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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Sydney

PainMed Clinic offers evidence-based treatment options for chronic spine and nerve pain, including Radiofrequency Ablation, a minimally invasive procedure designed to provide sustained pain relief. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialist pain physicians in Sydney to explore a personalised management plan.
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Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Safe, Proven, Effective

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic pain by applying heat generated by radio waves to targeted nerves. This heat disrupts pain signals sent from the affected nerve to the brain, providing long-lasting relief without the need for surgery. 

RFA is typically recommended for patients experiencing chronic neck, back, or joint pain that has not responded well to medications, physiotherapy, or other conservative treatments. Candidates often include those with facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or nerve-related pain. Patients who have previously benefited from nerve block injections are especially good candidates for RFA.

At PainMed Clinic, we offer radiofrequency spine treatments as part of a targeted, evidence-based approach to managing chronic pain. These procedures aim to reduce pain, restore mobility, and enhance overall quality of life. Speak with one of our specialists to determine whether Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is an appropriate option for your condition.

Common Neuropathic Pain Conditions We Help With

01

Chronic lower back pain (facet joint pain)

Facet joint pain arises from small joints in the spine and is a common cause of lower back discomfort. RFA can effectively target these joints, providing long-lasting relief for patients struggling with everyday movements.

02

Arthritic joint pain

Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions can trigger persistent pain. Radiofrequency ablation reduces pain signals from affected joints, helping patients maintain independence and reduce reliance on medications.

03

Neuropathic pain

When nerves are damaged or irritated, they can send abnormal pain signals. RFA is often used to treat neuropathic pain, reducing discomfort and improving nerve function.

01

Chronic lower back pain (facet joint pain)

Facet joint pain arises from small joints in the spine and is a common cause of lower back discomfort. RFA can effectively target these joints, providing long-lasting relief for patients struggling with everyday movements.

02

Arthritic joint pain

Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions can trigger persistent pain. Radiofrequency ablation reduces pain signals from affected joints, helping patients maintain independence and reduce reliance on medications.

03

Neuropathic pain

When nerves are damaged or irritated, they can send abnormal pain signals. RFA is often used to treat neuropathic pain, reducing discomfort and improving nerve function.

04

Post-surgical pain

Persistent pain after surgery, such as spinal operations or joint replacements, can be debilitating. RFA offers a non-surgical solution to manage this pain and improve healing outcomes.

05

Other nerve-related pain conditions

Conditions like sciatica, peripheral nerve pain, and sympathetically mediated pain can also benefit from RFA, giving patients an opportunity to reclaim their quality of life.

04

Post-surgical pain

Persistent pain after surgery, such as spinal operations or joint replacements, can be debilitating. RFA offers a non-surgical solution to manage this pain and improve healing outcomes.

05

Other nerve-related pain conditions

Conditions like sciatica, peripheral nerve pain, and sympathetically mediated pain can also benefit from RFA, giving patients an opportunity to reclaim their quality of life.

Types of Radiofrequency Treatment

01

Facet Joint Radiofrequency Ablation

This targets the small joints along the spine that cause neck or back pain, particularly in arthritis. By interrupting nerve signals, it can provide significant, long-term pain relief.

02

Sacroiliac Joint Radiofrequency Ablation

It addresses pain in the sacroiliac joints located at the base of the spine. This radiofrequency spine treatment is ideal for patients with lower back or buttock pain due to sacroiliac dysfunction.

03

Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

This involves treating pain in the limbs or other areas supplied by peripheral nerves, such as post-surgical or trauma-related nerve pain.

01

Facet Joint Radiofrequency Ablation

This targets the small joints along the spine that cause neck or back pain, particularly in arthritis. By interrupting nerve signals, it can provide significant, long-term pain relief.

02

Sacroiliac Joint Radiofrequency Ablation

It addresses pain in the sacroiliac joints located at the base of the spine. This radiofrequency spine treatment is ideal for patients with lower back or buttock pain due to sacroiliac dysfunction.

03

Peripheral Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

This involves treating pain in the limbs or other areas supplied by peripheral nerves, such as post-surgical or trauma-related nerve pain.

04

Sympathetic Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

This treatment focuses on the sympathetic nervous system, often used to relieve pain from conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or vascular pain.

05

Vertebroplasty/Spinal Radiofrequency Ablation

Combining RFA with other procedures stabilises spinal fractures and reduces spinal pain, improving function and reducing medication dependence.

04

Sympathetic Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation

This treatment focuses on the sympathetic nervous system, often used to relieve pain from conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or vascular pain.

05

Vertebroplasty/Spinal Radiofrequency Ablation

Combining RFA with other procedures stabilises spinal fractures and reduces spinal pain, improving function and reducing medication dependence.
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Why Choose PainMed for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

PainMed Clinic is a recognised provider of advanced interventional pain management in Sydney, offering procedures such as radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and regenerative therapies. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care tailored to patients with complex and chronic pain conditions.

