RADIOFREQUENCY TREATMENT

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What is Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation?

Radiofrequency (RF) thermocoagulation is a safe, proven means of interrupting pain signals. Radiofrequency current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals from that particular area. Radiofrequency techniques have been available for treating various pain disorders since the early 1970s. Since the 1980s physicians specializing in chronic pain diagnosis and treatment have found an increasing number of applications for this established technology.

Some more common medical conditions which respond to radiofrequency techniques include chronic low back pain, thoracic spine pain, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Traditional techniques to destroy painful nerves have used chemicals such as phenol or alcohol. Unfortunately, these techniques have significant side effects due to the limited ability to control the spread of these liquids. Radiofrequency needles, accurately placed with the aid of fluoroscopic X-ray machines, generate local heat at the tip when the electrical current is applied, which can be precisely controlled to thermocoagulation painful nerves with minimal tissue damage. The procedures can be performed with little trauma using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.

What Are The Benefits Of Radiofrequency Treatments?

Radiofrequency treatments for pain in Scottsdale, AZ at Southwest Spine & Sports offer a number of great benefits to improve quality of life, including:

  • Reduces a wide variety of pain and discomfort
  • Improves overall function
  • No surgery or medications
  • Little to no risk of side effects
  • Quick and easy outpatient procedure
  • Recovery time is short

What Should I Expect Following Radiofrequency Treatments?

After your radiofrequency thermocoagulation procedure is complete, you will be held under supervision as the local anesthesia and sedation wear off and to check for any adverse reactions. Someone will need to drive you home from the Southwest Spine and Sports facility, and you will likely be asked to rest and avoid any strenuous activities for at least a day or two. You may still feel some discomfort at the treatment site(s) for a few days as the nerves die off. Full pain relief could take a couple of weeks to notice.

What if the pain relief doesn’t last?

Radiofrequency treatment of tissue usually blocks pain signals for a prolonged period of time. However, the human body may regenerate pain pathways over time. It is not unusual that the procedure may need to be repeated at some point in the future.

Am I a Candidate for Radiofrequency Treatments?

The best candidates for radiofrequency pain treatments at Southwest Spine and Sports are those who have chronic back or spine pain that has thus far been largely resistant to other forms of pain management. By using radiofrequency thermocoagulation, our Scottsdale, AZ team can treat the pathways that cause pain without invasive and risky surgery. This procedure may also be a great option for those who wish to improve function and activity levels as well as those who would like to stop using over-the-counter or prescription pain pills.

What are the risks of radiofrequency thermocoagulation?

As with any procedure, there are some inherent risks, although most of these are minimal. Common risks include but are not limited to bruising, bleeding, headaches, irritation of a nerve or nerve injury, including paralysis, numbness, and weakness. Risks also include infection or reactions to the medications which may cause breathing difficulties and cardiac difficulties which may lead to death. Serious risks and complications are extremely rare, however.

Radiofrequency Treatments FAQs

You will need to arrange for a ride home, so be sure to have this arranged before your appointment. Following your radiofrequency treatments, we recommend avoiding high-impact exercise or activities for an entire day following your treatment. Hydration will be key for your recovery as your muscles adjust to the treatment.

The goal of your radiofrequency treatments is to end pain in certain muscular regions. However, there are some cases in which patients do not receive the pain relief they want from just one treatment. In this case, our providers at SWSS will work with you to establish more treatment after 2-3 weeks have elapsed.

Ultimately, this procedure yields amazing pain relief results. However, there can be some time between treatments before you get full relief from your symptoms. You may even notice a spike in pain as your nerves are stimulated after treatment, but you should notice significant improvements over the next 3 weeks.

Yes, radiofrequency treatment is generally considered safe and is performed by the experienced medical team at Southwest Spine & Sports. Common side effects are minimal but may include temporary discomfort or bruising at the injection site.

The duration of pain relief varies from person to person, but many patients experience significant relief for 6 to 12 months. Periodic treatments at Southwest Spine & Sports can be arranged to maintain long-term benefits.

Candidates for radiofrequency treatment are typically those who have chronic back or spine pain and haven’t found sufficient relief from other treatments. A consultation at Southwest Spine & Sports will help determine if this treatment is suitable for your specific condition.

  • Stop taking all aspirin, aspirin products, and all nonsteroidal – except Celebrex- 5 days before the procedure.
  • If you have questions regarding these types of products or their discontinuation, you should discuss this with one of our staff
  • If you take fish oil or Vitamin E supplementation, please stop these 5 days before the injection.
  • Do not eat for 6 hours or drink 2 hours before the procedure. You may take routine a.m. medications with a small amount of water
  • For your safety, you must have a responsible adult to drive you home. Failure to have a driver may result in the cancellation of your procedure. Taxis are not permitted.

Radiofrequency treatments are used to reduce pain. The nerve which is responsible for the pain signals is heated up by radio waves, which in turn decreases pain signals from that specific area.

Radiofrequency Treatment Blogs

HOW VINCEANNE GAINED RELIEF FROM SCOLIOSIS WITH RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION

Not much can shake up Vinceanne, not even scoliosis. But when the pain became unbearable, she turned to Southwest Spine. & Sports.

