Biopsychosocial model
Chronic pain rarely has a single cause. We assess the physical, neurophysiological, emotional, and functional factors that sustain each patient's pain.
About Intrador
Multidisciplinary pain medicine clinic in Recife, in continuous operation since 2016.
Who we are
Intrador is a clinic specialized in pain medicine, founded in 2016 by Dr. Helio Pinheiro in Recife. It brings together a multidisciplinary team of physicians with specialization in pain, acupuncture, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, anesthesiology, physiatry, and related areas.
We treat patients with acute or chronic pain, including complex cases involving multiple associated conditions. The approach combines careful clinical evaluation, joint therapeutic decision with the patient, and techniques appropriate to each case, always based on scientific evidence.
We operate two units in Recife: Aflitos (since 2020) and Pina (since 2022, with own building since 2026), both registered with CRM-PE (Types II and IV) and Sanitary Surveillance.
How we approach pain care
Our clinical practice is structured on three principles.
Multidisciplinarity
Physicians from different specialties work together. The therapeutic decision is shared between patient and team, with explicit criteria and limits.
Progressive approach
We always start with the least invasive approach and escalate as clinically needed. Acupuncture and neuromodulation before injections; injections before nerve blocks; nerve blocks before hospital procedures.
What structures our care
Attributes that sustain Intrador's clinical practice.
Specialization in pain medicine
Clinic dedicated exclusively to pain management — not a multi-topic practice. Each professional is certified in the field and works in their specialty.
Integrated medical acupuncture
Classical acupuncture, neurofunctional, and electroacupuncture, articulated with conventional care. Technical director sits on the CMBA board (Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture).
Access to current techniques
Neuromodulation (tDCS, magnetic stimulation), radiofrequency, image-guided blocks, regenerative therapies, esketamine in compliance with CFM Opinion No. 20/2024 (in selected cases).
Auditable transparency
We publish NPS, RQE, CRM-PE-PJ, and editorial policy. Quantitative metrics with explicit time window and source. Clinical documentation per CFM and LGPD requirements.
Patient experience and quality
We track patient-reported experience through post-visit surveys, with auditable methodology and explicit time windows. Complete data — NPS, recurrence rate, age profile, and care indicators — is published on our dedicated transparency page.
The quality indicators page is in methodological review. Audited data will be published soon.
See quality indicatorsStructure, team, and technical responsibility
Units
Two units in Recife. Aflitos (since 2020, CRM-PE Type IV) — Av. Conselheiro Rosa e Silva. Pina (since 2022, CRM-PE Type II, own building since 2026) — Av. Eng. Domingos Ferreira. Both with active sanitary license.
Technical responsibility
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · CRM-PE 21167 · RQE 2217 (Acupuncture), 2808 (Pain). Technical director of both units.
Team
Multidisciplinary team of 16 physicians with specialization in pain, acupuncture, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, anesthesiology, physiatry, and related areas. See profile, training, and RQE of each professional.
Meet our teamInstitutions and scientific references
Intrador maintains institutional ties and scientific collaborations with medical entities dedicated to the study and treatment of pain and acupuncture, and continuously follows scientific updates published by international reference institutions.
CMBA — Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro, technical director of Intrador, sits on the CMBA board, the institution responsible for certification and continuing education of acupuncturist physicians in Brazil.
GEANF / Acuneuro — Neurofunctional Acupuncture Study Group
Intrador maintains a scientific partnership with GEANF, jointly conducting workshops and update activities in neurofunctional acupuncture.
IASP — International Association for the Study of Pain
International scientific organization dedicated to research and education on pain. Its publications and guidelines serve as reference for clinical practice at Intrador.
BMAS — British Medical Acupuncture Society
British medical society dedicated to evidence-based acupuncture research and education. Intrador follows its updates and technical recommendations.
SAR — Society for Acupuncture Research
International non-profit organization dedicated to promoting rigorous research in acupuncture and related modalities. Its Evidence-Based Assessments library is followed by Intrador as part of its practice of continuous updating.
Ready to talk?
Our team is available to answer questions, point the right path, and schedule evaluation.