Genicular nerve blocks and ablation are minimally invasive treatments used to manage chronic knee pain, especially in patients with osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, or those who are not candidates for knee replacement surgery.
At PainMed, we use image-guided injections to block the genicular nerves — small sensory nerves that transmit pain from the knee joint — offering relief and helping patients delay or avoid more invasive procedures.
The genicular nerves are a network of small sensory nerves surrounding the knee joint. They don’t control movement, but they carry pain signals to the brain. By temporarily or permanently disrupting these signals, we can significantly reduce knee pain and improve function.
Genicular nerve blocks and RFA are commonly used for:
Knee osteoarthritis (mild, moderate, or severe)
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Chronic post-operative knee pain
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Persistent pain after total or partial knee replacement
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Knee osteoarthritis (mild, moderate, or severe)
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Chronic post-operative knee pain
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Persistent pain after total or partial knee replacement
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Knee osteoarthritis (mild, moderate, or severe)
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Bridging therapy before or after physiotherapy or injections
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Patients unsuitable or unwilling to undergo surgery
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Bridging therapy before or after physiotherapy or injections
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A genicular nerve block involves injecting a small amount of local anaesthetic near the genicular nerves under fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance.
If the diagnostic block is successful, we may proceed to radiofrequency ablation, where the same nerves are treated with heat via a special needle. This deactivates the nerves’ ability to send pain signals, potentially providing 6–12 months or more of relief.
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Results are often felt within 1–3 weeks post-ablation
These procedures are generally well tolerated. Possible risks include:
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Temporary bruising, soreness, or numbness around the knee
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Infection or bleeding (rare)
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No improvement in symptoms (if nerves are not the primary source)
Genicular nerve RFA is suitable for:
We offer:
Find Out If Genicular Nerve Treatment Is Right for You
If you’re struggling with persistent knee pain — and looking for options beyond surgery or repeated injections — genicular nerve therapy may help.
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Originally from England, Sally graduated from St George’s Hospital, University of London in 2004 with a BSc (First Class Hons) in Physiotherapy. Since settling in Australia, Sally has worked in private practice and in the public hospital setting across Sydney.
Sally gained a Masters in Medicine Pain Management from the University of Sydney in 2019 and is a Titled Pain Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association).
In addition to private practice, Sally currently works as a Senior Physiotherapist at Westmead Hospital Pain Management Service.
Sally is highly skilled in assessing, diagnosing and treating people who experience chronic pain. She enjoys working with injured workers and CTP claimants. She has a deep understanding of the impact of pain on the whole person and on their functioning in daily life. In partnership with her colleagues, Sally enjoys applying her knowledge and clinical skills to provide a safe space for exploration of the physical and emotional meaning of pain and for recovery of function.
Qualifications and Experience
Dr. Adam is a Fellowship-trained Pain Medicine Specialist with a Fellowship from the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA) and a Master of Pain Medicine from the University of Sydney. He is dedicated to the comprehensive management of chronic pain across all age groups.
Dr. Adam trained in adult pain medicine at Liverpool Hospital, Nepean Hospital, and the Department of Pain Medicine, and completed additional training in paediatric chronic pain at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. He currently serves as a Staff Specialist at Westmead and St George Public Hospitals (NSW Health), and is a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Liverpool Public Hospital, St George Private, Sydney Southwest Private, Holroyd Private, Norwest Private, and Nepean Private Hospitals.
He adopts a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach rooted in the socio-psycho-biomedical model, utilising both pharmacologic and interventional techniques. These include:
Dr. Adam is an Authorised Prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis and holds a Diploma in Medicinal Cannabis. He is also certified in Opioid Treatment Programs, including Methadone. His areas of interest include opioid dependence management, medicinal cannabis, and interventional pain procedures.
He also completed advanced training in Virtual Reality Therapy for chronic pain and mental health disorders in Barcelona, Spain, and has further qualifications in Focused Psychological Strategies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Clinical Hypnosis.
Qualifications:
