Radiofrequency Ablation Delray Beach
Minimally Invasive, Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Are you experiencing chronic pain in your neck, back, or joints? Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) from our Delray Beach non-surgical orthopedics team might be the solution you need. This minimally invasive procedure uses radio waves to interrupt pain signals to the brain. The result is long-lasting relief that can improve your function and mobility while reducing the need for pain medications. Continue reading below to learn more about RFA and discover how it can enhance your quality of life. You are also welcome to contact us directly to ask questions or request a consultation.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation, also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to reduce chronic pain. It works by using radio waves to generate heat, which targets and destroys specific areas of nerve tissue. The affected nerves then lose their ability to transmit pain signals to the brain, thereby providing long-lasting relief.
In addition to alleviating pain, RFA has the potential to enhance mobility and functionality, diminish the dependence on pain medications, and potentially delay or avoid more invasive surgical treatments.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
RFA is commonly utilized in non-surgical orthopedics to address pain that comes from the spine or joints. We might recommend this treatment for you if you struggle with discomfort and pain that have not responded well to more conservative treatments, such as medications or physical therapy.
Some specific conditions that RFA may be able to help include:
- Facet joint pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Peripheral nerve pain
- Pain in the neck, back, or knees
Our clinic uses RFA exclusively for orthopedic problems. In other medical settings, it might be used to shrink tumors or reduce heart rhythm problems.
To find out for sure if RFA might be suitable for you, consult with our team. After we learn about your situation and perform a thorough examination, our Delray Beach team can put together a custom treatment plan for you.
How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?
Prior to your RFA procedure, you might need to undergo a diagnostic nerve block. If you respond well to it, we can be reasonably sure that your nerves are causing your pain and that RFA may be effective for you.
During a radiofrequency ablation procedure, you can expect a relatively straightforward and minimally invasive process. The procedure typically begins with you lying on your stomach, ensuring optimal access to the targeted area. Our medical team uses ultrasound or other imaging techniques to precisely locate the nerves responsible for your pain.
Once the area is identified, our team will administer a local anesthetic to numb the site and ensure your comfort. We then carefully insert a small hollow needle with an electrode at its tip into your body. The electrode emits radio waves, generating heat that selectively damages the nerve cells, effectively disrupting their ability to transmit pain signals.
Throughout the procedure, we take great care to avoid harming surrounding healthy tissues. The entire process can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and the number of nerves targeted. After RFA is completed, you should have someone drive you home and take at least a full day to rest. You should be able to resume normal activities within a couple of days. Many patients experience significant pain relief soon after their procedure.
Radiofrequency Ablation FAQs
What Should You Expect during a Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure?
During a radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure, our team will first numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. This helps you remain comfortable while we perform the procedure. You might notice a tingling or mild burning sensation as the radio waves interact with the targeted nerve, and you could feel some pressure when the needle is inserted.
Afterward, you may experience minor muscle spasms, sensitivity, or soreness at the injection site. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
Overall, most patients tolerate the process well and report that discomfort is minimal.
When Will I Notice Pain Relief After RFA?
Patients often wonder how soon they will feel the results of RFA. Some experience pain relief almost immediately, while others observe a reduction in pain within a week. For a few individuals, it may take up to three weeks to notice meaningful improvement. If you do not perceive a significant decrease in pain after several weeks, we encourage you to contact our clinic so we can discuss further options.
How Long Do the Effects of Radiofrequency Ablation Last?
Radiofrequency ablation is designed to provide long-term relief, but the duration may vary from patient to patient. Typically, the effects last 6 – 12 months. In some cases, patients report pain relief that endures for several years. If the targeted nerve regenerates and pain returns, you may choose to undergo additional RFA sessions. Our practice recommends spacing treatments at least six months apart for optimal results.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation?
You may be a suitable candidate for RFA if you have experienced significant pain relief after a nerve block injection, as this indicates that the targeted nerve is the source of your pain. Radiofrequency ablation is also an option for individuals whose chronic pain has not improved with other treatments, such as physical therapy or medications.
However, we do not recommend RFA for those who are pregnant, have active infections, or have bleeding disorders. During your visit to our Delray Beach office, we will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if RFA meets your specific needs.
Is Radiofrequency Ablation Considered Surgery?
Radiofrequency ablation is not classified as a surgical procedure. The technique is minimally invasive, and it presents an excellent alternative for patients who wish to avoid or postpone surgery.
If you have orthopedic problems that might require surgical intervention, our team can evaluate the details of your case and recommend your next steps. In certain instances, we refer patients to trustworthy surgeons in our area.
