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Radio-frequency Therapy services offered in Tempe and Glendale, AZ
Radiofrequency therapy provides long-term pain relief by using heat energy to interrupt pain signals from targeted nerves. At Advanced Pain Management o Arizona, serving Tempe and Glendale, Arizona, the experienced pain management team performs this minimally invasive procedure with precision and care. It’s an effective solution for patients struggling with chronic neck, back, or headache pain. Call Advanced Pain Management of Arizona to learn how radiofrequency therapy can help you reclaim comfort and mobility. Alternatively, use the online booking feature to request your appointment today.
Radio-frequency Therapy Q&A
What is radiofrequency therapy?
Radiofrequency therapy, also called radiofrequency ablation (RFA), is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces chronic pain by using targeted heat energy to temporarily interrupt pain signals.
During treatment, a small electric current passes through a thin needle, heating the sensory nerves that send pain messages to the brain. This stops the nerves from transmitting pain, offering long-term relief for patients who haven’t found success with other treatments such as medications or physical therapy.
Which types of pain does radiofrequency therapy treat?
Radiofrequency therapy is especially effective for chronic pain that has not responded well to conservative treatments. It can target a wide range of conditions, including:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Pain radiating into the buttocks or thighs
- Chronic headaches
In some cases, RFA can also help relieve neck pain from whiplash after a car accident.
Because it directly addresses pain-producing nerves, radiofrequency therapy offers meaningful relief for patients dealing with ongoing discomfort that limits daily activities.
How is radiofrequency therapy performed?
The first stage in receiving radiofrequency therapy is a diagnostic test called a nerve block that ensures treatment targets the right nerves. The team injects a small amount of numbing medication into the suspected pain areas. If your pain temporarily improves, that confirms you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency therapy.
Before your procedure, the team reviews your medications and asks you to avoid tobacco products to promote better healing. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
On the day of treatment, you’ll change into a gown and receive local anesthesia through an intravenous (IV) line for comfort. Using fluoroscopy (a real-time X-ray imaging technique), your provider guides a thin radiofrequency needle to the exact nerve causing your pain.
The needle then delivers controlled heat, deactivating that nerve without harming surrounding tissues.
What happens after radiofrequency therapy?
Following the treatment, you’ll rest briefly in the recovery area before going home the same day. You may feel mild soreness or swelling near the injection site for a few days, which you can manage by icing the area for about 20 minutes, several times a day.
The results of radiofrequency therapy can last six months to a year or longer, depending on your condition.
If chronic neck, back, or knee pain is interfering with your quality of life, radiofrequency therapy at Advanced Pain Management of Arizona may offer the lasting relief you’ve been seeking. Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.