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Learn More About Southwest Spine & Sports

Southwest Spine & Sports Reviews

496 Total Reviews  4.9 Average Rating

Review 17

"I went to see Dr. Wolff in April for lower back pain. I have received over the last 8 years numerous cortisone injections as well as RF to alleviate my pain. This treatment was temporary and the pain always returned. A firefighter friend of mine went to see Dr. Wolff and she received PRP treatment for her injury. Dr. Wolff and Carole are such great kind and caring people. Dr. Wolff suggested and explained the treatment and listened to my many questions. Dr. Wolff then injected my back with the PRP and to date I'm 60% better. Today, I am receiving one additional injection to my stubborn S-I joint. Fingers crossed this final one will do the trick. I would recommend Dr. Wolff and his RN Carole to anyone who hasn't had relief from any other treatment for lower back pain."

Becky
Facebook

Review 16

"Dr. WOLFF! We've put so much confidence in him since 2012, both my wife and I, he's never disappointed us. I'm 73, lower back rebuilt three times, wife is 61, migraines and back issues, He's the BEST!"

Archie P
Facebook

Review 15

"Excellent patient care, timely appointment. Professional personnel from taking the appointment to seeing the doctor. Would recommend to friends and family and out-of-state friends as well."

Elaine C
Google

Review 14

"Dr. Wolff was very thorough with my consultation. He explained my options for treatment and made me feel more like a close friend or family member not just a patient. All of the staff I have interacted with have been very helpful and caring. I can’t say enough good things about Callie, she is quick to respond to emails and get me everything to prepare for my Discseel procedure. My procedure went smoothly, Dr Wolff found a tear in my disc which explained my pain being so high. Pre procedure I couldn’t sit at all if I did it would be painful and standing up and walking was difficult. I can sit and eat with my family for the first time in over 8 months I am so thankful for the Discseel® procedure it kept me from having surgery and fusing my lower back."

Rebecca M
Google

Review 13

"The NP Sheila carefully assessed and really listened to my pain problems! And Dr Wolff takes good care to listen, and each procedure has been very helpful. I absolutely refuse to take scheduled drugs/narcotics, and this office has many very helpful options! My pain problems are a work in progress, but I feel we keep moving in the right direction, and very safely! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Southwest Spine & Sports!"

Viva Z
Google

Review 12

"I have been treating with SWSS since 2015. I value their conservative approach and they put the patient's care above everything else. Both Dr. Wolff and Sheila are easy to talk with about my condition and lay out the treatment plan and genuinely care about my long term health. I am thankful to have such a great medical team by my side."

Tony E
Google

Review 11

"I’m very glad I found Southwest Spine & Sports I did a random google search and took a risk based on reviews and was very happy I did. I was experiencing pain and the procedure helped me resolve the pain. I feel like they truly listen and do their best to help with my multitude of spinal issues."

Diana B
Google

Review 10

"Following years troubleshooting chronic back pain with no success, I was introduced to Dr. Wolff who identified my key issues and offered a number of solutions.  After confirming I would be an ideal candidate, I opted for the Discseel® procedure, and, as discussed, my back pain began improving within a matter of weeks.  Six months later, I am pleased with the results while I progress through physical therapy and continue to improve. I am grateful for Dr. Wolff and the staff at Southwest Spine & Sports for helping me work through a serious condition and making the entire process rather painless."

Patient Feedback
D.C.

Review 9

"I am so impressed with the quality of service from the entire team at Southwest Spine and Sports. The sense of urgency and determination to not only make the symptoms better but to resolve the issues. Dr. Wolf is the most compassionate doctor I have ever been privileged to have working in my behalf. I thank everyone at Southwest Spine and Sports for their dedication to their field. I am forever grateful!"

Lois
Google

Review 8

" Dr. Wolff exudes kindness, competency and empathy; top doc."

RANK S
Google

Review 7

" The care that Dr. Wolff and is staff give is the best. They are all there for you knowledgeable helpful. I can’t say enough good things about them. I’ve been going for 10 years and never disappointed. They know what to do in the office and in the surgery room and how to take the best care of you. Thank You So much Dr Wolff ."

Karen D.
Yelp

Review6

“I have suffered with Plantar Fasciitis for 7 years. I have had steriod injections, physical thereby, rest, and a bunch of other treatments. None have worked. That was until I met Dr. Wolff and his team."

D.T.
Google

Review5

“Dr. Wolff is such an amazing provider always compassionate care. I been seeing Dr. Wolff and his team to treat my Chronic Migraines hands down would refer his clinic and Botox method to get your life back. Thank you."

R.V.
Google

Review4

"Sheila at Southwest Spine & Sports makes a “bad thing” a little less miserable. I’ve had disc issues since 2004. I continue to struggle with the best method to manage the pain that is associated with lower back issues."

C.".
Google

Review3

“I have been a patient South West Spine & Sport for 13 years!  Dr. Wolff and Sheila Janisch ANP are amazing. They listen and are always professional. They are on the leading edge with therapies and procedures."

K.D.
Yelp

Review2

"Dear Dr. Wolff, I wanted to thank you for taking care of my frozen shoulder. It has been almost 4 weeks since my injection and I have experienced significant improvement. My day-to-day comfort has improved a lot."

DT
Patient Feedback

Review1

“SW Sports & Spine is a great practice. The staff are friendly, caring, and competent. Dr. Wolff asks questions and listens to your answers. He is able to find the source of your pain, explain what he can do to alleviate it."

Anonymous
Healthgrades

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