Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to eliminate nerve fibers causing pain. Guided by imaging, a thin needle electrode is precisely placed to target the affected area, offering an effective treatment with minimal recovery time.
RFA is most commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions within the spine and sacroiliac joints as well as the shoulders, hips and knees.
Please be aware that all RFA procedures require an appointment. Please call us to arrange an appointment time.
Before we can confirm your procedure the radiologist undertaking the RFA will review your medical history, medications, and any allergies via a phone consultation with you. You may need to stop certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure.
What to bring:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home.
RFA has many benefits:
We offer traditional and cooled RFA procedures, including treatments for the lumbar spine, knee, shoulder, and peripheral nerves.
On arrival, our reception staff will ask you to read and sign a consent form that relates to the procedure you are having. You may be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal objects or jewellery.
Diagnostic imaging will be used to identify the joint or nerves responsible for your pain. Our radiologist will first perform a diagnostic test to temporarily block the nerve and pain signal.
If the test provides relief, it confirms that you are a suitable candidate for RFA.
The RFA procedure is performed by our radiologists under imaging guidance with local anesthetic and typically takes 15 to 45 minutes.
After the procedure, you will be monitored until you are ready to go home. Our staff will provide post-care instructions and explain any necessary precautions.
Pain related to the treated nerve is often relieved immediately, though you may experience tenderness at the RFA site for up to two weeks. Maximum pain relief may take up to six weeks. Some patients may also experience temporary numbness or weakness following the procedure.
The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Noosa Radiology our highly trained and qualified Radiologists interpret the images and provides a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider within 24 hours.
You will need to make a follow up appointment to discuss results with your referring practitioner. Your doctor can access your report and images electronically via a secure portal and you will be able to access your images via our patient portal.
Noosaville Medical & Professional Centre
90 Goodchap Street, Noosaville QLD 4566
Open Monday to Friday 8am – 5pm
Saturdays 8am – 12pm by appointment only
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Please note that our clinic will be closed on Friday, 12 September for the Noosa Show Day public holiday.
Normal hours will resume on Monday, 15 September.
Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!
Please note that our clinics will be closed on Monday, 5 May for the Labour Day public holiday.
Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, 6 May
Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!
Please note we will be closed in observance of
ANZAC Day on Friday, 25 April.
Lest We Forget
Thank you for your understanding. Normal hours resume from Saturday, 26 April.
Please note our adjusted hours over the Easter period.
Good Friday (April 18): Closed
Easter Saturday (April 19) Closed
Easter Sunday (April 20): Closed
Easter Monday (April 21): Closed
Normal hours resume from Tuesday, 22 April.
Wishing you and your family a safe and joyful Easter!
Due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred to our community, we will be closed on Friday 7th March and Saturday 8th March for the safety of our staff and patients. We apologise for any inconvenience and will reopen on Monday 10th March.
