Skip to content Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure that provides a durable, non-surgical solution for chronic pain. This treatment uses precisely controlled radiofrequency energy to interrupt pain signals at their source, offering significant relief that can last for many months or even longer.
Find Lasting Relief
from Chronic Pain with Radiofrequency Ablation
Chronic pain often begins as a manageable issue, but over time, it can grow to have a profound impact on every aspect of your life. It can prevent you from enjoying your favorite activities, affect your mood, and disrupt restful sleep, significantly diminishing your overall quality of life. Simple, everyday tasks that were once routine, like lifting a child or walking up stairs, can become monumental challenges. This persistent struggle often leads to isolation, as people begin to withdraw from social engagements and relationships that require too much physical or mental effort.
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What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to provide significant and lasting relief from chronic pain. It works by using a precisely controlled current of radiofrequency energy to gently heat and interrupt specific nerve fibers, preventing them from transmitting pain signals to the brain.
The primary goal of RFA is to provide durable pain relief, often after a diagnostic nerve block has successfully identified the exact nerve causing your pain. By targeting only the confirmed problematic nerve, RFA ensures a highly precise treatment that deactivates pain signals at their source. This makes it an excellent option for managing conditions like chronic back pain, neck pain, and arthritis.
As a proven non-surgical procedure, Radiofrequency Ablation is highly effective for its ability to provide profound and lasting pain relief. If you are ready to learn more, reach out to MVM Health to set up your initial consultation with our specialists today.
What to Expect During Your RFA Procedure
The RFA procedure is performed with your comfort and safety as our top priority. To begin, you will be made comfortable on a procedure table, and the treatment area will be meticulously cleaned. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin, and in most cases, a mild sedative is provided to help you relax throughout the process.
Using advanced fluoroscopy (X-ray) for precise guidance, your MVM Health physician will carefully place a very thin, specialized needle next to the targeted nerve. A microelectrode is then introduced through the needle, which delivers a gentle current of radiofrequency energy. This energy creates a precise lesion on the nerve, interrupting its ability to send pain signals to the brain. The entire procedure is typically completed within 30 minutes.
Your RFA Procedure: Before and After Care
Preparing for Your RFA Procedure
- Arrange a Driver: Please have a responsible adult arrange to drive you home. The mild sedative used for your comfort will make it unsafe for you to operate a vehicle.
- Discuss Medications: Be sure to discuss all your current medications with your MVM Health physician, especially if you take blood thinners or diabetes medication, as adjustments may be required.
- Fasting: If sedation is planned, please do not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your procedure, unless specifically instructed otherwise.
- Report Illness: If you develop a fever, flu, or any other illness before your appointment, please contact our office immediately as we may need to reschedule.
After Your RFA Procedure: Recovery and Care
- Rest and Activity: We recommend you take it easy and rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities the following day as they feel comfortable.
- Managing Discomfort: It is normal to experience some soreness at the injection site or a temporary flare-up of your usual pain. This can be managed with ice packs and approved over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Incision Care: To allow the small puncture sites to heal, please avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or pools for 48 hours. You may shower.
- When to Call Us: Monitor the site for any signs of infection, such as excessive swelling, redness, or drainage. Contact our office promptly if any of these symptoms occur.
- Follow-Up: The full pain-relieving effects of RFA can take two to three weeks to develop. Our team will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your progress and determine the success of the treatment.
Long-Term Relief and Comprehensive Care
with RFA
The significant pain relief from a successful RFA procedure can last anywhere from six months to well over a year. Because nerves can regrow over time, the procedure can be safely repeated if the pain returns. At MVM Health, RFA is often a key part of a comprehensive treatment strategy. Your physician may also recommend complementary therapies, such as physical therapy or medication management, to maximize your results and further enhance your quality of life.
We believe that chronic pain should not dictate the terms of your life. Our multidisciplinary approach at MVM Health recognizes that every patient’s condition is unique, which is why we are committed to creating truly personalized care plans. Our goal is to ensure you receive the most effective and appropriate treatment for your specific needs. If you are ready to take the next step toward lasting relief, contact MVM Health to schedule your consultation today.
