Radiofrequency Ablation

If you have chronic pain in your back, knee, or hip, you may worry that surgery is your only option for repairing it and regaining comfortable mobility. Benjamin Petty, MD, a double-board-certified physician in Dunn, North Carolina, offers radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy to subdue chronic pain for up to two years after a single treatment. To find out if you’re a candidate for RFA, call Dr. Petty’s friendly staff or book a consultation with the online scheduler.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a novel, minimally invasive therapy that subdues pain by using RF energy to destroy overactive nerves. RFA is a highly effective treatment for chronic pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and other chronic pain conditions.

Who’s a candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

You may be a candidate for RFA if you suffer from chronic pain, which is pain that lasts for at least three months. RFA may be the right choice for you if you are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery, or if you prefer to avoid long-term pain medications or steroids.

RFA is performed on an outpatient basis in Dr. Petty’s office.

How does radiofrequency ablation work?

Dr. Petty places the RFA electrode into the treatment area. The device transmits RF energy to the nerves that cause your pain and deactivates them with heat. The heat is produced by the friction of charged ionic molecules moving through the electrode.

Unlike other RF devices, RFA’s cooling system allows Dr. Petty to treat larger areas safely and comfortably.

What are the benefits of radiofrequency ablation?

RFA only requires one treatment to subdue your pain and increase your mobility. Some benefits of RFA are:

• Improves long-term physical function
• Alleviates pain for up to a year or two
• Allows you to return home directly after treatment
• Has a quick recovery time of just one to two weeks
• Greater pain relief and mobility than steroid injections
• Doesn’t cause dependency or addiction, like steroids
• No incisions
• Few to no side effects

You can get a follow-up treatment as needed, depending on your individual circumstances.

Does insurance cover radiofrequency ablation?

RFA is typically covered by insurance as a medically necessary and appropriate therapy for chronic pain. Dr. Petty’s staff can assist you in navigating insurance coverage for RFA therapy.

To find out if radiofrequency ablation is right for you, contact Dr. Petty’s team today or set up a consultation online.