Physician Referral Information for Thunder Pain & Wellness

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(775) 336-6410

A Collaborative Partner for Integrative & Restorative Care

AtThunder Pain and Wellness, we serve as a specialized referral partner for clinicians seeking integrative and restorative options for patients with chronic pain or treatment-resistant depression. Led by Dr. Thunder, a physician with more than 30 years of clinical experience, our clinic has been providing advanced, non-interventional therapies in Reno since 2014.

When appropriate, care is supported by psychiatric consultation, including collaboration with Dr. Melone, a board-certified psychiatrist.

We were the first practice in the region to offer IV ketamine infusion therapy, and have since expanded to include TMS therapy and SPRAVATO®. Our role is intentionally adjunctive: we work alongside referring providers to support patients whose symptoms have not adequately responded to standard medical approaches

Why Refer to Thunder Pain & Wellness?

Experienced, Physician-Led Care

Dr. Thunder brings over three decades of medical experience, with a focus on thoughtful, individualized care for complex pain and mood disorders.

Focused, Non-Interventional Treatment Options

We specialize in restorative, non-surgical therapies designed to complement existing care plans:

  • IV Ketamine Infusions
  • SPRAVATO® (esketamine) Nasal Therapy
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Collaborative Approach

We prioritize clear communication with referring providers and provide treatment summaries when clinically relevant.

Who We Accept Referrals From

We accept referrals from primary care providers, psychiatrists, therapists, and specialty clinicians. Our team is available for consultation to help determine clinical appropriateness prior to referral.

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Direct Referral Fax:

(775) 336-6410

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intake@thunderpain.com
(775) 336-6410

Provider Resources & Clinical Comparisons

To help your team determine the best path for your patient, please utilize our clinical comparison guides:

SPRAVATO, TMS, And IV KETAMINE COMPARISONS

Categories Spravato TMS Ketamine
Mechanism of Action Esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine, acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist, modulating glutamate neurotransmission. TMS uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions, primarily the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, affects glutamate transmission, potentially enhancing synaptic plasticity and alleviating depression and pain.
Administration Self-administered via nasal spray under medical supervision by REMS-certified prescriber. Monitored in-office for 120 minutes. Non-invasive treatment involves placing a magnetic coil on the scalp to deliver pulsed magnetic stimuli to the brain. Takes less than 30 minutes. Administered intravenously (IV) over 1 to 3.5 hours, depending on the condition being treated.
Treatment Schedule Twice weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by once weekly for 4 weeks, followed by maintenance dosing. Five days a week for about 6 weeks. Variable, generally a series of 8 infusions for chronic pain and 4 infusions for depression.
Potential Candidates Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, single episode or recurrent, moderate to severe. Failure of 2+ oral antidepressants. Patients with Major Depressive Disorder, single episode or recurrent, moderate to severe. Failure of 2-3+ oral antidepressants. Participation in psychotherapy. Patients seeking viable alternatives to conventional treatments for depression, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), and other types of chronic pain.
Insurance Generally authorized by insurance; coverage and out-of-pocket expenses vary by plan. Generally authorized by insurance; coverage and out-of-pocket expenses vary by plan. Unlikely to be covered by insurance.
Side Effects Common side effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, anxiety, increased blood pressure, and feeling "drunk". Common side effects include headaches, scalp discomfort, lightheadedness, facial muscle twitches, tingling. Rarely (0.1%), TMS may trigger transient seizures. Common side effects include dissociation, dizziness, nausea, sedation, anxiety, increased blood pressure, and feeling "drunk".
Drive Self to/from Treatment No Yes No