Discover the power of Radiofrequency Ablation

What is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target and disable specific nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. It is most commonly used to alleviate chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, facet joint pain, neuropathy, and other musculoskeletal disorders.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

During a Radiofrequency Ablation procedure at Still Well Pain Management, our skilled pain management specialist will use fluoroscopic guidance to precisely place a small needle near the targeted nerves. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the needle is in place, radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needle, generating heat that selectively destroys the nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. The surrounding healthy tissues remain unharmed.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

Long-Lasting Pain Relief

Radiofrequency Ablation can provide significant and long-lasting pain relief. Many patients experience relief from chronic pain for several months to over a year, allowing them to resume normal activities and enjoy an improved quality of life.

Minimally Invasive

RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids the need for extensive surgery. It is performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can typically return home on the same day of the procedure.

Targeted and Precise

Radiofrequency Ablation allows for precise targeting of the affected nerves, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This targeted approach maximizes the effectiveness of pain relief while reducing the risk of complications.

Non-Addictive Alternative

Radiofrequency Ablation provides a non-addictive alternative to traditional pain management methods, such as opioids. By directly targeting the source of the pain, RFA offers an effective solution without the risks associated with long-term medication use.

Rapid Recovery

Recovery from Radiofrequency Ablation is generally quick and well-tolerated. You may experience some mild discomfort or soreness at the treatment site, but this usually resolves within a few days.

Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Other Pain Management Treatments

When dealing with chronic pain, choosing the right treatment can significantly impact your comfort, functionality, and long-term relief. While Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is loved for its targeted, minimally invasive approach, it’s important to understand how it compares to other common pain management options.

Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are often used to reduce inflammation around spinal nerves, offering short-term pain relief. While they can be effective for acute flare-ups, the results typically last a few weeks to a few months. 

Radiofrequency Ablation, in contrast, disables the nerve’s ability to send pain signals altogether. It often delivers longer-lasting relief, up to a year or more for many patients. It also avoids repeated corticosteroid exposure, which can have systemic side effects over time.

Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Opioid Medications

Opioid medications can mask chronic pain but do not address its source. Long-term use carries risks of dependency, tolerance, and cognitive side effects. 

RFA offers a non-addictive alternative, targeting the problem directly by disrupting pain signals at the nerve level. For patients seeking sustainable relief without medication reliance, RFA presents a safer and more proactive approach to chronic pain management.

Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Surgery

Surgical interventions may be necessary for severe structural issues, but they also come with higher risks, longer recovery times, and permanent changes to anatomy. 

RFA offers an effective option for many patients who aren’t ready for surgery or don’t meet surgical criteria. It’s performed on an outpatient basis, requires no incisions, and allows you to return to normal activities quickly while still achieving meaningful pain reduction.

Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a valuable role in improving strength, flexibility, and function, but when pain becomes too severe, it can be difficult to participate fully. 

RFA doesn’t replace physical therapy, but it can enhance its effectiveness by reducing pain enough for patients to re-engage in movement and rehabilitation. Used together, these treatments often yield better outcomes than either alone.

Risks and Considerations of Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation is a safe, well-tolerated procedure with minimal risks. Some patients may experience temporary soreness, mild swelling, or numbness at the treatment site. Rarely, complications such as infection or nerve irritation may occur. 

At Still Well Pain Management, we use advanced imaging and precise techniques to minimize risks and ensure your safety. Our experienced providers closely monitor your progress before, during, and after the procedure for the best possible outcome.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a quick, outpatient procedure, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident. At Still Well Pain Management, we prioritize your comfort and clarity at every step.

Before the Procedure

Before your RFA appointment, our team will review your medical history and imaging, confirm the target nerves through a diagnostic block (if not already done), and discuss any medications you may need to pause. You’ll receive instructions on how to prepare, such as fasting if sedation will be used, wearing comfortable clothing, and arranging transportation home afterward if necessary.

Day of the Procedure

Upon arrival at our outpatient facility, you’ll be checked in and brought to a treatment room. You’ll lie on a procedure table on your stomach or back, depending on the area being treated. Local anesthesia will be applied to numb the skin and deeper tissue. If needed, mild sedation may be offered to help you relax.

Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, your provider will insert a small needle near the affected nerve. Once properly placed, a test stimulation may be performed to confirm the needle’s location. Then, radiofrequency energy is delivered through the needle to heat and disable the nerve fibers transmitting pain. The entire procedure typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of nerves treated.

Immediately After the Procedure

You’ll be monitored briefly in recovery to ensure you’re stable and comfortable. Most patients can walk out of the clinic the same day. Some temporary side effects may include:

• Mild discomfort or bruising at the insertion site
• Muscle spasms or twitching
• Fatigue or soreness in the treated area

These symptoms usually resolve within a few days. You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions, including when to resume daily activities and how to manage any post-procedure discomfort.

How Radiofrequency Ablation Fits Into a Personalized Pain Plan

At Still Well Pain Management, Radiofrequency Ablation is often one piece of a larger, personalized approach to chronic pain. 

While RFA helps disrupt pain signals at the nerve level, we also address the root causes of discomfort through physical therapy, posture training, ergonomic guidance, anti-inflammatory support, and in some cases, regenerative therapies. By combining RFA with supportive treatments, we help patients achieve longer-lasting relief, better mobility, and a higher quality of life.

Who Is a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation is typically recommended for individuals struggling with chronic, localized pain that hasn’t improved with conservative methods such as physical therapy, oral medications, or corticosteroid injections. 

Common candidates include those with conditions like facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint pain, spinal stenosis, post-surgical nerve pain, or degenerative disc disease. If your pain tends to return after short-term treatments or is interfering with daily activities like walking, sleeping, or working, you may benefit from exploring RFA.

To determine whether you’re a good fit for this treatment, our team at Still Well Pain Management conducts a thorough assessment that includes a review of your medical history, physical exam findings, imaging results, and previous treatment outcomes. 

This evaluation often includes a diagnostic nerve block, a temporary numbing injection near the suspected pain-causing nerves. If this test provides substantial short-term relief, it’s a reliable sign that Radiofrequency Ablation could offer longer-term benefits by targeting those same nerves more permanently.