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Radiofrequency ablation recovery
What to expect in the first days and weeks after RFA, and how to make the relief last
Radiofrequency ablation recovery is usually quick. Most people go home the same day, rest that evening and return to desk work in one to two days. Soreness or a burning, sunburn-like feeling near the treated area is common for one to two weeks. Pain relief usually starts within one to three weeks, reaches its full effect by about four weeks, and lasts six to twelve months or more. Using that window to rebuild strength with physical therapy helps the results last.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses gentle heat to quiet the small nerves that carry pain from arthritic joints in the lower back, neck or knee. Because the nerve needs time to settle after the heat, recovery has a few predictable stages. The videos show lumbar ablation, the most common type; see lumbar radiofrequency ablation for who it helps and how it is done.
Radiofrequency ablation recovery timeline
- Day of the procedure: rest at home, use ice for 15–20 minutes at a time, and have someone drive you
- Days 1–3: soreness at the needle sites is normal; light walking helps
- Weeks 1–2: a burning or sensitive feeling near the treated area may come and go as the nerve settles
- Weeks 2–4: pain relief becomes clear for most people
- Months 1–12: relief usually lasts six to twelve months or more
Returning to work, driving and exercise
- Work: desk work in one to two days; heavier jobs after a few days, as your physician advises
- Driving: not on the day of the procedure
- Exercise: walking right away; avoid heavy lifting and hard workouts for about a week
- Bathing: showering is fine the next day; avoid baths, pools and hot tubs for a couple of days
Making the relief last
Ablation lowers pain; it does not strengthen the muscles that support the spine. The months after RFA are the best time for physical therapy for back pain and lower back pain exercises. Physical therapy is offered at our Brooklyn and Staten Island offices. Good posture habits help too; see back pain from sitting.
When to call your physician
- Fever, or redness, warmth or drainage at a needle site
- New weakness or numbness in the arm or leg
- Severe pain that is getting worse rather than better after a few days
If your pain returns months later, the procedure can usually be repeated. For background on the procedure itself, see medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation, neck radiofrequency ablation and genicular nerve block and RFA for the knee. Other options are covered in back pain injections.
More videos: lumbar ablation
More clips from our YouTube channel @precisioncaremedical showing radiofrequency ablation for chronic lower back pain.
Related care at Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance
Radiofrequency ablation near you
Looking for radiofrequency ablation near me, or a back pain doctor near me? Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance evaluates chronic back, neck and knee pain at all three offices, where our pain physicians, Ashley Marcus, MD in Brooklyn, Jake Stephen, DO on Staten Island and Yuri Gordin, MD in Manhattan plan ablation and follow your recovery. Our Brooklyn pain management office on Shell Rd is close to Gravesend, Midwood and Manhattan Beach.
On Staten Island, our Staten Island pain management office on Richmond Rd serves Great Kills, Eltingville and Midland Beach. In Manhattan, the Precision Care Spine & Pain Center in Midtown Manhattan is close to Midtown East and reachable from Washington Heights. See also our back pain doctor page. Request an appointment or call the office closest to you.
150 E 55th St, Suite 401, New York, NY 10022
(212) 840-0135
Questions patients ask
How long is recovery after radiofrequency ablation?
Most people return to normal daily activity in one to two days. Soreness can last one to two weeks, and full relief usually shows by about four weeks.
Is it normal to have more pain after RFA?
Yes, a short flare or a burning, sensitive feeling near the treated area for one to two weeks is common while the nerve settles.
When will I feel relief after radiofrequency ablation?
Relief usually starts within one to three weeks and reaches its full effect around four weeks.
How long does radiofrequency ablation last?
Usually six to twelve months, and sometimes longer. The nerves can regrow, and the procedure can be repeated if the pain returns.
Can I exercise after radiofrequency ablation?
Walking is encouraged right away. Avoid heavy lifting and hard workouts for about a week, then build up with physical therapy.
Where can I get radiofrequency ablation near me?
Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance plans radiofrequency ablation and follows your recovery at all three offices:
- Brooklyn2781 Shell Rd, Suite 101, Brooklyn, NY 11223(718) 648-1234 · Get directions
- Staten Island1630 Richmond Rd, Suite 101, Staten Island, NY 10304(718) 339-7100 · Get directions
- Midtown Manhattan150 E 55th St, Suite 401, New York, NY 10022(212) 840-0135 · Get directions
Physical therapy is offered at the Brooklyn and Staten Island offices only.
Educational only, not medical advice. These videos and this article explain common problems and treatments in general terms. They are not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for you. Results vary from person to person. See a qualified clinician about your own symptoms, and call 911 or go to an emergency room for an emergency.
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