If you’ve experienced shoulder pain from a torn rotator cuff or osteoarthritis, you know how daily tasks and work are interrupted and sleep is almost impossible. You have to ask for help to reach things, and your range of motion diminishes to next to nothing. When medications, surgery, and physical therapy fail to offer relief, chronic shoulder pain is regularly treated through a range of procedures. In today’s post, we’ll explore radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain.
According to a study in the Journal of Pain Research, radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain is a proven treatment option. Research from this study found that in addition to a lessening of pain, there can also be improved range of motion of the shoulder after treatment.
What is radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation, or RFA, is a procedure used to reduce pain. An electrical current is produced by a radio wave. This current heats up a small area of nerve tissue where a pain signal is created. The heat essentially blocks the signal being caused by that nerve tissue. This, in turn, diminishes the pain. Relief from pain as a result of radiofrequency ablation can last anywhere from six to twelve months. Depending on your condition and recovery ability, it can last even longer—sometimes years.
Shoulder conditions RFA can help
Because the shoulder is one of the most easily moveable joints in the body, it is often prone to injury. Shoulders can be injured by repetitive movement, injuries at work, playing sports, and degenerative disease.
The most problematic shoulder disorders are torn rotator cuffs, osteoarthritis, post traumatic pain, and continued pain after surgery. Bursitis of the shoulder, torn cartilage, and bone spurs may also cause shoulder pain. Radiofrequency ablation can help these conditions.
Benefits of radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain
Radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain is a minimally invasive treatment. Because of this, there are fewer risks that are commonly associated with major shoulder surgery. This means no general anesthesia or pre- and post-surgery protocols. Typically performed as an outpatient procedure, patients will not need a hospital stay or experience loss of time from work.
Why Segura Neuroscience and Pain Center?
At Segura Neuroscience and Pain Center, Dr. Robertson specializes in radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain. He takes a multi-modal approach to treating pain, which includes medication, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures. Because Dr. Robertson has vast expertise in treating shoulder conditions, he has seen excellent results with radiofrequency ablation. Contact us today to have your shoulder pain diagnosed and to see if you’re a candidate for radiofrequency ablation.
This website is not intended provide specific medical advice, medical diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this website and links to other websites, Segura Neuroscience & Pain Center provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. Segura Neuroscience & Pain Center is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this website.