Desert Pain Institute

The 30,000 SF Desert Pain Institute is an example of how alternative medicine, traditional healing and the co-creation process fall into place. Desert Pain Institute was designed to sustain the natural environment and allow patients a chemical-free setting that promotes healing. The design reverses the institutional nature of healthcare facilities through the incorporation of interior gardens, colors, and finishes that facilitate wellness.

The Desert Pain Institute is also the first healthcare/wellness facility in the United States that is a comprehensive alternative medicine clinic specializing in pain management (a Case Study at the Center for Health Design’s Conference in Miami in 2004). There are four main components that make up the building. A Wellness Clinic/office focuses on naturopathic and homeopathy treatment, as well as holistic therapy. An outpatient surgical suite, licensed as OSC, contains four operating suites. And, the last two components, a physical therapy wing and an aquatic therapy center house two therapy pools and a jacuzzi. With treatment rooms, massage rooms, and two very sophisticated mud baths, the Desert Pain Institute is essentially a medical center with spa features that allows patients to feel very comfortable.