What is radiofrequency for pain
Radiofrequency is an analgesic treatment that allows to treat pain by applying an electric current that generates different effects depending on the type of radiofrequency we are using, depending on the patient’s pathology.
Below we will see the types and for which pathologies it is indicated in each case.
Types of radiofrequency for pain treatment
Conventional radiofrequency
It is an ablative treatment in which a continuous voltage is applied through one or more needles. These needles are placed around a nerve and by applying current to them, they will reach a temperature that will allow the painful impulse to be interrupted. It is usually applied exclusively to sensitive nerves.
Next we will see for which pathologies it is indicated:
- Lumbar pain due to facet syndrome
- Sacroiliac pain
- Cervical pain due to facet syndrome
- Knee pain due to osteoarthritis
- Post-surgical knee pain
- Hip pain due to osteoarthritis
- Post-surgical hip pain
- Shoulder pain due to osteoarthritis
- Adhesive shoulder capsulitis
- Facial pain due to neuralgia
- Complex regional pain syndrome
Pulsed radiofrequency
It is a neuromodulator treatment that uses a voltage applied discontinuously through one or more needles. These needles are placed around a nerve and, applying current to them, will reach a temperature that will allow the painful impulse to be modulated and reduced. Unlike the previous one, this treatment is indicated to treat altered structures, in which there are neuropathic alterations (lesions of the nervous system), or those that are mixed structures (with motor component) that should not be treated by ablative methods since they would lead to a loss of function.
Below, we indicate for which pathologies it would be indicated:
- Radicular pain / Sciatica
- Shoulder pain due to tendinitis
- Meralgia paresthetica pain
- Post-surgical pain after inguinal hernia and lung surgery
- Elbow pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Facial neuralgia
- Arnold’s neuralgia
Cooled radiofrequency or cooled radiofrequency
It is a variant of ablative treatment in which a cooling technology is applied after the radiofrequency. In this way we will generate a larger treatment area and we will be more effective. This technology is applied in those body locations where the intervention is complex due to the anatomical variability of the nerves.
The treatment is similar to conventional radiofrequency and will be of great help when the nerve is difficult to locate.
Below, we indicate for which pathologies it would be indicated:
The procedure
In order to correctly apply this treatment and obtain the effectiveness it can provide, a correct diagnosis and evaluation of the patient is essential. The doctor will ask specific questions that, together with the physical examination and evaluation of the complementary tests, will allow a more precise determination of the cause or causes of the pain.
- It does not require hospitalization in most cases.
- In some cases, conscious sedation may be used.
- We could accompany the treatment with local analgesics or corticoids.
Efficiency
According to standard protocols accepted by the industry, a substantial improvement in pain (in most cases greater than 70%) should be noted 3-5 weeks after treatment.
It is advisable to combine this treatment with functional recovery guidelines to maximize results and achieve a prolonged duration of more than 6 months.
70%Generally greater than
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Insurance companies
Ask your MIVI centre for information on the agreements with insurance companies.
