Are You Ready for Your WOW Moment?

Thanks to social distancing, many of us are now experiencing the impact of not being able to leave home, go to work, or do the things we would normally do. For those who struggle with chronic pain or depression, this experience is not unique. Perhaps you are this person, or perhaps you know someone with chronic pain. Possibly now you have new empathy for those who regularly are forced to miss out on what’s important.

Dr. Mike Martinez’s mission is helping people get back to doing the things they love, as he works to address the root causes of his patients’ back and spine pain at his clinic, Way Out West Spine + Mobility.

“Often physicians believe the solution to chronic pain is chronic medication. But I don’t just want to write you a prescription and send you on your way — I want to get to know you and understand your goals so that we work together to develop a plan.” Dr. Martinez said.

And so, in 2019, Dr. Martinez decided he wanted to provide a different experience to his patients. “Too often, those with chronic pain are met with prescriptions to mask the pain instead of solutions to diminish underlying pathology. Patients experience the most success when their doctors understand their goals as well as their medical history.”

With this goal in mind, Way Out West was born and has been providing this focused and individualized care to each patient that walks through its doors. The new clinic was built to provide cutting-edge treatments and procedures without the sterile and impersonal feeling found in most hospitals. “I wanted to create an experience that didn’t feel generic,” said Dr. Martinez. “I want the atmosphere in our office to reflect the energy of Fort Worth and make every patient feel comfortable from the start.”

The clinic, just like Dr. Martinez, is full of pleasant surprises.

It is located in the old industrial Dickson Jenkins building recently renovated to include an outdoor courtyard, a tea shop, record shop, and more. Each exam room is decorated warmly and reflect places that are special to Dr. Martinez.

Here you and Dr. Martinez will come up with a plan for your pain. Your plan may include a variety of therapies such as minimally invasive pain interventions, injections, physical therapy, ketamine infusions, and IV hydration. And unlike some clinics, Way Out West is fully equipped to provide a wide variety of treatments under one roof – regular clinic visits, infusions, injections and minor procedures in the procedural suit.

One of the most popular procedures is ketamine infusion, which modulates patients’ pain response without the use of painkillers. “Trained as an Anesthesiologist, I have experience using strong IV medicines to make patients comfortable which leads to a better experience with these therapies,” said Dr. Martinez. And to celebrate the opening of the new clinic, Way Out West is waiving the initial consultation fee for ketamine and other infusion therapies.

“Creating a positive, personalized, and enjoyable patient experience is one of our top priorities.” That includes innovations like an injection/infusion space with virtual reality that can transport patients to scenes such as a sun-drenched beach or the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Between relaxing views, your reclining chair provides warmth and comfort while you receive your individualized infusion under the supervision of an anesthesia trained pain medicine doctor.

Helping patients get back to their everyday adventures is the primary goal of Dr. Martinez.

“There’s no better feeling than sitting down with patients and seeing them accomplish things that weren’t possible a few months ago. Giving people their quality of life back is the ultimate goal.” Dr. Martinez calls these victories WOW (Way Out West) Moments and encourages his patients to share their stories on his website and social media.

“People think having their own WOW moment means climbing a mountain or traveling across the globe, but that isn’t necessarily true,” said Dr. Martinez. “For some, it means being present and pain-free for the people who need you. Going to soccer games or the Fort Worth Zoo without pain is a WOW Moment as well — making that possible is why I do what I do.”

Outside of providing service to his patients at Way Out West, Dr. Mike also serves as an Assistant Professor at the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine and teaches residents at Plaza Medical Center.

Way Out West Spine + Mobility clinic is located at 120 St Louis Avenue Suite #100 in Fort Worth. Hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Way Out West is currently accepting new patients and happily accepts the following insurance providers: Aetna, BCBS’, Cigna, First Health, Health Smart, Humana Choice Care, IMS PPO, Medicare, Smart Care/Imagine Health PPO, and United Healthcare/UMR. For more information or to make an appointment please visit Way Out West at https://wowspine.com/, social @wowspine, or via phone at 682-285-1044

Vivian Noyd is a junior Strategic Communication and Youth Advocacy and Educational Studies major at Texas Christian University and a Copywriter for Roxo. Way Out West Spine + Mobility Clinic is one of Roxo’s spring 2020 clients. Roxo is Texas Christian University’s student advertising and public relations agency located in the Bob Schieffer College of Communication. Since 2011, Roxo has served nearly 50 businesses and organizations across North Texas, winning numerous awards for its creative work and innovative strategies. More than 150 students have worked as Roxstars, gaining industry experience, portfolio pieces, and hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom.