Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist
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aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics
Brian K. Rich, MD
Interventional Spine and Pain Management Physician located in Wichita Falls, TX & Decatur, TX
If you regularly suffer from neck, back, or joint pain and at-home treatments like over-the-counter medicine or ice don’t provide relief, consider radiofrequency ablation. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, interventional spine and pain management physician Brian Rich, MD, uses radiofrequency ablation to provide long-lasting relief. To make an appointment at the practice in Decatur, Texas, or Lawton, Oklahoma, call the nearest office today or book online.
Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses targeted electrical energy to heat up an area of nerve tissue. Over time, that heat prevents the nerves from sending pain signals to your brain, providing relief and restoring your mobility.
Radiofrequency ablation requires no downtime or lengthy recovery period. Following your appointment with Dr. Rich, you can return to work and other normal activities right away.
Who is a candidate for radiofrequency ablation?
To determine if you can benefit from radiofrequency ablation, Dr. Rich reviews your health history, asks about your symptoms, and conducts a physical exam. Afterward, he orders several additional tests, including lab work and diagnostic imaging.
Usually, Dr. Rich recommends conservative, noninvasive treatments like physical therapy, rest, or activity modifications. If these measures fail to relieve your symptoms, Dr. Rich moves forward with radiofrequency ablation.
What does radiofrequency ablation involve?
On the day of your radiofrequency ablation procedure, you change into a hospital gown and lie face down on an exam table. Dr. Rich administers anesthesia through an intravenous line, ensuring your comfort.
Next, Dr. Rich numbs the skin near the area of your body being treated — for example, an arthritic knee joint. After the anesthesia sets in, Dr. Rich inserts a hollow needle into your skin. Then, he inserts a small electrode through the needle.
Once the electrode is in position, Dr. Rich sends a small current through it. The current heats up your nerve tissue, blocking pain signals from reaching your brain.
Following treatment, Dr. Rich removes the needle and the electrode and provides you with at-home care instructions.
Is the relief that radiofrequency ablation provides permanent?
The relief that radiofrequency ablation provides typically lasts 6-12* months, but the results may last longer. The results vary from person to person and depend on various factors, including the underlying cause and severity.
Is radiofrequency ablation safe?
Radiofrequency ablation is safe and usually well-tolerated. You might experience mild swelling or pain at the insertion site, but that should subside within a day or two. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter medication or apply a bag of ice.
To learn more about the benefits of pain management with radiofrequency ablation, make an appointment at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics by calling the nearest office today or booking online.
*Individual results may vary.
