Exploring the Efficiency of Radiofrequency Ablation for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain from injuries or certain conditions can make even the simplest tasks a challenge, disrupting your daily routine, work, and sleep. Reaching for an item or lifting your arm might require help, and your range of motion can become severely restricted. If traditional treatments like medication and physical therapy aren’t providing relief, radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain could be the breakthrough you need.

Let us talk about radiofrequency ablation and its efficacy in treating shoulder pain.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment that uses heat from radio waves to stop nerves from sending pain signals. A doctor guides a needle to the affected area using special imaging, then applies heat through the needle to create a small lesion near the nerve. This stops the nerve from sending pain messages to the brain, which can provide relief from chronic pain.

Shoulder Problems Treated with RFA

If you’re looking for solutions on how to reduce shoulder pain, radiofrequency ablation can be your answer. This treatment is helpful in several shoulder conditions that lead to pain:

• Arthritis: Arthritis causes chronic shoulder pain due to the wearing down of cartilage in the joint, leading to stiffness and swelling.  
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Rotator cuff injuries damage the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder, causing pain and weakness.
• Bursitis: Bursitis results from inflammation of the bursa, causing pain and tenderness in the shoulder, often worsened by movement. 
• Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of shoulder tendons from overuse or repetitive stress, leading to pain and reduced flexibility.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation for Shoulder Pain

Radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain is a less invasive option, which carries fewer risks than traditional shoulder surgeries. There are several plus sides to this treatment technique, including:

• Effective Pain Relief: RFA can reduce chronic shoulder pain by blocking the nerves that transmit pain signals.
• Minimally Invasive: This technique requires only small needle insertions, resulting in less trauma and faster recovery compared to traditional surgery.
• Decreased Need for Medications: Successful treatment can lessen reliance on pain medications, reducing the risk of side effects and addiction.
• Improved Function and Mobility: By relieving pain, RFA can improve shoulder function and mobility, making daily tasks easier and improving daily living for individuals.
• Quick Recovery: Patients often experience a rapid recovery, with many resuming normal activities within a few days to weeks.
• Minimal Complications: The procedure is associated with a low risk of severe complications, making it a safe choice for managing chronic shoulder pain. 

Radiofrequency ablation helps treat shoulder pain, but the procedure's success can vary depending on the specific condition and individual factors. It is important to consider these factors before opting for this procedure.

Understanding the Procedure

Radiofrequency for pain management requires several steps for effective application and long-term relief. Let us discuss these steps in detail.

• Preparation: The patient is positioned comfortably, and the shoulder area is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area and reduce discomfort during the procedure.
• Imaging Guidance: Imaging methods like fluoroscopy or ultrasound help position a needle precisely to the affected nerve.
• Needle Insertion: A thin electrode is placed through the needle, and nerve stimulation ensures the correct nerve is targeted.
• Radiofrequency Energy Application: The provider uses radio waves to heat the electrode, creating a lesion on the nerve to interrupt pain signals.
• Completion: The needle and electrode are removed, a bandage is applied to the site, and the patient is briefly monitored before discharge.
• Post-Procedure Care: You may expect mild soreness that resolves in a few days. Pain relief may be immediate or take weeks, and patients should avoid strenuous activities.

Post-procedure pain relief may last months to a year. Radiofrequency ablation offers numerous benefits and minimal downsides. Unlike major surgeries, it doesn’t require general anesthesia or extensive post-operative care. 

Risks and Considerations of RFA

While RFA is generally considered a safe procedure, it is necessary to be aware of potential complications. Like any medical intervention, there are inherent risks associated with RFA. These may include:

Procedure-Related Risks:

• Hyperesthesia: Excessive sensitivity in the skin around the injection site.
• Skin Infections: Superficial infections at the injection site.
• Vascular and Nerve Damage: Possible damage to nearby blood vessels and nerves, which could lead to excessive bleeding or long-term numbness and tingling.
• Heat Damage: Risk of heat affecting structures near the targeted nerve.
• Allergic Reaction: Potential for allergic reactions to the local anesthetic used.

Additionally, muscular tissue damage and itching at the injection site can occur in some cases.

Sedation-Related Risks:

• Allergic Reactions: Rare allergic reactions to the sedatives or anesthesia.
• Respiratory Issues: Potential for breathing difficulties or respiratory depression, although uncommon.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider?

It is necessary to consult your healthcare provider before radiofrequency ablation for shoulder pain. All the risk factors must be considered, including underlying conditions, potential side effects, and allergic reactions. After the procedure, the patient must be kept under observation for a short period to watch for any unexpected symptoms. The provider must be conferred immediately in case of increased discomfort, bruising, or pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation Provides a Practical Approach to Shoulder Pain Management

Radiofrequency ablation offers a practical and useful solution for managing shoulder pain with minimal invasiveness. By targeting pain-causing nerves without the need for general anesthesia or extensive surgical protocols, RFA provides substantial relief and quick recovery. This approach reduces dependence on medications and improves flexibility, making it a valuable option for individuals seeking pain relief and improved shoulder function.

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic offers Reliable and Effective RFA Treatment

At North Atlanta Vascular Clinic, we focus on minimally invasive and reliable treatments for chronic pain that provide long-term relief. Our radiofrequency ablation procedure is delivered by experienced providers in a safe and comfortable environment. We can help you eliminate shoulder pain, enabling you to lead your life independently. Book an appointment with us to take the first step toward pain-free living.