Treatment Options

Nerve Block Treatment:

Nerve block treatment is a common and very effective option. It is often used as part of the treatment process for severe chronic pain to assist in the reduction of overall pain burden, and improvement in overall functional ability. This treatment option is fully covered by OHIP. It involves small injections of local anaesthetic (similar to what is used in a dentist’s office to “freeze” the mouth during dental procedures) over various nerves, joints and muscle groups that are contributing to a patient’s pain. The procedure is relatively safe and well-tolerated by patients and often provides significant benefit as part of a treatment plan. Dr. Sandhu will determine if you are a candidate for this treatment option and discuss this with you in more detail at the time of the consultation. This form of treatment is covered by OHIP. 

Botox Treatment: 

Botox is an approved treatment for management of chronic migraine headache (which is defined as at least 15 days of headache per month which last at least 4 hours per episode. It is quite effective for reduction of chronic migraine burden but may not be suitable for other headache types and more complex chronic pain presentations. After your assessment with Dr. Sandhu, he will review this option with you to see if you are a suitable candidate. This form of treatment is not covered by OHIP. 

Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid Injection: 

Use of corticosteroid injection into arthritic joints can provide significant relief from joint pain and can be administered up to 3 times per year per joint. The use of ultrasound guidance improves accuracy of the injection compared to traditional landmark-based injections. This form of treatment is not covered by OHIP. 

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Injections for Chronic Pain: 

Platelet Rich Plasma injections have been shown to be helpful for management of a various painful conditions and are regenerative in nature. The process involves taking a patient’s blood and separating its components by centrifuge and obtaining the platelet rich component of the plasma which is helpful in promoting healing in joints, tendons and muscles utilizing the natural healing factors in a patient’s own blood. This form of treatment is not limited by the risks associated with repeated use of corticosteroid injection (osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, hypertension, hyperglycemia, mood changes, insomnia, gastric irritation, increased appetite and weight gain, sodium and fluid retention, increased risk of infection and delayed wound healing). Treatment with PRP injections have also been shown to produce more sustained long-term pain relief than corticosteroid injections. These injections are also performed with the assistance of ultrasound-guidance to improve overall effectiveness of the treatment. This form of treatment is not covered by OHIP. 

While the primary focus of the clinic will always be geared towards the management of chronic pain, we acknowledge that there are many other chronic conditions which produce significant suffering and distress to patients. Accordingly, we also have treatment options for a number of other conditions which include the following: 

Botox for cosmetic purposes (not covered by OHIP): 

In addition to its proven efficacy for chronic migraine headache, Botox has been shown to be an effective treatment option for cosmetic purposes including management of wrinkles. 

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Injections for Cosmetic Purposes (not covered by OHIP): 

In addition to its proven efficacy in the management of chronic pain, PRP has been shown to be an effective treatment option for cosmetic purposes including management of wrinkles and skin rejuvenation as well as hair loss. 

Low Level Laser Treatment for Cosmetic Purposes (not covered by OHIP): 

Low level laser treatment with the use of the Elite IQ laser machine from Cynasure (see website) offers the following non-invasive cosmetic treatment options: 

  1. Laser Hair Removal. 
  1. Laser Facial. 
  1. Vein Removal. 
  1. Pigmentation Removal. 
Microneedling for Collagen Regeneration for Cosmetic Purposes (not covered by OHIP): 

Microneedling can assist in collagen and elastin regeneration with the use of the Potenza microneedling machine from Cynasure (see website) and is helpful in treatment of the following conditions: 

  1. Active Acne. 
  1. Acne Scarring  
  1. Management of Stretch Marks. 
  1. Skin Tightening. 
Sclerotherapy for Cosmetic Purposes (not covered by OHIP): 

For bigger veins that are either too large or non-responsive to the low level laser treatment with the Elite IQ machine, we are happy to provide sclerotherapy which is a process of injecting a concentrated solution into target veins which promotes shrinkage of these problematic vessels.