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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is one of the most painful and often misdiagnosed conditions affecting the nervous system. Frequently triggered by an injury, fracture, or surgery, CRPS results in a level of pain that is far out of proportion to the original cause. In addition to severe, persistent pain, individuals with CRPS may experience abnormal swelling, changes in skin temperature or color, and hypersensitivity in the affected limb—symptoms that may persist for months or even years after the initial trauma has resolved.
What makes CRPS particularly difficult to treat is its neurological origin. Rather than stemming from ongoing tissue damage, the pain results from a malfunction in how the central and peripheral nervous systems interpret and respond to stimuli. This leads to exaggerated pain signaling and an ongoing feedback loop where the nervous system becomes increasingly sensitized and reactive.
At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, TN, we offer a clinically advanced treatment pathway for CRPS using intravenous ketamine therapy. By directly targeting the neurological pathways responsible for pain amplification and central sensitization, ketamine helps reduce the body’s hypersensitive pain response. Our goal extends beyond symptom relief—we aim to help you restore mobility, improve quality of life, and reclaim independence from the relentless cycle of CRPS pain.
In the case of CRPS, the nervous system undergoes a maladaptive transformation—a form of negative neuroplasticity—where even minor stimuli like temperature changes, light touch, or movement can trigger severe pain. Over time, these abnormal signals can expand beyond the initial site of injury and begin to affect surrounding areas or even opposite limbs.
Ketamine offers a distinct advantage in treating this condition due to its action as an NMDA receptor antagonist. These receptors play a key role in transmitting glutamate, a neurotransmitter deeply involved in the escalation and persistence of pain signals. By inhibiting glutamate activity, ketamine essentially dampens the overactive pain circuits and calms the central nervous system.
Patients who undergo ketamine therapy at our Franklin clinic often describe a noticeable decrease in burning, stabbing, or throbbing sensations. Many report a reduction in allodynia—pain caused by stimuli that shouldn’t be painful—and an increased ability to move or use the affected area more normally. While experiences vary, some individuals feel improvement after just a few sessions, and the effects may continue to build with a full course of treatment.
Traditional opioids often fall short in treating CRPS and come with the risk of tolerance, dependency, or worsening symptoms over time. Ketamine works differently, directly targeting pain-processing centers in the brain without the risk of addiction or sedation, making it a safer long-term alternative.
CRPS can escalate quickly and often becomes disabling. Ketamine’s mechanism of action allows for rapid intervention, with many patients experiencing measurable relief and better movement after just a few treatments.
Ketamine’s influence on neural connectivity and plasticity means that its benefits can last long after the last infusion. Many patients enjoy weeks—or even months—of reduced pain and increased functionality without needing daily medications.
Because no two CRPS cases are the same, our medical team creates customized treatment plans based on the severity of your symptoms, duration of illness, previous interventions, and your overall health profile. We continually monitor and adjust dosing and frequency to optimize your results.
All ketamine infusions are delivered in private treatment suites by a highly trained medical team specializing in complex pain conditions. We provide a calm, supportive atmosphere and monitor your response throughout every session to ensure both comfort and safety.
CRPS does more than cause pain—it takes over every aspect of your life, from your ability to move and function, to your emotional and mental well-being. If you’ve tried medications, nerve blocks, or physical therapy without lasting relief, ketamine therapy may offer the breakthrough you’ve been seeking.
At Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center in Franklin, TN, we are dedicated to helping individuals with CRPS find hope and healing through innovative, evidence-based care. Our comprehensive approach is built on years of experience, scientific research, and a genuine commitment to helping patients reclaim their quality of life.
Reach out today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief from CRPS. You don’t have to keep living in pain—we’re here to help you find a path forward.
Conditions Treated
1909 Mallory Lane, Suite 300, Franklin, TN 37067
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RN & Clinical Manager
Trina Haag is a highly experienced and compassionate Registered Nurse with over 15 years of expertise in patient care and advocacy. Her diverse background includes roles as a Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, and Registered Nurse specializing in ICU and perioperative care. In addition to her clinical skills, Trina has successfully managed medical offices, where she excelled in delivering exceptional customer service and personalized patient care.
Trina’s commitment to patient advocacy is evident through her involvement with the National Patient Advocacy Foundation, where she passionately supports patient rights and quality healthcare. Her dedication to individualized care ensures that every patient at TNKWC receives the highest level of compassionate and personalized treatment.
Outside of her professional life, Trina values time spent with her family, including her loving husband, her daughter who brings joy to her days, and their loyal furry friend.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”568″ style=”shadow-2″][us_separator][us_btn label=”Schedule A Consultation” link=”url:%2Fcontact%2F|title:Contact” width_type=”1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Rachel Rome is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist with a deep expertise in regenerative medicine and palliative care. Her commitment to individualized patient care, innovative treatment approaches, and her prioritization of utilizing a holistic approach has made her a respected figure in the medical community.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Witnessing the transformative impact of ketamine on patients suffering from depression and chronic pain, Dr. Rome pursued advanced training in ketamine administration. In November 2021, she founded Mindful Infusions of TN, a concierge ketamine and wellness clinic, where she served as Medical Director. In addition, she has had the privilege of serving the local community at several clinics including David Price Regenerative Medical Center, LifeLinc Pain, and Empatia Palliative Care.
Dr. Rome earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Christian Brothers University and her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis. She completed her residency in anesthesiology and a fellowship in pain management at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She is an active member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”599″ style=”shadow-2″][us_separator][us_btn label=”Schedule A Consultation” link=”url:%2Fcontact%2F|title:Contact” width_type=”1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Dr. Malchow served as an anesthesiologist for 25 years in the armed forces before retiring as a colonel in 2008. He then became an associate professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where he was the first Vanderbilt physician to offer intensive ketamine infusion therapy in 2014. In 2015, he established one of the few ketamine infusion centers (KIC) in the Veteran Health Administration and the only KIC in the U.S. specifically targeting opioid cessation/reduction.
He is an acknowledged U.S. expert on ketamine administration, having presented his extensive experience with ketamine in the veteran population at the American Society of Ketamine Physicians in 2018 and has given multiple lectures regarding the use of ketamine to national audiences in 2021. Dr. Malchow has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and serves regularly on worldwide medical missions supporting those in need.
Dr. Malchow is honored to serve as the Medical Director for the Tennessee Ketamine & Wellness Center to provide compassionate and competent care for those suffering from depression, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, and opioid dependence.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][us_image image=”162″ style=”shadow-2″][us_separator][us_btn label=”Dr. Malchow’s Full CV” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F06%2F03-2021-Malchow-CV.pdf|target:_blank” width_type=”full” icon=”fas|file-alt”][us_btn label=”Schedule A Consultation” link=”url:%2Fcontact%2F|title:Contact” width_type=”1″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]