Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that can safely treat chronic pain. This advanced procedure uses radiofrequency energy to safely target the sensory nerves causing pain.
When is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) performed?
Knee Pain
This procedure helps with severe arthritis pain. It can be performed for patients who want to avoid knee surgery or cannot undergo knee surgery due to other medical issues. It can also be performed for patients who have failed physical therapy and steroid injections.
Back Pain
- Facet arthritis: This pain can feel like muscle tension or stiffness; especially when you wake up, it takes 15-20 minutes to get going.
- Back pain: Prolonged sitting/driving hurts
- Back spasms: Standing hunched back
Hip Pain
This procedure helps with severe arthritis pain. It can be performed for patients who want to avoid hip surgery or cannot undergo hip surgery due to other medical issues. It can also be performed for patients who have failed physical therapy and steroid injections.
Neck Pain
This procedure can be performed on patients with severe neck pain caused by arthritis or disc issues, causing head aches, stiff neck, muscle spasms, and tightness in neck muscles. Patient may be experiencing difficulty turning their head while driving.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure time depends on the treatment you need, the actual treatment time is approximately 30 minutes. Patients can choose to be sedated or not.
What happens after the procedure?
You can continue your regular diet and medications immediately, but do not drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. Take it easy. You can return to your normal activities the next day. A responsible adult is required to be present in order to drive you home.
Any side effects/complications?
There are rarely any complications associated with RFA. However, patients sometimes experience a few temporary side effects:
- A sunburn like sensation over the treated area
- Light skin numbness over the same area
- Soreness at the injection site
When will I be able to feel pain relief?
You should begin to feel pain relief within two to four weeks. Relief is usually long-lasting, one to two years
Additional Resources
- Knee Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Neck Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Lower back Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Hip Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)