We accept Care Credit now!

Pain Relief

SWFL Integrative Medicine

Board Certified Gynecologists & Integrative Medicine Specialists located in Fort Myers, FL

Pain plays a vital role in helping you look after your body by alerting you to damage and disease. Relief from severe or long-lasting pain is also essential, and at SWFL Integrative Medicine in Fort Myers, Florida, Heather Auld, MD, and her team provide a range of effective forms of pain relief. They use natural remedies like herbal anti-inflammatories, medical cupping, phototherapy, and medical cannabis to relieve pain without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Call SWFL Integrative Medicine today to find out more or book an appointment online.

Pain Relief Q&A

What is pain relief?

Pain relief is one of the most vital and common responsibilities of modern medicine. Unrelieved pain can have a devastating effect on people’s lives and cause significant suffering.

Conventional pain relief depends on powerful drugs like opioids that can cause a range of side effects and, in some cases, prove to be addictive. The team at SWFL Integrative Medicine provides a variety of alternative therapies for pain relief that don’t have the same potential problems, including:

  • Herbal anti-inflammatories
  • Amethyst mat
  • Phototherapy
  • Medical cupping
  • Cannabis certifications

Finding the most effective method of relieving your pain is a priority at SWFL Integrative Medicine.

How do alternative forms of pain relief work?

Alternative forms of pain relief work in a number of different ways:

Herbal anti-inflammatories

Herbs and spices help by reducing inflammation. Some of the most effective natural anti-inflammatories include:

  • Turmeric
  • Ginger
  • Cinnamon
  • Garlic
  • Cayenne
  • Black pepper
  • Clove

Inflammation is a natural reaction that happens if you have an infection or suffer an injury. It’s meant to help your body heal, but it can often become a chronic problem, as with arthritis. Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices can reduce this chronic inflammation and ease your pain.

Amethyst mat

The Amethyst mat uses amethyst crystals and infrared light to generate heat that soothes and heals soft tissues. Amethyst mat treatments help with:

  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain
  • Arthritis
  • Minor sprains and strains
  • Back pain
  • Phototherapy

Phototherapy also uses infrared light to heal tissues and reduce pain. It’s particularly effective for painful nerve conditions like diabetic neuropathy.

Medical cupping therapy

Cupping therapy involves having special cups put on your skin that create suction. Medical cupping can help with pain and inflammation, as well as improving blood flow and promoting relaxation and well-being. The effect is like having a deep-tissue massage. The team at SWFL Integrative Medicine uses vacuum cupping, which provides more flexibility.

How does cannabis help with pain relief?

Medical cannabis is available to patients who need help in finding the safest, most natural, and beneficial product for their condition. Cannabis can provide effective pain relief for a range of conditions, including:

  • Neuropathy (nerve pain)
  • Back pain
  • Chronic arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Migraines

To obtain a cannabis recommendation in Florida, you need to visit SWFL Integrative Medicine for certification and education. Your provider can assess your need and determine whether cannabis is the best choice for pain relief in your case.

Once you have a prescription, you need to apply to the state of Florida for verification. After receiving your verification, you can purchase your medical cannabis from an approved dispensary. 

To find out more about alternative pain relief solutions, call SWFL Integrative Medicine today or book an appointment online.