Pain Medicine

Inpatient and Outpatient Settings

Inpatient services include intensive, individualized pain management for kids who are patients at Phoenix Children’s. 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 the Phoenix and Gilbert locations. 

Pediatric Pain Medicine Leaders

Phoenix Children’s Pain Medicine doctors 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
• Nurse practitioners
• 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 – This type of pain has an identifiable cause. It occurs most of the time, but not always, and lasts less than three months.
• Chronic pain – This type of pain can occur with or without an obvious cause and persists for more than three months.
• Treatment-related pain – This refers to pain related to medical procedures or other treatments. It can include needle sticks, placing an IV (intravenous) line, changing wound dressings, and other treatments, such as physical or occupational therapies. 

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/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. Learn more about available treatments and related programs and services, including telehealth and in-person follow-up care, as well as future group options 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 – We work with geneticists, mental health providers, physical therapists and other specialists to evaluate and care for kids with hypermobility disorders. These include inherited hypermobility syndromes such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and other connective tissue disorders marked by highly flexible, unstable joints. Related symptoms can include sore joints, easily bruised skin, and increased risk of sprains, fractures and dislocated joints. We help kids manage painful symptoms and achieve their fullest potential.