San Francisco CA Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treatment for Pain

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Treatment for Pain Q&A

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves, using heat to disrupt pain signals for long-lasting relief. It’s commonly used for chronic pain in areas like the back, neck, and joints, providing relief without the need for major surgery. At Presidio Pain Relief, Dr. Robert Savala MD provides advanced RFA treatment to target chronic pain and improve your quality of life.

For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

At Presidio Pain Relief, we are committed to providing advanced and effective treatments for managing pain. One such innovative method that we utilize in our practice is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA).

This versatile treatment can provide significant relief for patients with various medical conditions. Notably, RFA is an important tool in our arsenal for pain management. By selectively ablating pain-transmitting nerves or tissues, we can provide effective relief for our patients.

At Presidio Pain Relief, we perform RFA under local anesthesia or conscious sedation, guided by state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Our patients generally tolerate the procedure well, experiencing only mild discomfort. Any temporary redness, swelling, or bruising in the treated area typically resolves within a few days, allowing patients to return to their regular activities swiftly.

RFA offers numerous advantages over traditional surgical procedures, including less pain and discomfort, quicker recovery, reduced scarring, and fewer complications. Because it is minimally invasive and performed using a small needle-like probe, the procedure minimizes the need for large incisions, resulting in less scarring and a lower risk of complications.

However, it is important to remember that RFA may not be suitable for all patients. Those with certain heart conditions or implanted devices may not be good candidates for this procedure. That's why at Presidio Pain Relief, we ensure a comprehensive consultation and evaluation to discuss whether radiofrequency ablation could be the right treatment option for you.

How does radiofrequency ablation work?

At Presidio Pain Relief, we specialize in cutting-edge pain management treatments, including Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Heat is used in RFA, a minimally invasive therapy that relieves chronic pain that is unresponsive to conventional therapies. RFA uses heat produced by electrical energy. It can also be used to manage tumors in organs like the liver, lungs, and kidneys.

A small flexible tube, known as a cannula, housing an electrode is then inserted through this needle. The electrode emits high-frequency electrical currents to generate heat to disrupt nerve signals or damage abnormal tissue.

Because RFA is a well-regulated process, healthy tissue is rarely harmed. Patients can normally go home the same day after the operation, which usually takes 30 to 90 minutes. Not all patients may benefit from it, especially those with complicated or large tumors or those with underlying medical issues.

Which conditions can radiofrequency ablation be used to treat?

At Presidio Pain Relief, we utilize cutting-edge treatment options to manage a range of conditions, one of which is the Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Electrical currents produced by high-frequency radio waves generate heat, destroy targeted tissues, and reduce pain signals, offering precise targeting of affected tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.

RFA is particularly effective in pain management, a core focus of our practice. We frequently use this technique to address chronic back and neck pain, nerve damage, and joint pain. The procedure works by decreasing the pain signals sent to the brain from specific nerve tissues, providing relief for patients who have not found success with conservative treatment methods.

In addition to its effectiveness in managing pain, RFA can also be used to treat a variety of other conditions, like spinal stenosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome—all conditions that fall under our treatment expertise.

At Presidio Pain Relief, we believe in offering our patients safe and effective treatment options. However, while RFA can be highly effective, it may not be suitable for everyone.

What advantages does radiofrequency ablation offer?

At Presidio Pain Relief, we are committed to providing the most effective and advanced treatments for managing chronic pain. One such procedure we offer is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes electrical energy or heat to destroy abnormal tissue or reduce pain signals from specific nerves in the body. This innovative treatment offers numerous benefits to our patients:

  • Significant Pain Relief: RFA provides substantial relief from chronic pain. This relief can last between six and twelve months following the procedure.

  • Minimal Incision and Invasiveness: Unlike traditional open surgery, RFA only requires a small incision, reducing scarring and allowing for a faster recovery. Our patients typically return home on the same day.

  • Quick and Efficient: We value your time. The RFA procedure usually takes less than an hour, enabling most patients to return to their regular activities shortly after.

  • Targeted Treatment: RFA is highly precise, only affecting the specific nerves causing pain or abnormal tissue, reducing the risk of damaging other tissues or nerves.

  • Faster Recovery Time: RFA allows for a shorter recovery time than open surgery, with most patients able to resume their daily activities within a few days.

  • Reduced Risk of Complications: The procedure has a lower risk of complications, including infection, bleeding, and nerve damage compared to open surgery.

  • Effective for Various Conditions: RFA can treat a wide range of conditions, including tumors, cysts, and uterine fibroids. It is especially beneficial for conditions that are difficult to remove with traditional surgery.

  • Preservation of Organs and Structures: In certain cases, RFA can preserve vital organs or structures that would otherwise be damaged during open surgery.

  • Cost-Effective: RFA is generally less expensive than open surgery, requiring less operating time, equipment, and hospital stay.

  • Improved Patient Outcomes: At Presidio Pain Relief, we strive for improved patient outcomes. RFA has demonstrated symptom relief, reduced risk of recurrence, and overall improved quality of life.

  • Repeatability: If the pain returns, RFA can be repeated, offering our patients a long-term solution to managing their chronic pain rather than just a temporary fix.

We prioritize your health at Presidio Pain Relief. Our team of highly qualified professionals is dedicated to providing you with the greatest care and treatment options, including RFA.

For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109. We serve patients from Daly City CA, Sunset District CA, Bernal Heights CA, Bayview CA, Mission District CA, and surrounding areas.