Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) — Nerve Treatment
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“If you are living with chronic pain that has been difficult to treat — whether in the face, neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, or knees — and conventional approaches such as medication, physiotherapy, or injections have provided only partial relief, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) offers a proven, longer-lasting alternative for sustained pain control.”

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) — also known as radiofrequency nerve ablation or neurotomy — is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radio waves to generate an electrical current, producing targeted heat at the tip of a needle. This heat is delivered to a small, precise area of nerve tissue, disrupting the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. RFA can provide significant, long-lasting relief from chronic pain conditions while meaningfully improving a patient's quality of life.

Goals of Radiofrequency Ablation

  • To stop or significantly reduce pain
  • To improve physical function and range of movement
  • To reduce reliance on pain medications
  • To avoid or delay the need for surgery

Who Is Radiofrequency Ablation Suitable For?

  • Chronic pain caused by degenerative conditions such as spinal spondylosis or facet joint arthritis
  • Persistent neck, back, shoulder, or knee pain
  • Facial pain caused by trigeminal neuralgia
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles nerve pain) affecting the face, neck, or arm — persistent nerve pain that remains after the shingles rash has resolved
  • Chronic migraine or persistent headache in cases where autonomic nervous system hypersensitivity is a contributing factor
  • Pain that has not responded adequately to medication or physiotherapy
  • A desire to reduce ongoing dependence on pain medication and achieve more sustained, durable relief

The Procedure

  1. The procedure is safe, precise, and typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on the number of nerves being treated.
  2. The patient lies comfortably on the treatment bed, and a sedative may be administered by an anaesthesiologist if needed.
  3. The physician uses real-time ultrasound guidance (Ultrasound-guided) and/or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to precisely locate the target nerve and confirm accurate needle placement safely.
  4. A radiofrequency probe is then advanced to the target nerve, and controlled thermal energy is delivered to interrupt pain signal transmission—without affecting the motor nerves responsible for movement.

Expected Outcomes

  • Immediate pain relief — pain typically begins to reduce immediately from the local anaesthetic effect, with the full benefit from nerve modulation becoming increasingly apparent over 2–4 weeks.
  • Long-term pain relief — RFA can provide continuous pain relief for up to 24 months or longer, depending on the individual patient's response.
  • Improved quality of life — as pain subsides, patients commonly experience improved range of motion and overall joint function, along with a reduced need for regular pain medication.
  • Possible side effects: Following the procedure, patients may experience temporary numbness or a dulled sensation in the treated area, which is a normal and expected result of the nerve modulation. This typically resolves over time.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

  • Mild irritation, soreness, or aching at the treatment site is normal and usually subsides within 1–3 days.
  • Pain medication may be taken as directed by your physician if needed.
  • You may resume eating and drinking normally after the procedure. 
  • Avoid driving or operating machinery for the first 12–24 hours following treatment. 
  • Avoid swimming or soaking in warm or hot water for 1 week.
  • return to their normal daily routine the following day. Avoid strenuous activity or heavy exercise during the first week to allow complete recovery.

Important Precautions and Contraindications

The following patients should discuss their individual circumstances with the physician before proceeding:

  • Patients with a known allergy to local anaesthetics or corticosteroids
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Patients with a bleeding disorder or coagulopathy — including those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (blood thinners)

  • Patients with an active infection (systemic or at the injection site), or those with a fever
  • Patients with unstable medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes (as corticosteroids may affect blood sugar levels)

Treat Pain at Bangkok Interventional Clinic

At Bangkok Interventional Clinic, we focus on personalised, in-depth pain management tailored to each individual.
  • Assessment and treatmentby board-certified pain management specialists
  • Targeted interventional procedures for fast and effective symptom relief
  • Patient education to support sustainable, long-term self-care

Our goal is to improve the quality of life for every person who comes to us for care. If you are experiencing pain that affects your daily life, an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan are the first steps toward meaningful change. Bangkok Interventional Clinic — Specialised Pain and Nerve Care by Multidisciplinary Specialist Physicians

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