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Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist

Alpenglow Pain & Wellness Our Services Radiofrequency Ablation
Alpenglow Pain & Wellness - - Board Certified Interventional Pain Management Physician

Alpenglow Pain & Wellness

Board Certified Interventional Pain Management Physicians & Board Certified Anesthesiologists located in Anchorage, AK

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation effectively treats pain by heating and blocking nerve pain signals. Dr. Nichelle C. Renk provides radiofrequency ablation and the COOLIEF® system for women and men dealing with chronic pain in and around Anchorage, Alaska. This innovative treatment method is highly successful, and Dr. Renk is one of only two providers in the state to offer conventional and cold RF treatments. Deactivate those unruly pain nerves with the latest in premier pain management technology. Schedule your personal consultation by calling the office today.

Radiofrequency Ablation Q & A

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation (RF) is an effective method that Dr. Renk uses to reduce your pain. The results last from six to 12 months or longer.

With chronic pain, nerve pain signals continue to fire, and your body can hurt for weeks, months, or years. RF stops these pain signals by using an electric current to heat and destroy the painful nerve endings in your joint.

RF ablation is a great choice for men and women with:

  • Chronic pain
  • Whiplash or post-traumatic pain
  • Pain from post-spinal surgery
  • Inflammatory and arthritic conditions
  • Complex regional pain syndrome
  • Nerve entrapment syndrome

RF ablation can provide lasting relief for arthritis and chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck, and knee

How does radiofrequency ablation work?

During your RF ablation procedure, you lay on your stomach on an X-ray table and may receive medication to help you relax.

Guided by a live video X-ray, Dr. Renk inserts a small insulated needle next to your painful nerves. The shaft of the small needle is mostly covered in a protective insulation to ensure the current only targets the necessary nerves.

Dr. Renk then injects a local anesthetic to numb the area before using the RF conductor to deliver the current. For 24 hours following a traditional RF ablation procedure, you refrain from driving or vigorous activity and try to rest. You can resume your everyday activities the following day.

What is cooled radiofrequency ablation?

Dr. Renk also provides the COOLIEF® cooled RF system.

Cooled RF ablation involves heating and cooling your tissue at the site of the pain. The COOLIEF system works by circulating cool water through the device while heating the tissue.

What are the benefits of COOLIEF radiofrequency ablation?

The COOLIEF RF ablation treatment is FDA-approved and proven-successful. COOLIEF offers many benefits, such as:

  • An effective non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical solution
  • Improved mobility and pain relief for up to 12 months or longer
  • No overnight hospital stay or general anesthesia
  • Typically involves mild sedation and a local anesthetic

You can expect a quick recovery time after your COOLIEF treatment and pain relief within one to two weeks.

 

To learn more about RF ablation, call the office to schedule your appointment with Dr. Renk.

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