Radiofrequency Therapy is a form of pain management that uses the precise application of electrical energy to create pulsed or thermal effects. It can be used to treat a variety of diagnoses and symptoms and is considered a safe procedure with a low rate of complications.
The procedure most commonly involves heating a small amount of nerve tissue to interrupt pain signals. When the nerve is heated to temperatures between 140–185 degrees Fahrenheit, proteins are damaged and the cell membranes combine, disrupting the nerve’s ability to transmit pain.
Radiofrequency energy is delivered through a specialized probe containing electrodes, which distribute energy directly into the targeted tissue.
Although pain relief may begin immediately after the procedure, it can take up to one month for the full effects to be realized. Relief may be long-lasting; however, the treated nerves can regenerate over time, typically within 9–18 months.
Alternatively, the energy can be applied in a pulsed fashion at a lower temperature (104–108 degrees Fahrenheit) to achieve similar relief. The physician will determine which technique is most appropriate based on the patient’s anatomy and the type of pain being treated.