Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Book An Appointment
For all those who are not yet relieved of pain after having medications or physiotherapy sessions, Radiofrequency ablation is a quick and easy GO-TO solution.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), or rhizotomy, is the newest, non-surgical pain control technique in which radiofrequency waves are delivered to specific nerves to stop pain signals sent to the brain.
The goals of radiofrequency ablation are to:
- Stop or reduce the longterm pain.
- Improve functioning.
- Reduce pain medications taken and provide effective pain management.
- Avoid or delay surgery.
The purpose is to try and produce more prolonged pain relief, sometimes even lasting a number of years.
How does it work?
Radiofrequency ablation uses radio waves that produce heat waves to target diseased nerve tissue and damage it. This helps stop the pain signal from travelling to the brain and result in pain relief.
During a RA, a small hollow needle is inserted into the target pain-causing nerve. An electrode is put on the needle, and the radio waves are sent through the needle to the targeted nerve. The oscillations and the heat produced by the procedure prevent the nerve from sending pain signals to your brain.
In addition, local anaesthetics and/or steroids are injected to reduce any post-procedural discomfort. However, the nearby healthy nerves are not damaged by the procedure.
Conditions treated with radiofrequency ablation
Most joint pains can be treated with non-invasive interventional approaches. Here is a brief about different joint pain, their causes, and their respective treatments.
Besides, they can also treat
- Cancer pain.
- Facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia.
- Heart rhythm problems.
- Tumours (to kill cells).
Advantages of radiofrequency ablation
Advantages of radiofrequency ablation include:
- Pain relief.
- Reduced pain medications.
- Improved functionality of the pain-affected part.
- Non-surgical method
- Helps avoid the need for surgery or a stringent pain management approach.
- Little to no recovery time.
- Return to daily life in one or two days.
Who is a suitable candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
You may be the right candidate for RFA if:
- Pain relief following a nerve block injection. Nerve block injection may give significant temporary relief, but long-term pain may require a stringent and more effective option like RFA.
- Chronic pain that does not respond to other treatment, such as pain medication or physical therapy.
However, you may not be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a chronic health issue or bleeding problem.
- Have an infection.
Procedure of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Before beginning the procedure, Dr EL Toukhy will take observations of your blood pressure and pulse rate.
First, he cleanses the target area with an antiseptic solution to prevent the risk of infections.
Next, the treatment area is sedated with anaesthesia. Dr EL Toukhy will direct the special needles to the area(s) suspected to be a source of pain in conjugation with an x-ray that will guide him to inject the specific diseased nerves.
Once the needle is placed on the specific nerve, an electrode is passed through the hand, and an electric current is passed next to the targeted nerve, which may cause the slightest pain to the patient, and heat is created on the nerve.
This process may be repeated on other nerves.
Radiofrequency ablation treatment takes 30-90 minutes for the whole procedure to complete.
Radiofrequency Ablation treatment for alleviating shoulder conditions
The shoulder is one of the most busy and flexible mobile joints in the human body. Due to this, it is susceptible to injuries that may arise from various activities, such as repetitive movement, workplace injuries, sports injuries, and degenerative diseases.
RFA can help treat several troublesome shoulder disorders, such as
Bursitis
Torn cartilage
Torn rotator cuffs
Bone spurs
Osteoarthritis
Post-traumatic shoulder pain
Persistent pain after surgery.
Fortunately, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be a useful treatment option for these conditions. RFA uses electrical current to reduce pain signals sent to the brain, alleviating chronic pain. By targeting the specific nerves that are responsible for the pain, RFA can provide long-term pain relief and improve the patient’s quality of life. Hence, it is a valuable tool in managing shoulder conditions.
Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation for shoulder pain treatment
Effective Pain Relief: RFA uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy targeted nerve tissue, which reduces or eliminates pain signals. This makes RFA an effective treatment method to manage chronic shoulder pain caused by conditions like torn rotator cuffs, osteoarthritis, and bursitis.
Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional shoulder surgery, RFA is a minimally invasive (MISS) procedure that requires only a small incision. This means that patients receiving RFA for shoulder pain will experience less pain, scarring, and a shorter recovery time.
Low Risk: Because RFA is minimally invasive, it carries less risk than traditional surgery. Patients undergoing RFA will not need general anaesthesia, which reduces the risk of complications.
Outpatient Procedure: RFA is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, and most patients go home on the same day of the procedure. This eliminates the need for hospital stays and reduces the cost and inconvenience associated with surgery.
Quick Recovery: Since RFA is a minimally invasive procedure, patients can resume their daily activities soon after the procedure. They won’t have to take extended time off from work or their daily routine.
Radiofrequency treatment Dubai is gaining popularity as an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for managing joint pain due to arthritis, back pain, neck pain and more. It is proving very effective for shoulder pain treatment.
With minimum after care, individuals can return to normal work in very less down time. However, its important to follow instructions provided by your doctor and revisit for followups.
Aftercare of Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation may take 15 minutes to two hours. The aftercare of treatment will include:
- You may feel pain, soreness, or muscle spasms on the treatment site for a few days. Dr EL Toukhy will provide pain medication to relieve the soreness and pain.
- Avoid anything strenuous for 24 hours after the procedure.
- You will be able to return to your normal activities in a day or two, including bathing or showering.
Dr Mohamed EL Toukhy is a well-known pain management specialist with years of experience. He provides effective and non-surgical treatments for chronic and debilitating pain.
Contact Dr Toukhy and set yourself free from pain with radiofrequency ablation treatment Dubai.
FAQs
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.