At New York Neurology Associates, we provide safe, precise radiofrequency ablations to help you get back to living with less pain. If you’re exploring your treatment options, we’re here to guide you. Contact our team in New York today to schedule a consultation.
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses controlled, precisely delivered heat to create a tiny lesion on a nerve. This lesion prevents pain signals from traveling to the brain, offering meaningful and often long-lasting relief. Because RFA targets only the problematic nerve tissue, surrounding structures remain unharmed, making the procedure both effective and low-risk.
RFA is commonly used in neurology and pain medicine to manage chronic pain caused by arthritis, inflammation, and nerve compression. Patients often turn to this treatment when medications, physical therapy, or injections no longer provide the results they need.
Your facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae of your spine. They allow your back to bend, twist, and flex. Over time, these joints may become arthritic, inflamed, or injured, often leading to persistent, sometimes debilitating back or neck pain. When these joints become irritated, they can compress nearby nerves, causing pain that radiates into the shoulders, upper back, or lower body.
Radiofrequency ablation works by gently heating the targeted nerve fibers that carry these pain signals. By interrupting this communication, you can experience relief without needing more invasive spine procedures. Because RFA is minimally invasive, there’s no incision, minimal downtime, and most patients return to normal activities within a couple of days.
RFA is typically performed under mild sedation and local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. After the area is cleaned and numbed, your doctor uses real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to position a thin needle near the affected nerve. Once the needle is correctly placed, controlled radiofrequency energy is delivered for a short period to create a precise lesion.
Afterward, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the site. You’ll spend about one to two hours in recovery before heading home. Most patients notice improved pain levels within a few days, with results that can last up to two years.
In addition to spine-related pain, radiofrequency ablation is a highly effective treatment for chronic knee pain, particularly pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee. This procedure is called genicular nerve block ablation. This technique targets the genicular nerves, which transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain.
You may be a good candidate for genicular nerve ablation if you:
RFA for knee pain may not be recommended if you:
Just like spinal RFA, the procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the area. Using X-ray guidance, your doctor positions a needle near the genicular nerves. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered to disrupt the pain signaling pathway. Most patients experience only minimal post-procedure discomfort and return to normal activities within one to two days.
Many patients enjoy relief that lasts from six months to two years—much longer than what oral pain medications can offer. Mild temporary side effects, such as knee discomfort or leg numbness, may occur but typically resolve within a few days.
Beyond the spine and knee, radiofrequency ablation can effectively target other joints and nerve pathways that contribute to chronic pain. These treatments provide patients with nonsurgical options to enhance mobility and regain function.
Hip pain is often caused by arthritis, tendon irritation, or inflammation of the joint capsule. When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, or joint injections no longer provide meaningful relief, radiofrequency ablation can be a powerful next step. By targeting the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves, hip RFA reduces the transmission of pain signals without affecting stability or movement.
Patients who undergo hip RFA typically report significant improvements in daily function, including walking, climbing stairs, and performing weight-bearing activities. The procedure is minimally invasive and performed under image guidance, making the experience quick, safe, and well tolerated. Pain relief may last several months to more than a year.
The sacroiliac (SI) joints—located where the lower spine meets the pelvis—are a common source of persistent low back and buttock pain. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, patients may struggle with standing, walking, or transitioning from sitting to standing. SI joint RFA targets the sensory nerves surrounding the joint to interrupt the chronic pain cycle.
This technique is especially beneficial for individuals who have not improved with SI joint injections or physical therapy. Since it is minimally invasive and requires only a small needle insertion, the recovery period is short, and most patients resume normal activities within a few days. Many experience long-lasting relief, making SI joint RFA an appealing alternative to more invasive treatments.
Chronic shoulder pain—often related to arthritis, rotator cuff disease, or nerve irritation—can greatly limit mobility and disrupt daily activities. Radiofrequency ablation offers a nonsurgical way to reduce discomfort by targeting the suprascapular and axillary nerves, which are responsible for transmitting pain signals from the shoulder.
Shoulder RFA is performed using imaging guidance to ensure accuracy and safety. Patients typically notice improvements in pain levels and range of motion within days of the procedure, and the relief can last several months or longer. For those who are not ready for surgery or want to avoid frequent injections, shoulder RFA provides a durable, minimally invasive solution.
If chronic pain is impacting your daily life, radiofrequency ablation may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our team at New York Neurology Associates specializes in safe, targeted, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover whether RFA is the right option for you.
Steroid injections reduce inflammation, while RFA interrupts pain signals by treating the nerve itself. RFA generally provides longer-lasting relief.
Yes. Because mild sedation may be used, we recommend having someone accompany you home.
The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, followed by a short recovery period.
No. The targeted nerves are sensory nerves responsible for pain transmission, not motor control.
Yes. If pain recurs after several months or years, the procedure can be safely repeated. At New York Neurology Associates, we offer radiofrequency ablation in several locations throughout New York.
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