Integrative Pain and Fatigue Management

At GWCIM, we don’t just medicate your pain – we investigate, identify, and address the root cause. If the underlying issue cannot be fully treated, we develop a comprehensive plan to help you effectively manage pain and fatigue. Our ultimate goal is to restore you to your normal level of activity as quickly and safely as possible. GWCIM team of Integrative Medicine specialists manages complex pain cases and partners with the GW Pain Center when specific intervention modalities are needed.

Therapies Used in Integrative Pain and Fatigue Management

A variety of therapies may be used in combination to manage pain effectively. These therapies are available at GWCIM or through our affiliated providers and partners. To ensure a cohesive and personalized treatment plan, all modalities must be coordinated and overseen by your primary provider at GWCIM, typically an Integrative Medicine or Naturopathic physician.

Functional Medicine and Supplements: Functional medicine laboratory tests and diagnostics provide critical insights into underlying biochemical, hormonal, inflammatory, and metabolic imbalances that contribute to pain. Natural remedies and biological supplements reduce inflammation, support healing, and manage chronic pain conditions.
Infusion (IV) and Injection Therapy: vitamins, NAD+, and more.
Acupuncture: Stimulates specific points on the body to reduce pain and promote healing.
Medical Cannabis: precise formulations for specific symptoms
Massage Therapy: Relieves muscle tension, improves circulation, and reduces stress.
Dr. Sarno/Mind-Body Approach:
Other Mind-Body Practices: meditation, mindfulness, hypnosis, MBSR, and guided imagery to calm the nervous system and reduce the perception of pain.
Somatic Experiencing: “bottom-up” approach to regulate the nervous system and overcome trauma-related pain – physical, medical, and emotional.
Chiropractic Care: Aligns the spine and musculoskeletal system to address pain at its source.
Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diets and nutritional adjustments to support the body’s healing process.
Physical Therapy and Movement Consultations: Individualized Yoga consultations, QiGong, Therapeutic Pilates, Alexander Technique, Rolfing, Feldenkrais method, and other modalities can improve mobility and reduce pain.
Osteopathic manipulation: CranioSacral Therapy, ostheopathic medicine
Reiki
Ketamin Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

Pain

Pain is one of the most common health challenges, affecting millions worldwide. Whether acute or chronic, pain can significantly impact physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Integrative medicine offers a holistic, patient-centered approach to pain management, blending conventional medical treatments with evidence-based complementary and traditional therapies to address the root causes of pain and support whole-body healing.

Understanding Pain

Pain manifests in many forms and can arise from a variety of causes. At GWCIM, while we address acute pain, our primary focus is on supporting patients dealing with chronic pain and cancer-related pain, providing comprehensive care customized to their unique needs.

Acute Pain: Sudden and temporary, often due to injury, surgery, or illness.
Chronic Pain: Persistent pain lasting three months or longer, often linked to conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, or nerve damage.
Cancer-Related Pain: Pain associated with cancer itself or its treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Chronic pain management

Most common chronic pain syndromes that we manage at GWCIM include:

Fibromyalgia: Widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues.
Arthritis: Inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis causing joint pain and stiffness.
Back and neck pain: Chronic pain stemming from conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
Chronic migraines and other types of headaches
Neuropathy: Nerve damage leading to pain, tingling, or numbness, often seen in diabetes or after chemotherapy
Other cancer-related pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, and other repetitive motion injuries
Hypermobility and Ehler-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and related connective tissue problems.
Pelvic Pain: Persistent pain due to endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, or other pelvic disorders.
Chronic Post-Surgical Pain: Pain persisting beyond normal healing after surgery.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Chronic jaw pain and dysfunction.
Chronic Pain Syndrome: A condition where pain persists alongside psychological and emotional distress, often requiring an integrative approach.
IBS and other GI pain

Benefits of Integrative Pain Management

Patients seeking integrative approaches to pain management often report:

Reduced reliance on pain medications, including opioids.
Improved physical function and mobility.
Enhanced emotional and mental well-being.
Better sleep and overall quality of life.

At the CWCIM, we approach chronic pain by treating the whole person. Many patients come to us after seeking treatment from specialists such as orthopedics or neurology, often without finding lasting relief. We take the time to understand the patient’s history, including previous treatments and their perception of their condition and history. We will coordinate your care with your primary providers when necessary.

Fatigue

Occasionally, everyone experiences fatigue and tiredness, but if you are one of the over one million people in the U.S. living with chronic fatigue, you understand how debilitating this condition can be. At GWCIM, while we treat a wide range of conditions, our unique approach to addressing chronic fatigue has proven to be highly effective. We are proud to have helped many patients transition from disability to leading fully functional, healthy lives.

Understanding Fatigue

The first step in addressing chronic fatigue syndrome is to identify its underlying cause. Typically, it falls into one of the following categories:

Chronic Hormonal Dysregulation: Most commonly involving the adrenal or thyroid glands. While stress may contribute to this issue, other triggers, such as those listed below, are often involved.
Chronic Mild Systemic Infections: Such as chronic Lyme disease or other persistent infections.
Chronic Food Sensitivities: Including sensitivities to gluten or other foods.
Chronic Autoimmune Conditions: Such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders.
Long Covid and other post-infectious fatigue
Dysautonomia: A dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and poor regulation of heart rate and blood pressure.
Cancer-Related Fatigue: Fatigue caused by cancer or its treatments.
Mental Health Factors: Including depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Such as deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, or other essential nutrients.
Psychological and Spiritual Distress: Emotional or existential struggles that impact overall well-being.
Chronic Medical Conditions: A variety of long-term health issues that can contribute to fatigue.

Identifying the root cause is essential for creating an effective and personalized treatment plan. By combining evidence-based integrative therapies with personalized care, we strive to address the root causes of fatigue and enhance our patients’ recovery and well-being.