Peripheral Joint Radiofrequency Ablation

Peripheral Joint Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation of the peripheral nerves, or RFA, is a minimally invasive technique that uses an electrical current to generate heat to destroy the pain fibers to facet joints or sacroiliac joints. RFA is used to treat a range of conditions, that cause chronichip, shoulder and knee pain which isn’t being successfully managed through medication or other non-surgical treatments. For patients who have experienced successful pain relief through diagnostic nerve or pain receptor block injection, radiofrequency ablation could be a viable option for more long-term relief.

According to The National Institutes of Health,

“Intra-articular hip and knee pain is a common cause of physical and psychosocial disability. Many conservative treatment options provide only short-term relief. Recent research studies have shown improvement in pain and function with minimal complications after radiofrequency neurotomy of the hip and the knee, especially in patients who have failed conservative treatment or are not surgical candidates. More quality research studies are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of these procedures in patients with refractory hip and knee pain. The greatest assets of radiofrequency ablation or rhizotomy are that it is a nonsurgical, just minimally invasive procedure and that it’s very effective in treating back, neck, knee, pelvic and peripheral nerve pain.”

The Mayo Clinic writes that “Results typically last between 3 and 12 months” and the areas most frequently treated through RFA are the Neck (cervical facet), Mid-back (thoracic facet), Low back (lumbar facet), Buttocks (sacroiliac joint), Knee and Hip.

The pain relief that patients undergoing Radiofrequency ablation experience typically begins 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure. Your physician will usually recommend rest for several days before you return to your normal activities. A guided physical therapy regimen is also recommended in most cases as many patients are de-conditioned due to chronic pain.

Radiofrequency ablatioof Peripheral Nerves from Summa Pain Care offers patients a longer term option that can increase your quality of life and mobility.

As the premier pain management specialists in Arizona Summa Pain Care,

  • Performs specialized tests for diagnosing your chronic pain conditions.
  • Appropriately prescribes and/or manages medications to any unique conditions at varying levels of severity. Also help reduce or eliminate your prescription pain medications.

Find your nearest location in Peoria, Phoenix or North Scottsdale today and don’t put this off any longer. Unaddressed hip and knee pain generally don’t improve. Call our Phoenix location at 623.580.4357 , you can reach Peoria at 623.776.8686 or contact us in North Scottsdale at 480.786.1771.

}