Should You Try Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Joint Pain?

Chronic joint pain can impact every part of your life—from walking and working to simply getting a full night of sleep. If you’ve tried medications, physical therapy, or injections with limited success, you may be searching for a more lasting solution. At Comprehensive Pain Consultants, we specialize in advanced, non-surgical solutions, including radiofrequency ablation for joint pain, to help patients achieve meaningful and long-term relief.

Understanding the Root Cause of Joint Pain

Joint pain can stem from arthritis, injury, overuse, inflammation, or degenerative changes. Commonly affected areas include the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and sacroiliac (SI) joints. Our board-certified pain specialists begin with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the exact source of your discomfort.

Rather than simply masking symptoms, we focus on identifying the specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. Once the pain generator is confirmed, we can design a targeted treatment plan aimed at long-term relief.

Common Joint Conditions We Treat

Osteoarthritis: Gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage causing stiffness and pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that leads to joint inflammation and swelling.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints.
Tendinitis: Irritation or inflammation of a tendon due to repetitive movement or injury.
Joint Injuries or Degeneration: Structural damage from sports, work, or aging.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to interrupt pain signals at their source. Using controlled thermal energy, we create a small lesion on the targeted sensory nerve surrounding the painful joint.
By disrupting the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain, patients often experience significant and sustained relief without altering the structure or function of the joint itself.

Diagnostic & Interventional Treatment Options

Before recommending RFA, we often perform a diagnostic nerve block. If numbing the targeted nerve temporarily relieves your pain, you may be an excellent candidate for radiofrequency ablation.

Facet Joint Injections
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections
Peripheral Joint Injections
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Trigger Point Injections
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation offers several advantages over traditional surgery. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, requires minimal downtime, and carries significantly lower risks compared to surgical intervention.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24 to 48 hours and may experience relief lasting 6 to 18 months or longer.

Reclaim Your Mobility

At Comprehensive Pain Consultants, our goal is to help you move comfortably and confidently again. Whether your goal is returning to exercise, enjoying hobbies, or simply walking without pain, we are here to help.

We proudly serve patients in Asheville, NC, Marion, NC, Waynesville, NC, and Murphy, NC, delivering expert care close to home.

Stop managing pain and start living again. Schedule your consultation today and discover if radiofrequency ablation for joint pain is right for you.