FAQs

What does a pain management doctor do?

A pain management doctor diagnoses the source of acute and chronic pain and builds a treatment plan to relieve it and restore function. At Philadelphia Smart Pain & Wellness, Samuel Grodofsky, MD, combines expert diagnostic evaluations, medical management, physical therapy, image-guided injections, regenerative medicine, and advanced therapies such as spinal cord stimulation to treat the underlying condition, not just the symptoms.

Is Dr. Grodofsky board-certified?

Yes. Dr. Grodofsky is double board-certified in pain medicine and anesthesiology. He trained at the University of Pennsylvania, earned his medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University, and has been recognized as an emerging leader in neuromodulation. Learn more about our practice and our team.

Where are your offices located?

We have four Pennsylvania offices: Bala Cynwyd (1 Bala Avenue, Suite LL3), Northeast Philadelphia (8400 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 220), Allentown (2200 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 300), and Reading (131 N 5th St). All offices can be reached at (215) 366-2803.

What are your office hours?

Our offices are open Monday from 8 am to 6 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 7:30 am to 5 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am to 3 pm. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

What conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including back and neck pain, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis and joint pain, sports injuries, tendon injuries, post-surgical pain, chronic migraines, and spasticity.

What treatments do you offer?

Our pain management services include physical therapy, joint and spine injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, Botox for chronic migraines, spinal cord stimulation, intrathecal pain pump management, and minimally invasive spinal stenosis procedures such as mild® and Vertiflex™.

Do I need a referral to see a pain management specialist?

Many patients schedule directly with our office, but some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. Check with your insurance carrier or call our office, and we will help you understand what your plan requires.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications, and any medical records or imaging reports related to your pain, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Visit our new patients page for more details on preparing for your visit.

What happens during my first visit?

Dr. Grodofsky takes the time to review your medical history, discuss your symptoms and goals, and perform a physical exam. He may recommend diagnostic imaging to pinpoint the cause of your pain. Then he explains your diagnosis and designs a personalized treatment plan with you.

Do you only prescribe pain medication?

No. Our approach focuses on evidence-based treatments that address the cause of your pain and restore function, including physical therapy, injections, regenerative medicine, and minimally invasive procedures. Medication may be one part of a comprehensive plan, but it is rarely the only part.

Can I avoid back surgery?

Many patients find lasting relief without major surgery. Conservative care, targeted injections, and regenerative medicine often reduce pain significantly. When those options are not enough, minimally invasive procedures such as spinal cord stimulation or mild® decompression may help you avoid traditional open spine surgery.

Are your injections and procedures image-guided?

Yes. Our interventional pain procedures are image-guided to improve safety and accuracy, so medication is delivered precisely where it is needed. Procedures are performed in our offices or in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center, depending on the treatment.

How should I prepare for a procedure?

Some medications, including certain anti-inflammatories, blood thinners, aspirin, and herbal supplements, may need to be paused before a procedure. Never stop a prescribed medication without approval from the doctor who prescribed it. Review our pre- and post-procedure instructions and call our office with any questions.

How long does it take to feel better?

It depends on your condition and treatment. Some patients feel relief soon after an injection, while physical therapy and regenerative medicine usually build results over several weeks. Dr. Grodofsky will explain what to expect from your specific treatment plan.

Do you offer physical therapy in-house?

Yes. Our physical therapy program provides personalized, hands-on care designed to relieve pain, speed healing, restore full function, and prevent future injuries, and it works alongside your other pain management treatments.

Is Botox only cosmetic?

No. Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraine prevention and can also treat spasticity. Dr. Grodofsky typically recommends Botox for migraines for patients who experience 15 or more headache days each month.

What do other patients say about Dr. Grodofsky?

Patients consistently describe Dr. Grodofsky as caring, thorough, and willing to take the time to listen. Read their experiences on our testimonials page.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (215) 366-2803 or request an appointment online. Our team will help you choose the most convenient office in Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Allentown, or Reading.