Suprascapular Nerve and Shoulder Joint Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
(A Non-Surgical Option for Chronic Shoulder Pain Relief)
Overview
Suprascapular nerve and shoulder joint radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical option used to treat chronic shoulder pain caused by arthritis or other degenerative conditions. By using targeted heat to interrupt pain signals traveling through specific nerves, this technique offers longer-lasting pain relief for patients who have had success with diagnostic nerve blocks but continue to experience discomfort despite conservative treatments.
At Restore Spine and Pain, this procedure is typically performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for accuracy and safety.
Common Conditions Treated
- Shoulder osteoarthritis
- Chronic shoulder pain after rotator cuff repair
- Persistent pain following shoulder replacement surgery
- Degenerative or post-traumatic shoulder joint pain
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Temporary increase in pain
- Bleeding or infection (rare)
- Lung injury or puncture (very rare)
- Vasovagal response (dizziness or fainting)
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed.
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We ask that you arrange for a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours prior to the procedure. If sedation is planned, please follow the specific sedation protocol provided by our team.
Medications:
- Continue routine medications unless directed otherwise.
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Blood thinners, Aspirin, NSAIDs, and supplements:
- Inform us in advance if you take blood thinners (e.g., Plavix, Eliquis, Xarelto, Coumadin), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), Aspirin, or supplements that increase bleeding risk.
- Certain medications may need to be stopped for a short period of time before the injection.
- Speak with your prescribing provider to ensure it’s safe to temporarily stop these medications.
- Our team will review your medication list and coordinate with your other providers if needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or are feeling unwell.
- You have started antibiotics or had changes to your medications.
Sedation:
Most procedures can be performed comfortably without sedation. However, if you have anxiety or difficulty lying flat, mild sedation may be offered at the discretion of the physician. Please discuss this with your provider in advance.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients:
Steroid injections may raise blood sugar levels for several days.
- Please contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist prior to the procedure for management recommendations.
- Monitor your glucose closely after the injection.
- Report sustained elevations to your managing provider.
What if I am pregnant?
There are serious potential risks to an unborn fetus from imaging used during this procedure (e.g., X-ray/fluoroscopy). If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please notify our team immediately and postpone the injection until pregnancy is ruled out.
Procedure Information
The procedure is performed using sterile technique under real-time X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance.
Step-by-Step Treatment Process
Step 1: Diagnostic Suprascapular or Intra-articular Shoulder Joint Block
A local anesthetic is injected near the suprascapular nerve or into the shoulder joint under image guidance. If significant temporary pain relief is achieved, this confirms that the nerves being targeted are likely contributing to the pain.
Step 2: Confirmatory Block (If Needed)
A second diagnostic injection may be performed to ensure the accuracy of the diagnosis and confirm that the nerve being targeted is the primary pain source
Step 3: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Once diagnostic blocks confirm the source of pain, radiofrequency ablation is performed. A special needle is used to deliver controlled heat to the nerve, disrupting its ability to send pain signals. Pain relief typically lasts 6–12 months or longer.
Monitoring
- You will be monitored during and after the procedure for safety.
Post-Procedure Information
- Relief Timeline: Soreness from the procedure is common. Lasting relief from RFA typically begins within 2–4 weeks.
- Activity: Rest for the remainder of the day. Resume light activities the following day and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.
- Symptom Tracking: Keep a journal of your symptoms for follow-up.
If successful, additional injections may be spaced out over time—typically no more than 3–4 per year in the same region.
Additional Instructions:
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, or worsening pain.
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain and want a non-surgical option, suprascapular nerve or shoulder joint RFA may be right for you. Contact Restore Spine and Pain today to schedule a consultation and explore advanced pain relief options tailored to your needs.