Our founder Dr. Jonathann Kuo, MD recently spoke to our referral partners over at The Lanby about the future of pain management, the role of hospitality in healthcare, and ketamine.
What advancements or research within the field of pain management are you currently most excited about?
I am enthusiastic about several recent advancements in pain management research— particularly in the areas of regenerative medicine, neuromodulation, and advanced, minimally-invasive techniques for chronic pain relief. In regenerative medicine there have been rapid and significant developments in biologics and orthobiologics, aimed at enhancing the body’s natural healing processes by activating intrinsic pathways. We’ve achieved notable success with a combination of treatments, including platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow stem cells, placental matrix, exosomes, Wharton’s Jelly, and other sophisticated biologics, as well as peptides.
Another intriguing area is neuromodulation, which involves increasingly advanced neuro-stimulation devices. These devices can modify the mechanism and perception of pain by precisely targeting spinal nerves and delivering specific electrical impulses to alter pain perception.
I’m also excited about the use of various minimally-invasive procedures to treat chronic pain, including lumbar decompression (the MILD procedure), Intracept or basivertebral nerve ablation, and spinous process spacers for spinal stenosis treatment.
The field of pain management is rapidly evolving with technological advancements, and it’s thrilling to be at the forefront of discovering new methods for pain treatment.
What role does ketamine therapy play in addressing pain and associated mental health concerns?
Ketamine therapy is emerging as a promising treatment for both chronic pain and associated mood disorders, particularly depression. Recognized as a safe, dissociative anesthetic, ketamine creates a unique out-of-body experience akin to a psychedelic-like state. This effect has the potential to restructure existing thought patterns, enhance neuroplasticity, and promote neuronal growth. By doing so, it addresses not just the physical aspects of chronic pain, but also its mental manifestations, including commonly associated mood disorders, like depression and anxiety.
Ketamine has a long-standing medical history, but its application in pain and mood disorder management has gained significant momentum recently. Its safety profile is well-established, and our practice has observed notably positive outcomes when ketamine is integrated with other treatment modalities. This synergy enhances the overall efficacy of our approach to managing the complex interplay of physical pain and mental health concerns.
At The Lanby, we value hospitality as a key factor in optimizing health outcomes. In what way do you apply the tenets of hospitality to your approach to care?
At Hudson Health, our care philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of hospitality, ensuring that each patient receives a personalized treatment experience. We understand that chronic pain is a multifaceted issue, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects, and our approach is tailored to address these diverse needs.
Our commitment to hospitality is evident in several key aspects of our approach:
- Customized Treatment Plans: We recognize that each patient’s journey with chronic pain is unique. Therefore, we dedicate ourselves to creating individualized treatment plans that cater to their specific needs.
- Holistic Care: We take a comprehensive view of pain management, considering both the physical and psychological components of chronic pain. This holistic perspective is crucial in providing effective and empathetic care.
- Soothing Environment: We believe that the ambiance of our office plays a significant role in the healing process, and we have meticulously crafted a calming environment that supports this belief.
You can read Dr. Kuo’s full interview over on The Lanby Blog.