Radiofrequency Ablation in Dallas–Fort Worth
Longer-lasting relief for arthritic neck, back and knee pain. Radiofrequency ablation quiets the specific nerves carrying your pain — often for a year or more — without surgery.
Performed in Lewisville by double board-certified interventional pain physicians, serving patients from across Dallas–Fort Worth.
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What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also called a rhizotomy or radiofrequency neurotomy, uses precisely controlled heat to switch off the small sensory nerves that carry pain from an arthritic joint. A specialized needle is guided to the nerve with live X-ray, and a gentle radiofrequency current creates a tiny lesion that stops the nerve from sending pain signals. The joint itself is not changed — the pain message simply stops getting through.
Because the treated nerves are sensory nerves, RFA does not affect muscle strength or movement. Over time the nerves regenerate, which is why relief is long-lasting but not always permanent. When pain returns, the procedure can usually be repeated with similar results.
Where RFA Helps Most
- Low back pain from facet joint arthritis — the most common use. Many patients who have “tried everything” for arthritic back pain find RFA is the first thing that gives them lasting relief. Read one patient’s story.
- Neck pain and headaches from cervical facet joints — including some whiplash-related pain.
- Knee osteoarthritis (genicular RFA) — for patients who want to avoid or delay knee replacement, or who still have pain after one. How genicular procedures work.
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain — pain in the low back and buttock that often worsens with sitting or standing up.
- Hip and shoulder arthritis — in selected patients.
Test First: Why RFA Starts With Diagnostic Blocks
We do not ablate nerves on a guess. Before RFA, you will have diagnostic blocks — usually medial branch blocks for the spine or genicular nerve blocks for the knee. These temporarily numb the exact nerves we plan to treat. If your pain drops substantially for the few hours the anesthetic lasts, we have confirmed the pain generator, and RFA is very likely to help. As Dr. John Broadnax explains, identifying the source first is what makes the procedure so effective.
How Long Does Radiofrequency Ablation Last?
Most patients who respond well experience relief for about six months to two years, and many report a year or longer. Relief usually builds over two to three weeks as the treated nerves stop firing. With less pain, it becomes much easier to stay active, build strength and keep weight off — all of which help protect your joints long after the procedure.
Related Treatments & Conditions
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- You have chronic neck, back, knee or SI joint pain lasting more than three months
- Your pain is related to arthritis or joint degeneration rather than a pinched nerve
- Diagnostic nerve blocks gave you strong but temporary relief
- Steroid injections help less or wear off quickly
- You want to avoid surgery or reduce pain medication
If your main symptom is pain shooting down the leg, an epidural steroid injection may be a better fit. Your physician will help sort out which approach matches your pain.
What to Expect
- Before: Two diagnostic blocks, scheduled on separate days, to confirm you are a candidate.
- During: Local anesthetic and optional light sedation. Your physician places the RFA needles with live X-ray, confirms position with a brief stimulation test, then treats each nerve. Most procedures take 30–60 minutes.
- After: You go home the same day with a driver. Soreness or a sunburn-like sensation near the treated area for one to two weeks is common and expected.
- Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, with full benefit at two to three weeks.
Meet Our Pain Management Specialists
Dr. John Broadnax
Double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management. Former “Chicago’s Top Docs” nominee. Board of Directors, Illinois Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Now proudly serving the Dallas-Fort Worth community.
Dr. Eric Anderson
Double board-certified in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Management with over two decades of experience. Dr. Anderson’s mission: world-class pain care in an encouraging, educational environment where patients feel empowered to take control of their health.
Our care team also includes Riley Bingham, PA-C (UT Southwestern trained) and Megan Bridges, NP — ensuring comprehensive, attentive care at every visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Radiofrequency Ablation
The skin is numbed and light sedation is available. You may feel pressure and brief discomfort during testing. Afterward, soreness near the treated area is common for one to two weeks and usually responds to ice and over-the-counter medication.
RFA provides long-lasting relief, commonly six months to two years, but the treated nerves can regenerate over time. If pain returns, the procedure can usually be repeated with similar benefit.
Diagnostic blocks confirm that the nerves we plan to treat are actually causing your pain. Patients who get strong temporary relief from these blocks are much more likely to get lasting relief from RFA, and insurers usually require them.
Medicare and most commercial plans cover RFA for facet joint pain when diagnostic blocks show a strong response, typically with prior authorization. Coverage for knee RFA varies by plan. Call (972) 866-4246 or submit a benefit verification request and our team will check your specific benefits.
No. RFA targets small sensory nerves that carry pain from the joint, not the nerves that control your muscles, so strength and movement are not affected.
Our office is inside Medical City of Lewisville Hospital at 500 W Main St, Suite 230. It is about 15–20 minutes from Carrollton via I-35E and roughly 40–50 minutes from Arlington via SH 360 and SH 114. Free on-site parking is available.
Serving Patients Across Dallas–Fort Worth
RFA is a short, outpatient procedure, and patients come to our Lewisville office from across Dallas and Tarrant counties for it.
Advanced Pain Institute of Texas is located at 500 West Main St, Suite 230, Lewisville, TX 75057, inside Medical City of Lewisville Hospital, with free on-site parking.
| From | Approx. drive | Typical route |
|---|---|---|
| Carrollton | 15–20 min | I-35E North |
| Arlington | 40–50 min | SH 360 North and SH 114 East to I-35E North |
| Dallas | 25–30 min | I-35E North |
| Keller | 25–30 min | SH 114 East to I-35E North |
| Southlake | 25–30 min | SH 114 East to I-35E North |
| Denton | 20–25 min | I-35E South |
| Colleyville | 25–30 min | SH 121 North to I-35E North |
| Grapevine | 20–25 min | SH 121 North to I-35E North |
Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Contact Us
Phone: (972) 866-4246
Fax: (972) 866-4249
Email: contact@apitexas.com
Request an Appointment
Ready to take the first step toward lasting pain relief? Fill out the form below or call us directly at (972) 866-4246. Our team will contact you within one business day to schedule your consultation.