Business Details
Expert Pain Management Services in Bethesda, MD
Pain Management Institute has been serving patients in the DC/Maryland/Virginia region for over two decades, establishing itself as the most experienced pain management group in the area. Recognized by Washingtonian Magazine, Checkbook Magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and other reputable sources, our practice combines advanced treatments with a personalized approach that prioritizes patient safety and education. Our team of board-certified physicians and physician assistants collaborates closely with referring physicians, many of whom entrust us with their own families' care. We specialize in interventional pain procedures, medication management, and physical therapy integration, tailoring treatments to individual patient needs. Our commitment to preserving the human touch in healthcare ensures patients receive clear, compassionate guidance through their pain management journey. With locations in Bethesda and Washington DC, we provide accessible care for conditions ranging from chronic pain syndromes to sports injuries. Our physicians hold ACGME fellowship training from top U.S. programs, ensuring the highest standards of medical expertise.We emphasize patient education and evidence-based practices, helping individuals avoid surgery while maintaining functionality through innovative treatment combinations. From epidural steroid injections to specialized infusion therapies, our comprehensive services address complex pain conditions with cutting-edge solutions. Our multidisciplinary approach extends to golf rehabilitation through Titleist Performance Institute-certified physical therapy, demonstrating our dedication to diverse patient needs. This long-standing reputation for excellence continues to attract both patients and professional referrals seeking reliable, individualized pain management solutions.
Services
Epidural Steroid Injections
Physical Therapy Integration
Suboxone Therapy
Infusion Treatments
Golf Rehabilitation
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of regional pain management expertise
- Board-certified physicians with ACGME fellowship training
- Personalized treatment plans for individual needs
- Recognized by Washingtonian and Bethesda Magazines
- Integrated approach combining medical and physical therapies
Associations and certifications
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
- American Board of Medical Specialties
What people say
Most experienced group
Personalized treatment approach
Recognized as best by local magazines
Effective chronic pain solutions
Board-certified specialists
Services
Epidural Steroid Injections
Minimally invasive treatments for spinal pain conditions use steroid medication to reduce inflammation around nerve roots. These outpatient procedures target specific areas causing pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Patients typically experience pain relief lasting several months while avoiding surgical interventions.
Physical Therapy Integration
Customized therapy programs combine manual techniques with movement training to address chronic pain causes. One-hour sessions focus on posture correction, strength building, and patient education about pain science. Specialized golf rehabilitation uses motion analysis technology for performance improvement and injury prevention.
Infusion Therapy
Specialized IV treatments address chronic pain through ketamine, vitamin, and nutrient therapies. Ketamine infusions target neuropathic pain and depression symptoms while vitamin infusions support overall wellness. Treatments occur under continuous monitoring by experienced pain management clinicians in comfortable outpatient settings.
Medication Management
Comprehensive medication programs balance pain control with safety considerations using anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-seizure medications. Opioid therapy follows strict guidelines while Suboxone treatment offers alternative pain management options. Individualized regimens minimize side effects while maximizing quality of life.
Radiofrequency Ablation
This advanced technique uses heat to disrupt pain signal transmission in specific nerves. Commonly used for facet joint pain and chronic headaches, the procedure provides longer-lasting relief than traditional injections. Outpatient treatments typically require minimal recovery time.
People
Thomas Larkin MD
Physician
Board-certified pain management specialist with ACGME fellowship training, providing expert care for complex chronic pain conditions using minimally invasive techniques.
Cale Kroll MD
Physician
Fellowship-trained pain management physician specializing in interventional procedures and comprehensive treatment plans for acute and chronic pain conditions.
Frank Lee MD
Physician
Experienced pain management specialist combining medication management with advanced interventional techniques to improve patient functionality and quality of life.
Lexi Abravanel DPT
Physical Therapist
Titleist Performance Institute-certified therapist offering personalized rehabilitation programs that integrate pain science education with movement-based recovery strategies for chronic pain patients.
