Treatments · The Woodlands & Liberty, TX

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses gentle heat to quiet the small nerves that carry pain signals from arthritic joints in the spine, sacroiliac joint, knees and more. Relief often lasts from several months to more than a year.

Available inThe Woodlands, TX&Liberty, TX

Overview

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Worn facet joints in the spine and other arthritic joints send pain through small sensory nerves called medial branch or genicular nerves. RFA turns these nerves off without affecting muscle strength.

First we confirm the source with a diagnostic nerve block. If the block brings good short-term relief, Dr. Khoury uses X-ray guidance to place a thin probe next to the nerve and heats it with radiofrequency energy so it can no longer send pain signals.

Radiofrequency Ablation is available at our offices in The Woodlands and Liberty, TX, performed by board-certified specialists who explain every step before you decide.

Request an appointment 281-868-7246

Is it right for you

Who is a candidate?

RFA is a good fit for long-lasting joint pain that responded well to a diagnostic nerve block.

Conditions treated

Facet joint arthritis (neck, mid or low back)
Sacroiliac joint pain
Knee and hip arthritis
Some headaches from the neck
Chronic pain after spine surgery

Common symptoms

Aching pain that does not travel far
Pain when twisting or leaning back
Stiffness in the morning
Pain that returns after steroid injections wear off

Benefits

What are the benefits?

RFA gives longer relief than an injection alone and can be repeated if the nerve grows back.

Long-lasting relief

Many patients get six months to over a year of relief.

No incision

It is done through a needle, so there are no stitches.

Less medicine

Many people can cut back on pain pills after RFA.

Repeatable

If pain returns, the treatment can safely be done again.

Recovery

What is recovery like?

You go home the same day. Some soreness is normal for a week or two while the nerve settles down.

01/Day 1
Rest
Take it easy for the rest of the day. Ice can help with soreness.
02/1 to 3 weeks
Relief builds
Pain relief usually builds over two to three weeks.
03/Ongoing
Stay active
Use this window to strengthen with exercise or therapy for longer benefit.

Safety

Is RFA safe?

RFA has a long safety record. X-ray guidance and test stimulation make sure the probe is in the right place before any heat is used. Temporary soreness or numbness in the skin is possible. Serious problems are rare.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a test block first?

The block confirms which nerves carry your pain. It makes RFA much more likely to work.

Will it affect my movement or strength?

No. The nerves treated carry sensation from the joint, not signals to your muscles.

Can the pain come back?

Nerves can slowly regrow over months. If pain returns, RFA can be repeated.

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