“My experience with acute pain management started when I was a cardiac nurse,” said Adams.
As many of us may well know, just going about daily activities can cause soreness, discomfort and pain, and finding relief can be challenging. However, Painless Peach Pain Care owner Sandy Adams has devoted her career to helping people live pain free.
“Keeping people living their best life, that’s my goal,” said Adams, whose business name is a reminder of her home state, Georgia.
Adams dove into her medical profession as an EKG technician at 18 years old. “As I learned about the field of health, I wanted to do more. I stepped into nursing and grew in knowledge one step at a time.”
After 20 years as a nurse, she earned her master’s degree and became a Certified Acute Care Adult Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-C).
“My experience with acute pain management started when I was a cardiac nurse,” said Adams. “I was called in for heart attacks and to assist with pain management and hemodynamics. I used my experience with mental health to connect with patients to control pain. A big piece of pain management is being heard, so I try to connect and let them vent and talk about how they are feeling.”
One of her patients suffered from chronic back pain radiating to other parts of her body after a car accident. “I have a difficult job and stand on my feet all day,” said Crystal Rusinsky, a sterile processing technician, who also has migraines. “Sandy began treating me about a year ago and has provided treatments in a way that makes my pain manageable. She has been the only pain specialist I’ve seen who has taken the time to really evaluate my symptoms. She treats pain as a full systemic issue.”
Adams starts treatment by educating her patients about their pain and the most appropriate and modern methods of treatment, which can range from a simple dietary change to interventional pain management.
“We provide a multimodal treatment method such as physical therapy, aqua therapy, acupuncture, massage and stretching, along with interventional injections and medication treatments,” she said.
Collaborating with local physicians is also an important part of treatment. “I work with orthopedists, neurosurgeons and interventionists in the Flagstaff, Cottonwood and Prescott.”
Rusinsky is a huge fan of Sandy’s work. “If it weren’t for Sandy, I would not be able to work or care for my son. As a single mother, that’s important,” she said. “I’m really grateful to Sandy and all she provides.”
When she is not helping people, Adams enjoys spending time with her family and pets. “I love reading, playing board games and taking weekend camping trips.” QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
The Painless Peach Pain Care clinic is located at 3100 N. West St., Ste. 200B in Flagstaff. For more information about Painless Peach Pain Care, visit painlesspeachpaincare.com or call 928-389-9041.
Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Sandy Adams says her goal is to allow space for patients to discuss and vent about how they feel about how pain affects their everyday life. She then works with the patient to make an active treatment plan to keep them functional with minimal discomfort and improve their quality of life.
