Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce chronic pain by interrupting nerve signals, disrupting the nerves responsible for causing pain. At Melbourne Neurocare, we offer RFA as part of our comprehensive interventional pain management services for patients suffering from persistent spinal or joint pain, including pain originating from the facet joints, which connect the vertebrae in the spine, particularly in the lower back, neck, and sacroiliac joints.
If traditional treatments like physiotherapy or medication haven’t provided lasting relief, RFA may be a safe and effective next step, and is one of several treatment options available for chronic pain management.
The radiofrequency ablation procedure is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled heat generated by radio waves, utilising advanced radiofrequency technology for precise targeting, to target specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. By creating a small lesion in the nerve tissue, this radiofrequency treatment can “turn off” the pain signal from that area—without affecting nearby function or movement.
The procedure is image-guided and performed by our experienced interventional specialists. A specialized probe tip is used to deliver the radiofrequency treatment directly to the targeted nerve. The heat destroys the targeted nerve tissue, which may be diseased tissue, to stop pain transmission.
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia for patient comfort.
RFA is most commonly used to treat chronic pain in areas where irritated or arthritic joints are sending pain signals via sensory nerves. These include:
In selected cases, RFA may also be used for peripheral nerve pain or certain types of neuropathic pain, as well as other chronic pain syndromes.
RFA has been successfully used in a wide range of patients treated for various chronic pain syndromes.
The aim of RFA is to selectively disable the nerves that are carrying pain signals—without affecting motor nerves or critical structures. Here’s how the procedure works:
Compared to previous methods of nerve ablation, current techniques such as pulsed radiofrequency and water-cooled radiofrequency offer improved safety and precision. These innovations allow for controlled lesion size, reduced risk of nerve damage, and more effective targeting of pain pathways than traditional approaches.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) stands out as a minimally invasive procedure that offers significant advantages for those living with chronic pain. Unlike traditional surgery, RFA requires only a small needle to access the targeted nerve tissue, minimising trauma to surrounding areas. Using advanced imaging guidance, your pain physician can precisely deliver radiofrequency energy to the nerves responsible for sending pain signals, such as those involved in joint pain or lumbar facet joint pain. This targeted approach not only disrupts the pain pathway but also reduces the risk of complications and shortens recovery time. Most patients experience long-lasting pain relief and are able to return to their normal routines much sooner than with more invasive procedures. For individuals seeking effective pain management for chronic pain syndromes, the minimally invasive nature of the RFA procedure makes it an appealing option for achieving lasting relief with minimal downtime.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) relies on state-of-the-art technology to deliver safe and effective pain relief for a variety of chronic pain conditions. The procedure is performed on a specialised procedure table, where your pain physician uses medical imaging—such as ultrasound guidance or fluoroscopy—to accurately locate the target nerve. Once the precise location is confirmed, a thin needle is guided to the nerve tissue responsible for sending pain signals. A radiofrequency generator then delivers controlled radiofrequency energy, creating thermal energy that disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain. This technology allows for highly targeted treatment of conditions like facial pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain, while minimising the impact on surrounding tissues. The use of advanced imaging guidance ensures that the RFA procedure is both safe and effective, providing patients with a reliable option for managing chronic pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation offers significant benefits for patients with chronic pain:
RFA can be repeated if pain returns once the nerve regenerates—usually after several months to a year. Nerves regenerate at a rate of about 1 to 1.5 millimeters per week, which explains why pain relief may diminish over time as the nerve heals. Clinical research, such as studies published in j pain res, supports the effectiveness of RFA for pain res (pain resolution) in chronic pain conditions.
You may be considered for Radiofrequency Ablation if:
Evaluation and the procedure are often performed by specialists in pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, ensuring expert assessment and care.
RFA is not suitable for pain caused by active infection, tumours, severe spinal instability, or conditions where the pain source is unclear.
You’ll have a consultation with your pain specialist who will review your history, physical exam, imaging results, and diagnostic blocks. You may be asked to stop certain medications before the procedure.
RFA is performed as a day procedure under local anaesthesia. You’ll lie comfortably on a procedure table while a needle is guided to the nerve. Mild sedation may be used if necessary.
You’ll be monitored for a short period before going home. Some patients feel immediate relief; others may experience soreness for a few days before full effects are felt (usually within 1–3 weeks). A gradual return to normal activity is encouraged.
The clinical significance of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) lies in its proven ability to deliver long-term pain relief for patients with chronic pain syndromes. RFA is especially effective for conditions such as lumbar facet joint pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and trigeminal neuralgia, where specific nerves—like the medial branch nerves or lateral branch nerves—are responsible for transmitting pain signals. By using techniques such as pulsed radiofrequency or radiofrequency neurotomy, pain physicians can precisely target and disrupt these nerves, providing lasting relief even when other pain management strategies, such as pain medication or physical therapy, have not been successful. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure further enhances its value, offering a lower risk profile and faster recovery compared to more invasive treatments. For patients seeking long-term pain relief from chronic pain, RFA represents a clinically significant advancement in the field of pain medicine and interventional pain management.
RFA is considered very safe when performed by trained specialists. However, like any procedure, it carries some small risks, including:
Our team ensures that you’re fully informed and comfortable at every stage of the process.
At Melbourne Neurocare, you’ll receive care from a multidisciplinary team of neurologists and interventional pain specialists who focus on:
We work with you to develop a sustainable plan to reduce pain, restore function, and improve quality of life—whether RFA is your next step or part of a broader care pathway.
If you’re living with chronic back or neck pain and haven’t found lasting relief, Radiofrequency Ablation may be a powerful treatment option worth exploring.
Contact Melbourne Neurocare today to book a consultation and find out if RFA is right for you.
