Relief for pain that hasn't responded to anything else
For Canadians living with treatment-resistant chronic pain, ketamine therapy is offering a clinically supported path to meaningful, lasting relief.
How ketamine works for chronic pain
Chronic pain is not simply a symptom — it is a disease state. Over time, persistent pain rewires the central nervous system through a process called central sensitisation, causing the brain and spinal cord to amplify pain signals even in the absence of ongoing tissue damage.
Ketamine targets NMDA receptors, which play a central role in central sensitisation. By blocking these receptors, ketamine can interrupt the amplified pain signalling cycle and allow the nervous system to reset — providing relief that outlasts the infusion itself.
Unlike opioids, ketamine does not carry the same risk of physical dependence or respiratory depression, and it works through an entirely different mechanism. For patients who have not found adequate relief through conventional pain management, ketamine infusions represent a distinct and evidence-supported option.
Central sensitisation
The nervous system mechanism ketamine directly targets to interrupt chronic pain cycles
4–6 sessions
Typical initial infusion series for chronic pain protocols
Weeks to months
Duration of pain relief reported by many patients after a full treatment course
Chronic pain conditions that may qualify
Ketamine therapy is used clinically in Canada for a range of chronic pain diagnoses. Eligibility is assessed by a qualified physician on a case-by-case basis.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
A severe, chronic pain condition typically affecting a limb, characterised by burning pain, swelling, and changes in skin colour and temperature.
Fibromyalgia
Widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive difficulties, often poorly controlled by standard treatments.
Neuropathic pain
Pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system, including diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and nerve injury pain.
Phantom limb pain
Persistent pain perceived in a limb that has been amputated, driven by central nervous system changes rather than peripheral tissue.
Chronic back and spine pain
Long-standing spinal pain that has not responded adequately to physiotherapy, medication, or surgical intervention.
Treatment-resistant chronic pain
Any chronic pain condition that has not responded to two or more evidence-based treatments, including medications, nerve blocks, or physical therapy.
What to expect from treatment
Medical assessment
A physician reviews your pain history, prior treatments, imaging, and current medications to determine whether ketamine therapy is appropriate and safe for you.
Infusion series
Chronic pain protocols typically involve a series of IV ketamine infusions — often four to six sessions over one to two weeks — at sub-anaesthetic doses in a supervised clinical setting.
Monitoring & adjustment
Dosing is carefully titrated based on your response. Vital signs are monitored throughout each session. Most patients remain awake and comfortable, experiencing mild dissociative effects that resolve quickly.
Ongoing pain management
Many patients experience relief lasting weeks to months. Periodic booster infusions may be recommended. Your care team will work with you and your referring physician to integrate ketamine into your broader pain management plan.
Safety & considerations
Ketamine infusions for chronic pain are administered in regulated clinical settings by licensed medical professionals. Contraindications include uncontrolled hypertension, active psychosis, certain cardiovascular conditions, and a history of substance use disorder. A thorough medical assessment — including a review of all current medications — is required before treatment begins.
Ketamine therapy for chronic pain is typically considered after conventional treatments have been tried and have not provided adequate relief. It is not a first-line intervention.
Find a ketamine therapy clinic in Canada
Browse our directory of verified Canadian clinics offering ketamine therapy for chronic pain and related conditions.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.