Pulsed radiofrequency treatment overview
Modulating nerve activity to reduce pain signals
Pulsed radiofrequency (sometimes abbreviated to ‘PRF’) is a treatment for pain which targets sections of one or more nerves which may be transmitting pain signals to the spinal cord and the brain. It is very similar to radiofrequency neurotomy (see this page for details on for example cervical facet radiofrequency neurotomy) in that a thin needle is positioned next to the target nerve and an electric current is passed through the needle which heats the nerve.
The main difference between a normal radiofrequency device and a pulsed radiofrequency device is that the normal device supplies continuous heat at around 85C to the nerve, while the pulsed device supplies ‘pulses’ of heat (generally at less than 40C) which minimises damage to the nerve.
Conventional radiofrequency treatment is sometimes referred to as ‘continuous radiofrequency’ or ‘CRF’ to distinguish it from pulsed radiofrequency. The science behind the pulsed radiofrequency device is called ‘neuromodulation’, where the function of the nerve is changed (‘modulated’) by the treatment, rather than the nerve being blocked.
Pulsed radiofrequency can target the same types of pain as radiofrequency neurotomy, as well as some types of pain that radiofrequency neurotomy cannot treat. It also has fewer side effects than radiofrequency neurotomy (for example it rarely causes weakness or loss of normal sensation). Many people report a significant reduction in levels of pain for anything from four to six months after treatment.
Pulsed radiofrequency indications and preparation
Preparing for pulsed radiofrequency treatment
Pulsed radiofrequency may be recommended for:
- Facet joint syndrome
- Shoulder pain
- Occipital neuralgia
- Neuropathic pain
- Nerve entrapment syndromes
You should avoid undergoing any other medical procedures, such as dental treatment or a colonoscopy, within 48 hours before or after the procedure.
You should also:
- Not eat or drink anything during the 6 hours immediately before the procedure. Regular medication may be taken with small sips of water.
- Not take diabetes medication until after the procedure.
- Stop taking medication containing aspirin at least 11 days before the procedure.
- Not drive yourself to or from the appointment.
Please let us know ahead of the procedure if:
- You are taking any antibiotics.
- You have a pacemaker or defibrillator.
- You are ill, in which case we may need to postpone the procedure.
After your Pulsed radiofrequency
Recovery and activity after the procedure
After the procedure you are able to return home. There is no restriction on day-to-day activities, although, as advised above, due to the sedation you should not drive a vehicle for at least 24 hours after the procedure (so it is a good idea to have someone drive you to and from the appointment).
In some cases, there may be some pain or discomfort (sometimes a sensation similar to sunburn) and/or bruising to the skin at the injection site, which may last for about a week.
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Comprehensive pain assessments
Individual treatment planning
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