What to Expect at Your Ketamine Therapy Appointment | WOW Spine Fort Worth

What to Expect at Your Ketamine Therapy Appointment

Dr. Mike Martinez preparing ketamine infusion therapy at WOW Spine in Fort Worth, Texas

Considering ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain or treatment-resistant depression? It’s normal to have questions about what the experience will be like.

At WOW Spine in Fort Worth, Dr. Mike Martinez—a double board-certified Pain Management Specialist and Anesthesiologist—personally administers every ketamine infusion. His anesthesiology training means you’re in the safest possible hands throughout your treatment.

Here’s exactly what to expect before, during, and after your ketamine therapy appointment.

Call 682-285-1044

Serving Fort Worth, Weatherford, Benbrook & surrounding DFW areas

Your Ketamine Therapy Journey at WOW Spine

From initial consultation to follow-up care, Dr. Martinez guides you through every step of your ketamine treatment.

1 Initial Consultation

  • Comprehensive review of your medical history
  • Discussion of chronic pain or depression symptoms
  • Review of previous treatments that haven’t worked
  • Assessment to determine if ketamine is right for you
  • Explanation of how ketamine therapy works

2 Personalized Treatment Plan

  • Customized dosing based on your needs
  • Treatment schedule (typically 4-6 initial sessions)
  • Frequency recommendations (usually 2-3 per week initially)
  • Discussion of expected outcomes and timeline
  • Clear explanation of costs and payment options

3 Infusion Sessions

  • Comfortable, private treatment room
  • IV placement and continuous monitoring
  • 40-60 minute infusion duration
  • Dr. Martinez present throughout treatment
  • Vital signs monitored by board-certified anesthesiologist

4 Follow-Up Care

  • Post-infusion recovery time (30-45 minutes)
  • Assessment of treatment response
  • Adjustments to dosing if needed
  • Maintenance infusion scheduling
  • Ongoing support between sessions

Ready to see if ketamine therapy is right for you?

Call 682-285-1044

Serving Fort Worth, Weatherford, Benbrook & surrounding DFW areas

How to Prepare for Your Ketamine Infusion

Arrange a ride home — You cannot drive for 24 hours after treatment
Fast for 4-6 hours — No food before your infusion (water is okay)
Wear comfortable clothing — You’ll be relaxing during treatment
Bring headphones — Music can enhance the experience (optional)
Clear your schedule — Plan to rest for the remainder of the day
Bring your medication list — Including all current prescriptions
!
Avoid alcohol — No alcohol for 24 hours before treatment
!
Discuss medications — Some may need to be adjusted before treatment

Questions before your appointment? Call 682-285-1044 — our team is happy to walk you through everything.

What Happens During Your Ketamine Infusion

Each infusion takes approximately 40-60 minutes. Here’s what you’ll experience:

Comfortable Setting

You’ll relax in a private treatment room in a comfortable reclining chair. The lights are dimmed, and you can listen to music if you’d like.

IV Placement

A small IV is placed in your arm. Dr. Martinez uses his anesthesiology expertise to ensure this is as comfortable as possible.

Continuous Monitoring

Your vital signs are monitored throughout the entire infusion. Dr. Martinez stays with you to ensure your safety and comfort.

The Experience

You may feel relaxed, dreamy, or experience mild dissociation. Some describe it as floating. These sensations are normal and temporary.

Recovery Time

After the infusion ends, you’ll rest for 30-45 minutes while the effects wear off. Most patients feel back to normal within an hour.

Going Home

Your driver will take you home. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients feel well enough for normal activities the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ketamine Therapy

Is ketamine therapy safe?

When administered by a qualified physician, ketamine therapy is very safe. At WOW Spine, Dr. Martinez is a board-certified anesthesiologist with extensive training in ketamine administration, patient monitoring, and airway management. This expertise provides an additional layer of safety compared to clinics run by non-anesthesiologists.

What conditions does ketamine treat?

At WOW Spine, we use ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments—including neuropathic pain, CRPS, and fibromyalgia. Ketamine is also effective for treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Learn more about our ketamine therapy services.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients receive a series of 4-6 initial infusions over 2-3 weeks. After the initial series, maintenance infusions may be recommended based on your response—some patients return monthly, others less frequently. Dr. Martinez will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition.

How soon will I feel results?

Many patients notice improvement after 1-2 infusions, though the full benefits often develop over the course of the initial treatment series. Depression symptoms may improve within hours to days, while chronic pain relief typically builds over multiple sessions.

Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?

Ketamine infusion therapy is typically not covered by insurance at this time. We offer transparent self-pay pricing and can discuss payment options during your consultation. Call 682-285-1044 to learn more about costs.

Why choose an anesthesiologist for ketamine treatment?

As a board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Martinez has thousands of hours of training in IV medication administration, patient monitoring, and managing any potential complications. This level of expertise is not available at ketamine clinics run by practitioners without anesthesiology training.

Can I drive myself home after treatment?

No. You must arrange for someone to drive you home after your ketamine infusion. You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after treatment.

Have more questions about ketamine therapy? Call 682-285-1044 or contact us online.

Ready to Explore Ketamine Therapy?

If chronic pain or treatment-resistant depression has been holding you back, ketamine infusion therapy may offer the relief you’ve been searching for. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Martinez to find out if ketamine is right for you.

Call 682-285-1044 Learn About Ketamine Therapy →

Serving Fort Worth, Weatherford, Benbrook, Haltom City, Hurst, Saginaw & surrounding DFW communities