Living with chronic pain can make even simple things feel hard. When the weather is warm and people are planning trips, barbecues, and days outside, pain can make you feel left out. Many patients tell us they have tried medication after medication, injections, or even surgery, and still do not have the relief they hoped for.
Ketamine infusion therapy is one advanced, non-opioid option that may help when standard treatments have not worked well enough. It is not right for everyone, and it is not a magic fix, but for some people it can lower pain and help them move and function better.
Our practice focuses on non-surgical and non-narcotic care for acute and chronic pain. As a board-certified pain management and anesthesiology specialist, Dr. Edward Rubin offers ketamine infusion therapy in Garden City, NY, and New Hyde Park as part of a thoughtful, individualized plan.
How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Helps Chronic Pain
Ketamine has been used in medicine for many years. In low, carefully controlled doses, it can affect how the central nervous system processes pain. It works on NMDA receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which are involved in how pain signals are sent and how the body learns pain over time.
By calming some of this overactive signaling, ketamine may help to:
- Decrease pain sensitivity
- Interrupt "stuck" pain pathways
- Support longer-lasting changes in how the body responds to pain
Conditions that may be considered for ketamine infusion therapy include:
- Neuropathic pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Certain types of post-surgical pain
- Spine-related pain syndromes
(For a deeper, evidence-based overview of how ketamine works, see our guide to ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain.)
At our offices in Garden City and New Hyde Park, ketamine is never used as a stand-alone "quick fix." We see it as one possible tool in a full treatment plan that can also include:
- Physical therapy or supervised exercise
- Non-opioid medications when appropriate
- Image-guided procedures and blocks
- Lifestyle and pacing strategies for day-to-day life
The goal is to improve function, not only to change a pain score.
Your First Ketamine Infusion Visit Step by Step
If ketamine infusion therapy seems appropriate, the first step is a detailed consultation. During this visit, we take time to understand your story. We review:
- Your medical history
- Previous pain treatments and how you responded
- Current medications and supplements
- Mental health history and any history of substance use
We also talk about your goals. For some patients this might be walking farther, sleeping through the night, or being able to sit through a child's event without needing to leave early.
On the day of your first infusion, you usually:
- Check in and review any changes in your health
- Have your vital signs taken, such as blood pressure and heart rate
- Have a small IV placed, usually in the arm or hand
Dr. Rubin selects a ketamine dose based on your weight, medical conditions, and prior response, if you have had an infusion before. During the treatment, a physician-led team monitors you closely.
During the infusion, many people feel:
- Light or "floaty"
- Mild dizziness
- Changes in time or sound perception
These sensations are usually temporary and fade shortly after the infusion ends. You rest in the office until you are stable and feel ready to leave with your driver. Most patients feel tired for a few hours afterward and plan a quiet day.
Safety, Side Effects, and Who Is a Good Candidate
Safety is a key focus for ketamine treatment. In our office, infusions are given in a controlled medical setting. We use:
- Continuous monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level
- Medical-grade infusion pumps
- Direct physician oversight for dose changes and response
Common short-term side effects can include:
- Nausea or queasiness
- Temporary rise in blood pressure
- Mild confusion or feeling "out of it"
- Headache after the infusion
We prepare for these effects and can often prevent or ease them with careful dosing, position changes, and medications when needed.
Not everyone is a good candidate for ketamine infusion therapy. It may not be appropriate for people with:
- Certain heart conditions
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Active substance misuse
- Some psychiatric conditions, especially if untreated
This is why a detailed evaluation is so important. The goal is to choose patients who may benefit while keeping the treatment as safe as possible.
What Results to Expect and How Long They Last
Response to ketamine infusion therapy is different for each person. Some patients notice pain relief or a change in pain quality after the first treatment. Others need a short series before they notice a clear difference.
We look beyond numbers on a pain scale and pay close attention to:
- How far you can walk or stand
- How well you are sleeping
- Your ability to take part in daily and family activities
- Changes in mood related to chronic pain
For people who respond, the benefits may last anywhere from days to much longer. Sometimes "booster" infusions are scheduled if pain starts to creep back and the first series helped.
It is important to remember:
- Ketamine does not cure the underlying condition
- It is a tool to help you do more with less pain
- Results vary from person to person
When ketamine is paired with physical therapy, gentle exercise, pacing, and other pain management strategies, many patients can make better use of the lower pain levels to build strength and activity over time, including during busier summer months.
Planning Ketamine Infusion Therapy in Garden City, NY
If you and your care team decide to move forward, good planning helps the day go smoothly. Before an infusion, patients are usually asked to:
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home
- Avoid heavy meals right before the visit
- Follow instructions about taking or holding certain medications
Comfort matters as well. We suggest:
- Wearing loose, comfortable clothing
- Bringing light layers in case you feel cool
- Bringing a simple comfort item, such as headphones or a soft sweatshirt
People often ask how many infusions they may need to try. While plans are always personalized, it is common to:
- Start with a short series over several days or weeks
- Expect each visit to last a few hours, including prep and recovery time
- Adjust the schedule of any follow-up or booster treatments based on response
Our team can also help you understand your insurance coverage and expected out-of-pocket responsibilities and can coordinate care with your referring physician or other specialists so the whole team is on the same page.
By taking a careful, step-by-step approach, ketamine infusion therapy can be explored as a thoughtful option for chronic pain, with comfort, safety, and function at the center of the plan.
Take the Next Step Toward Lasting Pain Relief
If chronic pain or related mood symptoms are limiting your life, we can help you explore safe, evidence-based options — including ketamine infusion therapy tailored to your specific needs and medical history. Dr. Edward Rubin sees patients from throughout Nassau County, Queens, and Long Island at our Garden City and New Hyde Park offices, taking the time to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you and to create a personalized plan. Call us at 516-492-3100 or text 516-206-0774 to schedule a consultation — same-week appointments are often available for new patients.
Written by Dr. Edward Rubin, MD, board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, with fellowship training at Cornell, Columbia, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Dr. Rubin has been treating chronic pain patients on Long Island for over 20 years.