Yuliya Shifrin
Acupuncturist
Licensed physical therapist providing specialized acupuncture treatments as complementary therapy for chronic pain management and musculoskeletal conditions.
Questions
What pain conditions do you treat?
We treat chronic pain conditions including back/neck pain, joint arthritis, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, and complex regional pain syndrome.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most commercial insurances and Medicare, but currently do not accept Medicaid as primary or secondary coverage.
How do I schedule a new appointment?
Complete our online new patient form, create a ProCheckIn account, submit required documents, then reply to our welcome email to schedule your consultation.
What makes your practice different?
Our board-certified physicians combine ACGME fellowship training with personalized treatment plans, integrating physical therapy and advanced interventional techniques for comprehensive pain management.
Are infusion therapies covered by insurance?
Currently, infusion therapies are not covered by insurance and must be paid out-of-pocket by patients.
Do you offer golf-specific rehabilitation?
Yes, our Titleist Performance Institute-certified therapist provides golf swing analysis and rehabilitation using AI-supported technology to improve performance and reduce injury risk.
Reviews (7)
Bill P.
Oct 23, 2021
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Dr. Lee misdiagnosed the pain in my left arm as CRPS when in fact it was only a pinched nerve. It cost me many years of pain and loss of function. Please stay away from this practice.
Susan D.
Apr 25, 2021
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Dr. Lee is wonderful. He's kind, sincere, caring and thorough. At my recent visit, one office staff member went above and beyond to resolve a pre-approval issue with my insurance company. Zaira stepped in and quickly resolved the problem and followed up with me immediately. Great experience.
Karen W.
Feb 12, 2021
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Dr. Lee is wonderful but the admin staff in this office is among the worst I've ever encountered. Make sure and SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS when you've made a payment, and CONFIRM YOUR OWN APPTS. I paid my co-pay in the office and it was never credited to my account, so I had to go back and bring in a credit card statement to prove that I had actually paid it. When you call the appointment line you will rarely get someone picking up and if you leave a message to call you back on the voicemail no one will. The "email to make an appointment" option is a joke, no one responds to it. And
Bill Marcus
Sep 08, 2020
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PA or whatever she isAudra Sherman doesnt do a thing and just says she has to talk to Dr. Larkin! They also changed the date and time of my zoom visit without any notice!!!!!! Can a PA Yeven prescribe opioids while working in a pain clinic?
Dee Sofi
Jul 20, 2020
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I was recommended to make an appointment with one of their Doctors, for my knee and foot pain.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT: Took more than 2 weeks to finally get a live person to return my numerous Emails, calls, as well as texts. I can understand in the Era of COVID some or most people are working remotely, but there is absolutely NO excuse not to contact patients within a business day ( as they promise in their voice message center).
MANAGEMENT: There is NO office manager. No one person to take control and literally manage assignments to staff. I was instructed to send my new patient packet to
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT: Took more than 2 weeks to finally get a live person to return my numerous Emails, calls, as well as texts. I can understand in the Era of COVID some or most people are working remotely, but there is absolutely NO excuse not to contact patients within a business day ( as they promise in their voice message center).
MANAGEMENT: There is NO office manager. No one person to take control and literally manage assignments to staff. I was instructed to send my new patient packet to
B. R. F.
Oct 02, 2019
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This place is the worst. Stay far away! They don't even pick up the phone, respond to emails, and have terrible terrible service. Terrible experience here. Will never deal with this place again, many other pain management places in the DC area that are far better.
Karen Haslinger
Sep 16, 2019
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Have been a patient of Dr.Avernaghi for almost 20yrs. I have always been treated with respect,kindness and compassion. He is very knowledgable and has helped me not just with physical pain but also all of the emotional issues that accompany chronic pain. My son has been seeing him as well. He and his staff are top notch. Don't know where we would be without them.
