A Non-Surgical Solution for Chronic Pain: Radiofrequency Therapy

Radiofrequency therapy is a non-surgical method that uses radio waves to gently heat nerves causing chronic pain, preventing them from sending pain signals to the brain. It is an especially safe choice for patients who haven't found relief from long-term medication or who aren't suitable candidates for surgery, quickly improving their quality of life. Thanks to this procedure, patients can return to their daily routines shortly after, without the need for long hospital stays.

• The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia and takes between 20 and 45 minutes.
• Nerves responsible for transmitting pain are heated in a highly controlled manner using radio waves.
• Depending on the patient's condition, the effects typically last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
• Since there are no surgical incisions, there is no tissue damage or scarring.
• Patients are generally discharged on the same day.

What is Radiofrequency Therapy?

Known medically as neuromodulation or nerve ablation, radiofrequency therapy involves delivering high-frequency radio waves to the nerve tissues causing your pain. Using a special needle (cannula), the doctor reaches the target nerve, and the device generates a precise, controlled heat. Often referred to colloquially as "nerve burning," this procedure doesn't actually destroy the nerve cell completely; it merely temporarily stops or significantly reduces its ability to carry pain signals.

The treatment is performed using a minimally invasive approach, meaning there is no need for general anaesthesia or large surgical incisions. Highly effective in the field of chronic pain management, this technique eliminates the sensation of pain without harming other essential nerve functions like touch, feeling, or muscle movement. It is a very safe and comfortable option for patients wanting to avoid the negative effects that long-term painkiller use can have on the stomach, kidneys, and liver.

Which Conditions Can It Treat?

Radiofrequency has a broad range of applications for managing stubborn, resistant pain in different parts of the body. Becoming a primary choice for many patients seeking non-surgical pain relief, this method is frequently preferred by neurosurgeons and algology (pain management) specialists. The most common conditions treated include:

• Nerve compression due to lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) herniated discs, with pain radiating down the arms or legs.
• Trigeminal neuralgia, which causes a severe electric shock sensation in the face (radiofrequency application is one of the most successful methods for managing this condition).
• Persistent nerve pain that can last for months after a shingles (herpes zoster) infection, known as postherpetic neuralgia.
• Facet joint syndrome developing from spinal osteoarthritis.
• Sciatica pain and tailbone (coccyx) problems.
• Chronic pain in large joints like the knees, shoulders, and hips.

What Are the Advantages and Risks of the Treatment?

The biggest advantage of radiofrequency therapy is that it is not an open surgical procedure. Because no scalpel incisions are made, the risks of surgical complications like infection, severe bleeding, or scarring are kept to an absolute minimum. Since it is done under local anaesthesia, it can be safely performed on elderly individuals or those with chronic heart or lung diseases who might carry high risks under general anaesthesia. Patients can typically walk out and head back to their hotel or home just a few hours after the procedure.

As with any medical intervention, this method carries some mild and temporary risks. You might notice a slight tenderness, redness, or minimal bruising at the needle insertion site that can last for a few days. Rarely, a temporary numbness or mild tingling might be felt in the area supplied by the treated nerve. When the right patients are selected and the procedure is performed by experienced specialists using high-resolution imaging equipment, the risk of permanent damage or serious side effects is extremely low.

The Procedure: How is Radiofrequency Done and How Long Does It Take?

Before the procedure, the exact source of the patient's pain is pinpointed through a detailed neurological examination and advanced imaging methods (like MRI or CT scans). Once in the procedure room, the targeted area is sterilised with special solutions and numbed with local anaesthesia. Guided by imaging devices such as fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound, the physician places a special radiofrequency needle with millimetric precision directly onto the target nerve.

To be absolutely certain the needle is in the correct spot, motor and sensory tests are conducted by delivering a very low dose of electrical current through electrodes connected to the device. Once the correct position is confirmed by the patient's feedback during these tests, the radiofrequency device is turned on. The tip of the needle is heated in a controlled manner, usually between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius. This heating process takes about 1-2 minutes per nerve. Including preparation, testing, and the application itself, the entire session usually wraps up in about 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.

When Do the Effects Begin and How Long Do They Last?

It generally takes a few days for the pain to completely disappear after a radiofrequency application. During the first few days, it is quite normal to experience a temporary fluctuation or slight increase in pain due to mild swelling (oedema) around the needle insertion site and the heat effect on the tissue. Within about a week, the nerve conduction block fully sets in, and patients feel a significant relief that greatly improves their quality of life.

