Midwest Anesthesia & Pain Specialists

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Des Plaines, IL
Midwest Anesthesia & Pain Specialists

The largest and most innovative interventional pain management practice in the Chicago area.
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Midwest Anesthesia and Pain Specialists (MAPS) is a Chicago based medical practice specializing in the fields of both anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine. Founders Darrel Saldanha MD, Thomas Pontinen MD, and Andrei Rakic MD are all double board certified in the fields of both anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine. Now with seven locations, MAPS is the largest and most innovative interventional pain practice in the Chicagoland area.

12/27/2025

Neuromodulation is restoring patients' lives with minimal risk.

No long-term medication side effects, a reversible device, and a one-week trial that lets you “test drive” the treatment before committing.

MAPS’ Thomas Pontinen, MD, LCP-C shares what patients can expect, plus the real success stories he sees every week.
If pain has been controlling your life, this might be the option you haven’t heard about yet.

12/25/2025

Happy Holidays from the MAPS family to yours!

Wishing all our patients and team members a joyful and healthy holiday season!

12/20/2025

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints we see - but many effective treatments don’t involve surgery.

MAPS’ Thomas Pontinen, MD, LCP-C explains how injections (including steroid, PRP, hyaluronic acid) and knee bracing can reduce pain and improve joint alignment and stability.

Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, degeneration, or an injury, understanding your options is the first step toward relief.

📍 MAPS Centers for Pain Control, 8 Chicagoland locations • Accepts Medicare + major insurances

Learn more: www.mwpain.com

12/10/2025

Highlighting Jaenelle Ignacio, AGACNP-BC, one of the many skilled providers making a difference here at MAPS. 🌟🥼

With a foundation as a Surgical ICU Nurse and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Jaenelle brings both critical care experience and advanced expertise to pain management.

Her focus on trauma and orthopedic pain allows her to provide innovative, patient-centered approaches that improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

At MAPS, we’re proud to have Jaenelle on our team, helping patients find relief and regain their active, healthy lifestyles.

Learn more about Jaenelle’s expertise here: https://www.mwpain.com/jaenelle-ignacio-agacnp-bc

12/09/2025

Struggling with chronic nerve pain and not sure which treatment path makes the most sense? Our newest MAPS blog breaks down neuromodulation vs. other pain treatments in a clear, patient-friendly way.

In our new blog, learn more about:

• How neuromodulation works (SCS, DRG, and PNS)

• How it compares to injections, nerve blocks, and RFA

• When each option is typically recommended

• Why neuromodulation can offer long-term relief when other treatments fall short

• Expert insight fromTimothy R. Lubenow, MD, a renowned leader in neuromodulation and advanced pain therapy

If you’ve been cycling through short-term treatments or feeling stuck with persistent nerve pain, this guide helps you understand what options may support lasting relief.

Read the full blog on our website to learn more: https://www.mwpain.com/neuromodulation-vs-other-pain-treatments-choosing-the-best-option-for-your-nerve-pain/

12/08/2025

“Dr. Piska and Daniel are always nice and informative. Highly recommend!!!!” - John C.

Thank you, John, for sharing your experience! We’re glad Dr. Piska and Daniel at our St. John location could provide helpful and informative care.

The MAPS team is always focused on giving you the support and guidance you need throughout your treatment plan.

12/05/2025

Traveling for the holidays but worried about your joint pain flaring up? ✈️🚗

Try these simple tips to make traveling by plane or car easy and pain-free:

• Plan your seating – Choose an aisle seat for easier movement and use a cushion or lumbar support for added comfort.

• Support your joints – Wear braces or compression sleeves as needed, and bring any mobility aids that help reduce strain.

• Pack smart – Keep medications, topical creams, or heat and cold packs within reach.

• Manage inflammation – Stay hydrated, avoid excess salt or alcohol, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for pain relief.

• Adjust your positioning – Elevate your legs slightly when possible and shift positions often to relieve pressure.

• Wear comfortable clothing – Loose, breathable clothing helps prevent irritation and allows for better circulation.

• Plan rest stops for car travel – Stop every 1 to 2 hours to stretch, walk, and keep joints mobile.

Following these tips can help you stay comfortable, active, and enjoy the holiday season with less discomfort.

However, if your joint pain is impacting your everyday activities, MAPS’ pain management specialists can help.

We offer personalized, minimally invasive treatments for back, knee, and joint pain to help you stay active and comfortable year-round.

Learn more and schedule a consultation at MAPS today:
https://www.mwpain.com/joint-pain/

12/03/2025

Chronic knee pain can make even simple daily activities feel challenging. Finding relief doesn’t have to involve surgery.

Genicular Nerve Ablation (GNA) at MAPS is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the nerves responsible for knee pain, helping you move with more comfort and confidence again.

Here’s what you can expect from GNA:

• Minimally invasive, no incisions

• Quick, outpatient procedure with little downtime

• Gradual improvement over 3–6 weeks

• Relief that can last 6–12 months

• Helpful for arthritis, lingering pain after surgery, or delaying knee replacement

• Performed by board-certified MAPS physicians using advanced imaging for precision

If knee pain is slowing you down, this treatment may be the right step in your care plan.

Read the full blog to learn how GNA works and whether it could be a good fit for you: https://www.mwpain.com/genicular-nerve-ablation-for-knee-pain-what-to-expect/

11/29/2025

Chronic pain that won’t go away, even after injections, medications, or surgery? Neuromodulation may be an option.

Dr. Thomas Pontinen explains how this drug-free technology helps block pain signals and who’s most likely to benefit.

Patients often report finally sleeping through the night, walking comfortably again, and getting back to daily life.

If you’re dealing with ongoing back, neck, leg, or nerve pain, a one-week trial can show if it works for you.

👉 Schedule a consultation at MAPS to see if you’re a candidate. www.mwpain.com

11/28/2025

Knee pain can make everyday activities feel overwhelming, but surgery isn’t the only path to relief. 🦵

MAPS Centers for Pain Control offers a full range of non-surgical knee pain treatments designed to reduce inflammation, calm irritated nerves, and support long-term joint function.

From genicular nerve ablation and cryoneurolysis to hyaluronic acid, PRP, and steroid injections, our board-certified specialists personalize every treatment plan using advanced imaging and clinical expertise. The goal: restore your comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

▶️ Explore the treatment options available and learn how MAPS can help you reclaim your movement:

🔗 Visit https://www.mwpain.com/non-surgical-knee-pain-treatments-at-a-glance/

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at MAPS!

Today, we’re especially grateful for the trust our patients place in us and for the dedication of our entire team. Thank you for being a part of our community.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday!

11/24/2025

Chronic nerve pain can disrupt every part of your life, but neuromodulation can offer real, lasting relief.

At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, our pain management specialists use advanced, targeted therapies to help restore communication between your nerves and brain, easing pain and improving your quality of life.

Swipe through to see how neuromodulation works, what to expect, and the benefits patients experience.
Then, learn more about whether this treatment is right for you:

🔗 https://www.mwpain.com/neuromodulation/

Address

9680 Golf Road
Des Plaines, IL
60016

Website

http://www.mwpain.com/

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