4210 Benner Rd
Kyle, TX 78640
Get Directions
Mon - Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Weekends: Closed
Phone: (512) 298-1645
Fax: (512) 298-1795
- Aetna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS)
- Champ VA
- Cigna
- CMS
- Connected Senior Care Alliance
- Friday
- GEHA
- Humana
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oscar
- Railroad Medicare
- Smarthealth
- Tricare
- Triwest
- United Healthcare
- WellMed
- Worker's Compensation
- Private Pay
Radiofrequency ablation, also known as rhizotomy, is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate chronic pain. During an RFA procedure, radiofrequency energy creates heat that reduces pain signals in the targeted area. This advanced technique has shown remarkable success in treating patients suffering from persistent back, neck, and joint pain, especially when conventional methods like medication, physical therapy, or injections have proven insufficient. While individual results may vary, many patients experience significant pain relief lasting from 6 to 12 months after treatment, which may also help reduce reliance on daily pain medication.
Radiofrequency ablation has demonstrated considerable success in managing several pain conditions, including lower back and neck pain that has resisted other treatment options. It's also effective in alleviating pain related to degenerative joint diseases, such as arthritis, and some forms of nerve pain. If you're struggling with chronic pain in your back, neck, joints, or other conditions treated with RFA, it may be a viable treatment option and may reduce the need for daily medication. For more information about how a radiofrequency ablation procedure can help with pain management in Kyle, schedule a consultation with Greater Austin Pain Center to discuss whether RFA is appropriate for you and schedule an appointment.
Radiofrequency ablation may be an option as part of an interventional pain management approach if you have ongoing pain that keeps interfering with your daily life and has not improved enough with conservative care. Many patients consider RFA after trying treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, rest, stretching, or activity changes without lasting relief.
For patients in Kyle, RFA is often used when pain is linked to irritated nerves in the spine or joints. This may include chronic neck pain, lower back pain, arthritis-related joint pain, or pain connected to facet joint problems. The procedure is designed for patients whose pain is coming from specific nerves that can be safely targeted.
Before recommending radiofrequency ablation, your Greater Austin Pain Center provider will first work to confirm the source of your pain and identify the root cause of your discomfort. This may include reviewing your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, imaging results, and response to diagnostic testing. Medial branch blocks may be used to help determine whether the nerves near the painful joints are the source of your symptoms.
You may be a good candidate for RFA if your pain has lasted for several months, conservative treatments have not provided enough relief, your symptoms are affecting sleep or mobility, and diagnostic testing suggests that targeted nerves are contributing to your pain.
Radiofrequency ablation may not be appropriate for every patient. Certain medical conditions, active infections, bleeding concerns, or other health factors may affect whether the procedure is recommended. During your evaluation, our Kyle pain management team will explain your options and help determine whether RFA is a safe and effective choice for your condition, including when it may be recommended before or instead of more invasive surgery for appropriate patients.
If you're determined to be a suitable candidate for radiofrequency ablation, our Kyle pain doctors will provide you with specific instructions to prepare for your RFA procedure, and these are reviewed during your consultation. These may include guidelines on fasting or adjusting insulin dosage (for diabetic patients) before treatment, as well as arranging for someone to drive you home afterward. During the RFA procedure, patients typically receive a local anesthetic and local anesthesia for comfort. The doctor then inserts a thin needle into the skin, using live X-ray imaging to precisely locate the pain source. A microelectrode is subsequently introduced through the needle, delivering a controlled electric current that heats the nerve tissue, effectively interrupting pain signal transmission. RFA is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients return home the same day. This process is repeated as necessary to address all the nerves contributing to your pain.
Continuous radiofrequency ablation involves gradually increasing the temperature of the microelectrode used to heat the nerve tissue. This heat is maintained for 90 to 120 seconds, the time required to disrupt the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. The duration of a continuous RFA procedure varies depending on the number of nerves that need to be treated to effectively manage the patient's pain.
Pulsed radiofrequency ablation utilizes quick, high-voltage currents lasting less than half a second. These pulsating currents are maintained until the nerve tissue is sufficiently disrupted, a process that typically takes between two to eight minutes.
Contact Greater Austin Pain Center to request a consultation or first appointment at one of our pain management treatment centers, where our board-certified specialists complete additional fellowship training after medical school; insurance details can also be reviewed before the first appointment.
During your first visit, our pain specialists provide compassionate care by listening carefully, explaining findings clearly, and using medial branch blocks as part of the evaluation process. This helps the pain doctor determine the location of the nerves causing the pain and develop a personalized treatment plan for your condition tailored to your specific needs.
Patients undergoing RFA receive a local anesthetic from our board certified pain management specialists to ensure comfort during this minimally invasive procedure. The doctor then inserts a thin needle into the affected area, administering a precisely controlled electric current to heat the nerve tissue and interrupt pain signal transmission.
While patients can typically walk unassisted following their RFA procedure, we advise against driving or engaging in strenuous activities for 24 hours post-treatment. After this brief recovery period, most patients can resume their normal routines.
"Dr. Jarzembeck is AMAZING. I HIGHLY recommend her for anyone suffering in pain. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients pain has been dealt with."
"Everyone is so friendly and helpful, Dr. Bednar came to me and explained the procedure and answered my questions. Highly recommend!"
"Dr. Julia is the best! The staff is professional and friendly to all. Best of all, Dr. Julia is finding solutions for my chronic pain! Never thought that it would be possible. It's a journey for me, but it seems like there is a solution."
.svg){kind=icon}
Yes, radiofrequency nerve ablation is a safe, low-risk procedure. Serious complications such as infection or bleeding near the treatment area are rare.
Typical side effects following a radiofrequency ablation procedure may include mild soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites. These effects generally resolve within 1 to 2 days.
Over 70% of patients who undergo radiofrequency ablation experience significant pain relief. While the duration of relief can vary, most patients enjoy freedom from pain for 6 to 12 months post-treatment, with some cases extending to years of relief.
Patients can expect their radiofrequency ablation procedure to last approximately 30 minutes. The exact duration depends on the location and number of nerves requiring treatment, as well as the specific type of RFA being performed.
Following an RFA procedure, patients should arrange for transportation home. We recommend avoiding driving, operating machinery, or engaging in rigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours post-procedure. After this initial recovery period, most patients can return to their normal daily routines.
Curious about interventional pain treatments in Austin, TX? Join our doctors for an in-person lunch and learn session to find out more about these treatments and ask any questions you may have. This event will be 12–1pm, sign up below to receive more details and RSVP.
If you suffer from joint degeneration related to arthritis or chronic pain in your back or neck, schedule an appointment with Greater Austin Pain Center to learn more about our radiofrequency ablation procedures. With four convenient locations in Austin, Kyle, Dripping Springs, and San Marcos, our pain management specialists are ready to help you find a treatment option for your chronic pain.
Greater Austin Pain Center Is Hiring! Apply Online Today
