Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation can be an effective treatment for reducing hip pain resulting from degenerative conditions.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a pain reduction procedure. Radio waves are used to produce an electric current, which is directed to a small area of nerve tissue. The current heats the tissue, decreasing pain signals from a specific area.

Who is a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation?

If you suffer from chronic hip pain caused by a degenerative disease, you may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation in Houston. This treatment may be recommended if you have:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Posttraumatic pain
Vascular necrosis and persistent pain after hip replacement

Why choose Dr. Seifert for radiofrequency ablation in Houston?

Dr. Heidi Seifert specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain.
She uses the most advanced, evidence-based, nonsurgical, and minimally-invasive techniques to relieve pain and improve function, including state-of-the-art regenerative treatments, to stimulate natural healing.
At our practice, we focus on whole-body health and take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to pain.

What can I expect with radiofrequency ablation?

Hip radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that targets nerves causing pain in the hip joint. It requires no general anesthesia or incisions and typically takes less than half an hour to perform. Small needles are inserted through the skin in the treatment area to deliver radio waves to targeted nerves. Live X-ray (fluoroscopy) is used during the procedure to ensure proper positioning of the needles. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area before the needles are inserted.

FAQ

What is the recovery like after radiofrequency ablation in Bellaire?

Radiofrequency ablation is performed on an outpatient basis with no general anesthesia. You can return home the same day as the procedure. You may experience some soreness in the needle insertion site, which should subside within one or two days. Ice packs can help relieve discomfort -- you should not use a heating pad on the treatment site. You may take a warm shower 24 hours after the procedure.

How does radiofrequency ablation work to reduce hip pain?

This treatment works to relieve hip pain by interrupting sensory input to the hip joint from the femoral (thigh) and obturator (outer front pelvis) nerves.

How effective is hip radiofrequency ablation for relieving pain?

Clinical studies have shown that radiofrequency ablation can be more effective than conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and medications, for reducing hip pain.

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