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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) London

Radiofrequency ablation (also known as RFA or radiofrequency nerve ablation) is a procedure that destroys nerve tissue to stop the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain. Often used to treat long-term nerve, back and spine conditions, radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive back and spine treatment that can offer long-lasting pain relief. Find out more about radiofrequency ablation at Harley Street Specialist Hospital below.

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Private radiofrequency ablation in central London

Private radiofrequency ablation in central London

At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, you can expect the highest levels of patient care combined with exceptional pain management expertise in our radiofrequency ablation treatments. With no waiting lists and the UK’s largest pool of pain management consultants available to discuss, advise on, and treat your condition, you can restore your quality of life in no time.

Our medical team takes a holistic, patient-centred approach to your care. Your RFA treatment plan will be tailored to your needs and priorities, backed by evidence-based approaches, and created in conjunction with you. 

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure, but you may still have questions about how it works and whether it’s right for you. For honest, reliable advice and guidance, book an appointment to discuss RFA treatment at Harley Street Specialist Hospital.

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What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy problematic nerve endings in the spine. The technique uses a small needle to apply heat to your nerve endings without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is commonly used after successful medial branch blocks or spinal nerve root blocks, which have diagnosed the nerve(s) that need treatment. RFA can give you more permanent pain relief than nerve root blocks alone.

The radiofrequency ablation procedure

Radiofrequency ablation usually takes place within one day, and you won’t need to stay overnight at the hospital. Here’s how the procedure works:

1. Assessment and diagnosis — Your medical history, current health status, and diagnostic and imaging test results will determine if you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation.

2. Diagnostic block — If you haven’t already had one, a diagnostic nerve root block may be recommended to discover which nerve(s) are causing the pain. This is a minimally invasive procedure performed with a local anaesthetic.

3. X-ray or ultrasound — If you’re approved for RFA, your doctor will use X-ray or ultrasound guidance to find the right position for your nerve ablation treatment.

4. RFA needle insertion — Your doctor will insert the needle into your back and confirm they’ve found the right position by asking questions about your sensations.

5. Radio wave application — With the needle in the right place, the doctor will send radio waves through wires into the needle to heat and destroy the target nerve ending(s).

6. Recovery — You’ll stay in hospital for a few hours for monitoring. Afterwards, you can go home, where you’ll be advised to rest for a few days.

A medial branch block injection takes around 30 minutes (including scans), but you’ll stay in the hospital for a few hours afterwards for monitoring and follow-up.

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Radiofrequency nerve ablation FAQs

Learn more about radiofrequency nerve ablation in these frequently asked questions.

RFA is used for multiple medical problems, including:

  • Long-term sciatica
  • Chronic spinal arthritis
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Peripheral nerve pain
  • Pain in the neck, back, leg, or arm that stems from spinal nerves

It may also be used to remove tumour cells and treat cancer pain.

RFA is used for multiple medical problems, including:

  • Long-term sciatica
  • Chronic spinal arthritis
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Peripheral nerve pain
  • Pain in the neck, back, leg, or arm that stems from spinal nerves

It may also be used to remove tumour cells and treat cancer pain.

Pain relief after RFA isn’t usually immediate. It can take up to two to three weeks for the nerve tissue to die, which is when you normally feel complete pain relief.

In the meantime, you’re likely to feel a bit sore as the nerve tissue is destroyed. Some patients describe this as a similar feeling to sunburn. This feeling only lasts for a few days before it starts to subside.

Lots of studies have shown radiofrequency ablation to be successful for treating back pain, but the success rate varies depending on RFA location, technique, and patient suitability. 

For RFA in the upper back, up to 74% of patients reported successful outcomes across various studies. When used to treat lower back pain, studies suggest radiofrequency ablation reduces pain by at least 75% in up to 41% of patients.

Yes, your nerve endings can regrow even after a radiofrequency ablation procedure. This process normally takes several months to a year, so you might need a top-up RFA procedure in the long term.

Radiofrequency nerve ablation costs

Take the first step towards a pain-free life! Contact us today and discover your personalised radiofrequency nerve ablation treatment plan, designed to best serve your medical needs, while considering your financial preferences.

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Flexible Payment Options to Suit You

Payment Plans

Spread the cost of your medical treatment over several months with our finance options and medical payment plans. This is ideal for patients seeking the speed and comfort of private healthcare without significant upfront payments.

Self-pay

Use our self-payment options to get prompt care with the consultant of your choice. Patients looking for fast, efficient treatment without private health insurance are welcome to pay for treatment before their procedure.

Private Medical Insurance

We welcome patients with private medical insurance from approved insurers, including Bupa, AXA, Aviva, and many more. Find out how to claim for your treatment with private health insurance to get optimum care and comfort.

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Learn more about radiofrequency ablation

Find out more about radiofrequency ablation for back pain below.

Nerve ablation may be recommended if you’ve had a successful nerve block in the past (such as a medial branch block or spinal nerve block injection). However, some patients can be eligible for RFA even if they haven’t had previous treatment. Speak to your consultant to find out if you’re a good candidate for nerve ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation takes place under local anaesthetic, so the procedure isn’t normally painful. You might feel some discomfort or sunburn-like pain for a few weeks as the nerve tissue dies off, but most patients tolerate this well with painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen.

It’s important to rest for a day or two after a nerve ablation procedure, but you won’t need extended bed rest. Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activities within a couple of days.

Some minor bleeding, bruising, and swelling around the injection site are expected after RFA. Other risks include damage to surrounding nerves, infection, and prolonged pain. But these are rare; our team will do everything possible to minimise these risks.

Nerve ablation doesn’t wear off, but it’s possible for your nerves to grow back after a while. If this happens, you may find your pain starts to return. In these cases, you may be eligible for follow-up treatment to destroy the regrown nerve tissue.

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Patient Reviews

Radiofrequency nerve ablation treatment at Harley Street Specialist Hospital

Radiofrequency nerve ablation is an excellent way to relieve nerve pain quickly and effectively. Available on an outpatient basis, you won’t need to spend days in hospital or attend dozens of appointments to get the treatment you need.

Book your initial appointment at Harley Street Specialist Hospital for a same-day assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

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Our radiofrequency ablation consultants