Performed by Expert Interventional Pain Specialists

Our team consists of highly experienced interventional pain specialists, many of whom lecture at leading universities and serve as medical examiners in their field. With advanced training in the latest interventional techniques, we are committed to delivering safe, precise, and evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.

State-of-the-art RFA Technologies

At PainMed Clinic, we utilise the latest radiofrequency ablation equipment and image-guided techniques to enhance procedural accuracy, optimise pain relief outcomes, and reduce risks. Our specialists are committed to ongoing professional development and continually upgrade to the most current technologies and evidence-based procedures to ensure the highest standard of patient care.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Every patient’s pain experience is unique, which is why we develop customised treatment plans tailored to your specific condition, goals, and lifestyle needs.

Comprehensive Patient Education and Ṣupport

We believe in empowering patients with knowledge, so we take the time to explain your condition, treatment options, and recovery expectations, offering ongoing support throughout your care journey.

Benefits of Radiofrequency Ablation

  • Lasting pain relief (up to 18 months or longer): Many patients enjoy extended relief after a single treatment.
  • No surgery: RFA is a minimally invasive procedure without the risks of open surgery.
  • Little to no recovery time: Most patients resume normal activities within days.
  • Decreased need for pain medications: RFA can help reduce or eliminate the need for long-term medications.
  • Safe and effective for many chronic pain conditions: RFA is backed by evidence and widely used for a range of pain issues.

Who Are We?

At PainMed Clinic in Sydney, we are dedicated to helping patients overcome pain and reclaim their quality of life. Our team of experienced specialists focuses on the diagnosis and management of complex pain conditions, including back pain, nerve pain, joint disorders, arthritis, and cancer-related pain.

We offer a comprehensive range of services, including radiofrequency spine treatments, spinal cord stimulation, RACZ caudal neurolysis, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. We understand the significant impact chronic pain can have on your ability to work and engage in daily life. Our goal is to deliver targeted, evidence-based treatments—including advanced interventional procedures like RFA, RACZ, and PRP—to support faster recovery, improved function, and long-term quality of life.

With our holistic, evidence-based approach and commitment to compassionate care, PainMed is your trusted partner on the journey to pain relief and improved quality of life.

FAQs

How long will the pain relief last after RFA?
Pain relief typically lasts 6 to 18 months or longer, depending on the condition and individual response.
Most patients can return to work within a few days; however, this can vary depending on the nature of your job and the extent of your procedure.
In most cases, RFA is performed under local anaesthesia, allowing for a relatively quick recovery and enabling some procedures to be safely conducted in a procedure room setting. However, general anaesthesia may be used for certain cases, particularly when multiple levels are treated or when clinically appropriate. The choice of anaesthesia is tailored to the individual’s needs and the complexity of the procedure.

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    Dr. Sally Wride

    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

    Education
    • BSc Hons Physiotherapy (St George Hospital University of London)
    • BA Hons Sports Studies (Brunel University London)
    • MSc in Medicine Pain Management (Sydney University)
    MSc in Medicine Pain Management (Sydney University) Accreditations
    • Titled Pain Physiotherapist (as awarded by Australian Physiotherapy Association
    • Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association
    • Health Professional Councils Authority Registration

    Dr. Baraa Kassim

    Dr. Baraa Kassim is a highly skilled rehabilitation and pain management specialist. With experience in treating patients with complex medical conditions, her expertise spans strokes, neurological, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and geriatric conditions, as well as spasticity management and spinal and brain injury rehabilitation.

    Dr. Adam Mir

    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:

    • Nerve blocks
    • Radiofrequency neurotomy
    • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
    • Spinal cord stimulation
    • Extra Corporal Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT)

    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, Suboxone, and Buprenorphine injections. 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:

    • FFPMANZCA: Fellowship, Faculty of Pain Medicine, ANZCA
    • MMed (Pain Medicine): University of Sydney
    • MD: Medical Doctor
    • Diploma in Child Health: The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
    • Diploma in Medicinal Cannabis: Authorised Prescriber
    • Certificate in Opioid Treatment (Methadone/Suboxone): Australian Chapter of Addiction Medicine
    • Certification in ECSWT: Extra Corporal Shockwave Therapy
    • Focused Psychological Skills (FPS), CBT: Australian Society for Psychological Medicine
    • Clinical Hypnosis: The College of Medical Hypnosis
    • Clinical Hypnosis: The College of Medical Hypnosis
    Languages Spoken: English, Persian (Farsi), Dari

    Dr. Alister Ramachandran

    Dr. Alister Ramachandran, a dual specialist in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, boasts 20+ years of experience. FIPP-certified, he leads Westmead’s pain service, teaches at Sydney University, and is a Faculty of Pain Medicine examiner. His focus remains on delivering evidence-based chronic pain treatment, ensuring comprehensive and effective pain management intervention.