses.
Scientists indicate that individuals with chronic pain are often stuck in a state of “central sensitization.” When central sensitization occurs, the nervous system goes through a process called “wind-up” and gets regulated in a persistent state of high reactivity. This means the threshold for what causes pain is significantly lowered. Even mild, ordinarily non-painful stimuli can provoke pain. Yet, ketamine can help reset this mechanism, increasing the pain threshold and achieving a normal, non-sensitized state.
Chronic pain conditions can also lead to reduced neurogenesis (growth of new nerve cells), particularly in the areas of the brain involved in emotional regulation, learning, and memory. This can lead to increased anxiety and depression. Anxiety, depression and PTSD can also play a role in entrenchment of chronic pain states. By addressing these deficits through ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), we can significantly improve symptoms and, in many cases, pave the way toward remission.
✔ Individuals with chronic regional pain syndrome
✔ Individuals with chronic neuropathic pain.
✔ Individuals with fibromyalgia
✔ Individuals with central sensitization
✔ Individuals with other chronic pain conditions
A ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) session typically lasts just over two hours and is supervised and guided by a healthcare provider and therapist every step of the way. However, a standard treatment plan involves preparatory sessions, as well as preparation time prior to the therapeutic experience, and multiple integration sessions to solidify new insights and foster healing.
After a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy session, many patients report feeling drowsy. For this reason, it’s mandatory that you don’t drive or operate heavy machinery until the following day. It may further be beneficial to take the following day off, yet this isn’t mandatory. Patients are recommended to return to their daily activities as they see fit.
The first step is to book a discovery call with one of our expert nurses at your nearest clinic location.
*Individual results may vary.
Ketamine alters one’s state of consciousness, leading to enhanced introspection, altered perceptions, and improved self-love. This can pave the way toward greater healing than psychotherapy alone.
It also has the power to rework neural connections that amplify the pain pathways, guiding you toward improved function in your day-to-day life and lasting change.
In a 2023 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, all 329 patients with
treatment-resistant chronic pain experienced pain reduction and improvement in quality of life from repeated ketamine treatment, with certain patient groups experiencing more substantial benefits, such as those with neuropathic pain and those with comorbid depression.
A 2021 scientific review of the literature indicated that ketamine improved pain symptoms, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. It explored the use of ketamine therapy for individuals with fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), phantom limb pain (PLP), cancer pain, and more.
A 2022 follow-up study with 256 patients demonstrated that one-year post-ketamine therapy, individuals reported pain intensity significantly decreased.
Each treatment plan is designed specifically for you. Taking other medications during this therapeutic experience depends on the type of medication. This will all be addressed during your initial medical consultation.
Since all treatments are carried out by registered therapists (psychotherapists, social workers, registered clinical counselors, etc.), a portion of your treatment would be insurance-eligible under most extended benefits plans. We work with you to ensure all applicable insurance is used. We also recommend checking your exact insurance coverage before committing to any treatment.
Your eligibility is determined during your virtual consultation. Conditions that may make you ineligible include:
Dworkin RH, Turk DC, Peirce-Sandner S, et al. Research design considerations for confirmatory chronic pain clinical trials: IMMPACT recommendations. Pain. 2010;149(2):177-193. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2010.02.018
Israel, J. E., St Pierre, S., Ellis, E., Hanukaai, J. S., Noor, N., Varrassi, G., Wells, M., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Ketamine for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Comprehensive Review. Health psychology research, 9(1), 25535. https://doi.org/10.52965/001c.25535
Corriger, Alexandrinea; Voute, Mariona; Lambert, Célineb; OKAPI Consortium; Pereira, Brunob; Pickering, Gisèlea,c,*. Ketamine for refractory chronic pain: a 1-year follow-up study. PAIN 163(4):p 690-701, April 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002403
Stay connected.
Sign up for our email newsletter where we share the latest news, education, events, and research in the psychedelic space.
Medicine
Services
If you are in a life threatening situation – don’t use this site.
Text 45645 or Call +1 (833) 456-4566 to get immediate help. Provided by the CMHA
© 2024 Field Trip Health Canada. All Rights Reserved.
EN 
FR