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How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

If you’re living with chronic pain, the search for effective, long-lasting relief can be exhaustive and, at times, disheartening. However, there is hope. Treatments like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can help you reclaim a life with less pain, and get back to doing things you enjoy.

This minimally invasive procedure, championed by pain management specialist, Brian Rich, MD, and our team at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, offers a promising alternative to traditional pain management techniques, and in this guide, we delve deep into its workings.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that utilizes electrical currents produced by radio waves to heat a small, targeted nerve tissue area. The main objective? To diminish or completely halt the pain signals sent from the affected nerve. 

As a result, you can experience relief from persistent pain without undergoing invasive surgery or relying heavily on medications. Our team at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics has seen firsthand the transformative effects of RFA, especially in cases where other treatments haven't yielded the desired outcomes.

The benefit of RFA lies in its specificity. Instead of adopting a blanket approach to pain management, it meticulously targets the root cause of the discomfort, ensuring a more effective and lasting solution.

How the procedure unfolds

The actual RFA procedure is designed to be swift and minimally uncomfortable. After identifying the problematic nerve through preliminary tests, we numb the area with a local anesthetic. A thin, insulated needle is then carefully inserted, guided by fluoroscopy to ensure precise placement. 

Once positioned correctly, an electrical current is passed, heating the nerve tissue and impairing its ability to transmit pain signals. The meticulous skill and expertise of our professionals ensures the procedure's accuracy, minimizing the potential risks and maximizing your beneficial outcome.

Benefits over traditional methods

While traditional pain management methods have their place, RFA offers several distinctive advantages. For starters, its minimally invasive nature reduces your recovery time significantly. Many patients can resume their daily activities shortly after the procedure. 

Additionally, the targeted approach minimizes collateral damage to surrounding tissues, and patients often find that RFA provides longer-lasting relief compared to other treatments.

Who is the ideal candidate for RFA?

RFA isn’t suitable for everyone. However, if you haven’t found relief through conventional treatments and are looking for an alternative, you may be eligible. 

Conditions such as chronic lower back pain, neck pain, and arthritis-related discomfort can potentially benefit from RFA. It's vital to have a thorough consultation and evaluation us to determine if RFA is the right course of action for your specific condition.

The journey to a pain-free life might seem elusive, but with innovative procedures like radiofrequency ablation, there's renewed hope on the horizon. If you're seeking a revolutionary approach to manage and possibly eliminate chronic pain, it's time to explore the potential of RFA. 


Contact our dedicated team at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics and take the first step toward a brighter, more comfortable tomorrow. Your path to relief could be just a consultation away.

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