Relief That Can Last Months, Without Surgery
Radiofrequency Ablation in Utah
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) quiets the nerves that carry pain from arthritic joints in the neck, back and knee, once test nerve blocks point to where the pain is coming from. Consultations at our Bountiful and South Jordan clinics.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Turning Down the Signal From a Painful Joint
Radiofrequency ablation, often called RFA or nerve ablation, uses a thin needle and controlled heat to disrupt the small nerves that carry pain signals from a joint. The joint itself is not changed. The treated nerves simply stop sending as many pain signals for a while.
RFA is most often used for arthritis in the small facet joints of the neck, mid back and low back, and for chronic knee pain, where it is called genicular RFA. It is done through the skin with X-ray guidance, with no incision and nothing left in the body.
For many people, relief lasts longer than an injection, often six months to a year and sometimes longer. That window of lower pain is a chance to rebuild strength, which may help relief last longer.
Is RFA Right for You?
Who May Benefit From Radiofrequency Ablation
RFA may be an option if:
- You have neck, mid back or low back pain from arthritis in the facet joints that has lasted for months
- You have chronic knee pain from arthritis and want to avoid or delay knee replacement
- Physical therapy, medication or other care has not given you lasting relief
- Injections have helped, but the relief does not last
The deciding step is a test block. Before RFA, your provider numbs the same nerves with a medial branch block or, for the knee, a genicular nerve block. If most of your pain goes away for the few hours the numbing lasts, those nerves are likely the source, and RFA becomes a reasonable next step. See how this fits care for back pain, neck pain, knee pain and joint pain.
Before You Decide
Is RFA Right for You?
RFA is a common outpatient procedure, and serious complications are rare. Your provider reviews your health first, including pregnancy, any infection, bleeding problems, blood thinners and any pacemaker or other implanted device, so the procedure fits you.
The test block is what makes RFA a targeted choice: it helps show which nerves are likely carrying your pain before any heat is used. If RFA isn’t the best fit, your provider will talk with you about other options, such as targeted injections or physical therapy.
What to Expect
Radiofrequency Ablation, Step by Step
- Evaluation. Your provider reviews your history, examines you and looks at any imaging to find which joints are the likely source of your pain.
- Test block. A quick numbing injection near the nerves that serve those joints. If your pain drops a lot for the few hours the numbing lasts, those nerves are likely the source. Many plans, including Medicare for spine RFA, require two test blocks first.
- The procedure. RFA is an outpatient procedure done at our Interventional Surgical Center in West Jordan. Your medical provider at our Bountiful or South Jordan clinic refers you, and your care team schedules it. The skin is numbed, and with X-ray guidance a thin needle is placed next to each nerve. A brief test confirms the position, the nerve is numbed, and then heat is applied. It usually takes 15 minutes to two hours, depending on how many nerves are treated, and you may be offered medication to help you relax.
- Going home. Plan on someone driving you home. Rest for the day, and avoid driving and strenuous activity for 24 hours. Soreness for a few days is common, and ice can help. Most people are back to normal activities in a day or two. Call your care team if you notice severe pain, redness or swelling where the needle went in, a fever, or new weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
- When relief starts. Some people notice relief right away, and for others, relief can take up to three weeks to build.
- Rehab and follow-up. Your follow-up visits are with your medical provider back at your clinic. We use the window of relief to start or step up physical therapy, then check how you are doing.
Part of a Bigger Plan
RFA as Part of Your Wider Plan
RFA quiets the pain signal, and that window of lower pain is a good time to build strength and movement with physical therapy or chiropractic care, which may help relief last longer.
If pain returns over time, RFA can usually be repeated. For knee arthritis, your provider may also talk with you about genicular artery embolization (GAE), another non-surgical option.
Your care starts with a consultation at our Bountiful or South Jordan clinic, where your provider will recommend the treatment, or combination of treatments, that fits your situation best.
Insurance Coverage
Is Radiofrequency Ablation Covered by Insurance?
Most of our care is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare. Coverage varies by insurer, individual policy and the procedure, and many plans need one or two successful test blocks before they approve RFA. Our team verifies your benefits before any care begins.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Radiofrequency Ablation FAQs
Does radiofrequency ablation hurt?
The skin is numbed first, and you may be offered medication to help you relax. You may feel pressure, and a tingling during the brief test that confirms the needle position. Soreness at the site for a few days afterward is common.
How long does RFA relief last?
For many people, relief lasts six months to a year, and for some it lasts a few years. Rehab while pain is lower may help relief last longer.
How soon will I feel better?
Some people notice relief right away, and for others, relief can take up to three weeks to build.
Can RFA be repeated?
Yes. If your pain returns over time, RFA can usually be repeated, and your provider will talk with you about when a repeat makes sense.
What is the difference between a nerve block and RFA?
A nerve block numbs a nerve for a few hours and is mainly a test: if your pain goes away, it points to the source. RFA uses heat on the same nerves for relief that can last months. A strong response to the block is what makes RFA a reasonable next step.
Is radiofrequency ablation covered by insurance?
Most of our care is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare. Coverage varies by insurer, individual policy and the procedure, and many plans need one or two successful test blocks first. Our team verifies your benefits before any care begins.