Typical conditions
Approaches typically considered
- Acupuncture
- Magnetic Stimulation (SIS)
- Nerve Blocks
- Image-Guided Block or Injection
- Radiofrequency
- Neurofunctional Acupuncture
Chronic pain treatments in Recife
Multidisciplinary approach based on clinical evidence for pain management.
Reviewed on: January 24, 2026
How we decide treatment
Between knowing the condition and choosing a technique, there is a shared clinical decision. These are the steps we walk through with you before any procedure.
- 01Initial clinical screening
- 02Detailed medical history (anamnesis)
- 03Focused physical examination
- 04Request and review of complementary tests when indicated
- 05Definition of an individualized treatment plan
- 06Follow-up and periodic reassessments
Treatments are recommended individually based on diagnosis, clinical conditions, comorbidities, medication use, and patient preferences. Some techniques may not be indicated in specific clinical situations, which are assessed case by case during the medical consultation.
Find your case
Select the body region that best matches what you feel. Each case is individually assessed — this is just an initial orientation.
Typical conditions
Approaches typically considered
- Acupuncture
- Neuromodulatory Techniques
- Trigger Point Injection
- Image-Guided Block or Injection
- Botulinum Toxin for Chronic Migraine
- Electroacupuncture
Typical conditions
Approaches typically considered
- Neurofunctional Acupuncture
- Magnetic Stimulation (SIS)
- Neuromodulatory Techniques
- Image-Guided Block or Injection
- Radiofrequency
- Electroacupuncture
Typical conditions
Approaches typically considered
- Acupuncture
- Electroacupuncture
- Magnetic Stimulation (SIS)
- Neuromodulatory Techniques
- Trigger Point Injection
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
Typical conditions
Approaches typically considered
- Acupuncture
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
- Prolotherapy
- Viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid
- Image-Guided Block or Injection
- Magnetic Stimulation (SIS)
Our therapeutic approaches
We group our treatments into four clinical families. Click on each family to see the procedures we offer.
Procedures in this family
Nerve Blocks
Infiltration techniques with anesthetic in specific nerves or roots, used both for diagnostic support (identifying the source of pain) and therapeutic purposes, in selected pain conditions.
Image-Guided Block or Injection
Minimally invasive procedure consisting of injecting medications (anesthetics and/or anti-inflammatories) into selected nerves, joints, or tendons. Real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance increases application precision, with an efficacy profile documented in comparative literature against non-image-guided techniques. May also aid clinical diagnosis in selected cases.
Trigger Point Injection
Minimally invasive procedure focused on deactivating trigger points — localized areas of muscle tension associated with local and referred pain. Consists of applying an anesthetic substance directly to the point, with the goal of promoting relaxation of the treated muscle. Primary applicability in Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
Radiofrequency
Minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency waves applied to selected nerves, with primary action in chronic facet joint spine pain and peripheral joints. May offer prolonged effect in responsive patients, with procedure time and discomfort varying by treated region.
Viscosupplementation with Hyaluronic Acid
Intra-articular treatment for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence 2-3), mainly in knees, shoulders, and hips. Consists of injecting hyaluronic acid, a natural component of synovial fluid, directly into the joint. Goal: restore lubrication, improve shock absorption, and contribute to reducing inflammation. May result in symptomatic relief and improved mobility in responsive cases.
Tendon Supplementation with Hyaluronic Acid
Injectable technique for chronic tendinopathies. Hyaluronic acid is applied to the peritendinous space of the inflamed or degenerated tendon, acting as a biological lubricant that may reduce friction and pain during movement. Its anti-inflammatory properties may aid tendon regeneration processes, in clinical studies.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
Non-invasive therapy that uses high-energy acoustic waves for treatment of chronic pain in tendons and peritendinous tissues. May stimulate regenerative processes, improve local microcirculation, and fragment calcifications in selected conditions. Primary applicability in plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder tendinitis, and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
Prolotherapy
Injectable therapy that aims to stimulate a healing response in chronic musculoskeletal injuries, with primary applicability in ligament and tendon laxity. Consists of injecting an irritant solution (usually dextrose) into the injury site, inducing a controlled inflammatory response. May contribute to tissue strengthening and joint stabilization in selected patients, per protocol.
Procedures in this family
Magnetic Stimulation (SIS)
Non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate tissue regenerative processes and modulate pain perception. May be considered in chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and post-traumatic recovery protocols, per clinical evaluation.
Neuromodulatory Techniques
Non-invasive approaches like tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) that modulate brain activity in networks involved in pain perception. May be considered in refractory chronic pain and fibromyalgia, with clinical evidence in selected patients.
Esketamine (Spravato)
Treatment with intranasal esketamine (Spravato) for selected cases of treatment-resistant depression. Administration occurs in a clinical setting with continuous medical monitoring, in compliance with CFM Opinion No. 20/2024. Care is provided in collaboration with mental health teams and requires prior multidisciplinary evaluation.
Learn more about esketamine and treatment-resistant depressionCare provided after prior multidisciplinary evaluation. Procedure performed in a clinical setting with continuous medical monitoring, in compliance with CFM Opinion No. 20/2024.
Procedures in this family
Acupuncture
Technique originated in Chinese medicine, integrated with modern neurophysiology. Acts on pain modulation mechanisms by stimulating nerves, muscles, and tissues. May be considered in various pain conditions, per clinical evaluation.
Neurofunctional Acupuncture
A contemporary and scientific approach to acupuncture, based on modern neurophysiology and anatomy. Instead of focusing on traditional medicine meridians, neurofunctional acupuncture acts directly on the nervous system, using needles to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. The goal is to modulate pain, restore motor function, resolve contractures, and optimize neuromuscular rehabilitation precisely.
Electroacupuncture
Acupuncture modality in which needles are connected to a device that emits gentle and controlled electrical pulses. The continuous and rhythmic stimulation may enhance the analgesic response and aid in reducing muscle spasms in selected patients.
Procedures in this family
Botulinum Toxin for Chronic Migraine
Preventive treatment approved by the PREEMPT protocol for patients with chronic migraine (≥15 headache days per month for more than 3 months). Botulinum toxin is applied to multiple points on the head, neck, and shoulders, locally blocking the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain signaling. May reduce attack frequency and intensity, as well as the use of abortive medication, in responsive patients.
Botulinum Toxin for Dystonia and Spasticity
Established therapy in the management of movement disorders — dystonia (involuntary contractions) and spasticity (muscle stiffness post-neurological injury). The toxin is injected into selected hyperactive muscles, blocking the nerve communication that sustains excessive contraction. May promote focal muscle relaxation, reduce associated pain, and contribute to functional improvement in responsive patients.
Want to talk about your case?
Our team is ready to answer questions, evaluate your case, and point the most adequate path.
Clinically Reviewed by:
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro
Pain Medicine | Acupuncture
CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
Published on: January 17, 2026
Reviewed on: January 29, 2026
This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.
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Fundador da Clínica Intrador, médico especialista em Medicina da Dor e Acupuntura, com atuação em tratamentos intervencionistas e neuromodulação.
Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.
Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
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