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Radiofrequency Ablation Specialists

LA Pain Our Services Radiofrequency Ablation

LA Pain

Interventional Pain Medicine Specialist located in Los Angeles, CA & Oakland, CA

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), formerly known as rhizotomy, is a safe, proven means of interrupting pain signals, such as those coming from the spine along the neck and lower back, or from the knee. A radiofrequency current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals originating from that specific area. With the newest technology from STRYKER, Dr. Enayati and Dr.Gruver are able to utilize up to 4 needles at once for a quicker, more precise procedure and an optimal patient outcome. Dr. Enayati and Dr.Gruver are Radiofrequency Ablation Specialists located in Beverly Hills.

Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A

Why is RFA Such an Exciting Treatment Option?

Neck and back pain does not have to be treated with invasive surgical procedures or managed by taking medication for the rest of your life. RFA is a minimally invasive, truly effective procedure with a short recovery time.

Some highlights of RFA treatment are:

  • Minimally Invasive treatment option
  • Targets the specific nerves causing pain
  • Pain relief lasting 6 months to up to 2 years
  • Covered by most Medicare and PPO plans
  • No incision or scarring.
  • Can be completed in less than an hour!
  • Return to normal activities within one to two days

Can RFA be Combined with Other Treatments for Even Better Results?

At Beverly Hills Advanced Pain and Spine, Dr. Enayati and Dr.Gruver often combines RFA with regenerative medicine treatments for enhanced effect. For example, one of Dr. Enayati’s and Dr.Gruver's favorite treatments for chronic knee pain is to inject stem cell allograft into the knee, which can significantly rebuild and regenerate the joint in a matter of weeks or months, and also apply radiofrequency therapy to the knee to immediately take away the pain, while the tissues are healing at a cellular level. Treatment with RFA also allows the patient to more effectively participate in physical therapy for muscle rebalancing and gait retraining while the stem cell treatment is taking effect.

How is the procedure performed?

An RFA procedure is typically performed in a procedure room under very light sedation. During the procedure, you will be lying on either your stomach or back, depending on the treatment location. Dr. Enayati or Dr.Gruver will numb the treatment area. Then, using live x-ray imaging, he will guide the specialized radiofrequency needles to the treatment location. An electrode is inserted through the needle and connected to an advanced FDA approved radiofrequency generator unit. This stimulates nearby sensory and motor nerves. During stimulation, your doctor will ask if you are able to feel a tingling sensation. The object of stimulation is to determine the optimal treatment location for pain relief. Once the needle and electrode placement is verified, a small radiofrequency energy signal current will travel through the electrode into the surrounding tissue, which eliminates the pain pathways.

When will I begin to feel pain relief?

Following the procedure, you may experience some soft tissue discomfort at the site of the needle placement. This discomfort should go away within a few days. Your pain should improve significantly over the next several weeks. Radiofrequency treatment of nerves usually blocks pain signals for a prolonged period of time, up to two years. The procedure can be repeated if the nerves regenerate and your pain returns.

RFA treatment should not limit your daily activities. You should be able to resume your normal activities, including work, the following day. Physical restrictions that you had prior to the procedure may still remain.