How long the treatment lasts varies depending on the patient's age, the severity of the pain, tissue structure, and the type of underlying condition. On average, the effectiveness is expected to last between 6 months and 2 years. Because nerve cells have the capacity to regenerate over time, the pain may slowly return months or years later. If this happens, there is absolutely no medical drawback to repeating the procedure. Just like modern methods offering a non-surgical solution for prostate enlargement, radiofrequency is an innovative approach focused on improving your quality of life without exhausting your body.

What to Keep in Mind After the Procedure

We recommend resting at home or in your hotel room for the first 24 hours after discharge. Applying an ice pack to the treated area at regular intervals on the first day will help reduce any potential swelling and tenderness. You should keep the needle insertion site clean and avoid taking a bath or using irritating items like a traditional Turkish bath mitt (kese) for the first 24 to 48 hours to prevent any risk of infection.

Even if you feel your pain has decreased, you should stay away from heavy lifting, sudden awkward movements, or strenuous sports for the first few weeks. Giving your body time to heal and adapt to its new state directly impacts the long-term success of the treatment. You can use the mild painkillers prescribed by your doctor only when needed, and safely begin any recommended physical therapy or exercise programmes once you have your doctor's approval.

When to See a Doctor

Although the radiofrequency procedure is a highly reliable method, you still need to listen to the signals your body gives you against rare complications. A slight ache or stinging sensation in the first few days after the procedure is considered normal, but some unexpected symptoms may require an urgent medical evaluation.

If you experience any of the following, you should contact your doctor without delay or go to the emergency department of the nearest healthcare facility:

• Severe redness, a noticeable increase in heat, or purulent discharge at the needle insertion site.
• Sudden, unbearable pain that is much more severe than before the procedure.
• A sudden loss of strength in your arms or legs, or an inability to control your urine or bowels.
• A persistent fever of 38°C or higher, chills, or general extreme fatigue.
• Unexplained numbness or loss of sensation spreading to areas far from the treatment site.

In such emergencies, do not hesitate to call 112 to request professional medical support.

The Process at BHT CLINIC

At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, our international patients who come to us with chronic pain complaints undergo a detailed physical examination and radiological evaluation by our expert physicians. Once the source of the pain is accurately identified, a personalised treatment plan is created that best suits the patient's general health condition. In our hospital, radiofrequency technology is not only used for pain management; it is also safely utilised in our Dermatology department for medical aesthetics and skin rejuvenation procedures. Just like the skincare routines that boost your defence shield in cold weather, we offer the most innovative methods to strengthen your body's pain shield.

The procedure is meticulously carried out in our fully equipped, sterile intervention rooms, guided by high-resolution imaging devices. When necessary, we work in coordination with our physical therapy and rehabilitation unit to support your recovery process. With our 24/7 emergency department and call centre (+90 850 811 34 00), we are always by your side, even after your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does radiofrequency therapy hurt?

Because local anaesthesia is applied to the treatment area beforehand, you will not feel any severe pain or agony during the procedure. You might only feel a slight pressure as the needle advances or a momentary tingling during the low electrical current used for nerve testing.

When do the effects start?

Although you might feel some relief immediately after the procedure, it generally takes 3 to 7 days for the nerve conduction to be fully blocked and the lasting effects to begin. It is normal to experience mild pain due to tissue swelling for the first few days.

Who cannot have radiofrequency therapy?

The radiofrequency procedure is generally not performed on individuals with an active skin infection in the application area, those with severe bleeding disorders, or pregnant women. Additionally, patients with pacemakers require cardiology clearance and special precautions before the procedure.

Will the pain return after treatment?

Because nerve cells have the ability to regenerate over time, there is a chance the pain may slowly return anywhere between 6 months and 2 years later. If the pain does recur, the radiofrequency procedure can be safely repeated.

Do I need to stay in the hospital for the procedure?

No, radiofrequency therapy is an outpatient procedure. Since no surgical incisions are made and general anaesthesia is not used, patients are discharged after resting for a few hours following the procedure.

To take a step towards a pain-free life and create your personalised treatment plan, you can book an appointment to consult with our specialist physicians.

This article is for informational purposes only; please be sure to consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.