Pain Medicine

Pediatric anesthesiologists and other pediatric pain medicine experts work with many other specialists at Phoenix Children’s to manage children’s pain. We help kids get relief from pain while improving function. Through Phoenix Children’s Pain Medicine program, our patients can enjoy a better quality of life whether they’re in the hospital or at home, school or play.

Inpatient and Outpatient Settings

Inpatient services include intensive, individualized pain management for kids who are patients at Phoenix Children’s hospital or in the 12-bed acute inpatient rehabilitation center. Outpatient services include initial and follow-up care at four convenient locations Phoenix Children’s Thomas campus, Scottsdale, Southwest (Avondale) and Gilbert, plus interventional procedures at the Thomas campus in Phoenix. 

Our services also include a Weekly Rehabilitation and Pain Program (WRAPP) at Phoenix and Gilbert locations. 

Pediatric Pain Medicine Leaders

Phoenix Children’s pediatric Pain Medicine team are uniquely qualified to help newborns, infants, children and adolescents with widely varying pain management needs. Our experts treat children in emergency rooms and trauma bays, surgical suites, intensive care units, hospital rooms and clinics. 

We treat pain related to traumatic injuries, nerve disorders, cancer, genetic and autoimmune diseases, and many other conditions. Our team includes:

• Specialized pain management doctors
• Advanced practice nurses
• Pain psychologists
• Physical therapists 
• Nurse coordinator

We understand how to care for kids through the changing conditions and stages of development. We treat all types of pain, whatever its cause. This includes:

• Acute pain – lasts less than three months
• Chronic pain – persists for more than three months
• Treatment-related pain – discomfort such as needle sticks or sutures associated with certain surgical and medical procedures

Comprehensive Care

Doctors and other practitioners collaborate across specialties to closely evaluate and treat each child’s or teen’s unique condition and care needs. Our team addresses challenges that can affect every part of their lives, from restful sleep to daily activities. We use advanced and integrated treatments, including:

• Interventional procedures
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Psychology
• Acupuncture
• Other traditional and alternative or complementary therapies

Expertise in Interventional Pain Management 

We offer a variety of surgical or interventional techniques for persistent or severe pain, including minimally invasive procedures. Available treatments include injections, nerve blocks, low-current electrostimulation to relieve chronic pain and pain caused by disc herniation, and patient-controlled medication-delivery pumps. Learn more about available pain medicine treatments and related programs and services, including telehealth and in-person follow-up care, and support groups for children, teens and families. 

Other Clinics and Services

Our Pain Medicine specialists work closely with these and many other clinics and services at Phoenix Children’s:

• Chest wall center – We collaborate with surgical teams for chest procedures and post-operative pain rehabilitation.
• Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) clinic – We work with dermatologists to manage EB and other painful skin conditions that can cause fragile, blistered or wounded skin.
• Hypermobility clinic – Our collaborative care includes genetic evaluation and counseling for painful inherited joint disorders. Kids may require leg braces or other devices, plus rehabilitative and pain management therapies.