West Valley radiofrequency ablation is performed in office at our Westgate clinic, 6622 North 91st Avenue, Suite 230, under fluoroscopy. The test blocks and the ablation are done in the same place.
Patients come from Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Surprise, Goodyear and Avondale. Visits before and after the procedure can be at Peoria if it is easier.
Radiofrequency ablation fits a specific pattern: an ache in the low back or neck, worse when leaning back, turning or standing still, from the small joints of the spine. It is not designed for sciatica or nerve root pain.
People who have tried therapy, medication and time, and whose pain keeps returning to the same place, are the usual candidates. The examination and a test block decide whether you are one.
First, an assessment and examination. Then a medial branch block, a quick test with local anaesthetic to see whether numbing the nerve removes the pain. If it does clearly, the ablation is scheduled, usually a few weeks later.
The ablation itself uses a thin probe guided by live X-ray. The nerve is tested electrically before any heat is applied, so the right nerve is treated and nearby nerves are left alone.
Expect soreness for about a week, like a deep bruise. Some people feel worse before they feel better, and the full effect usually takes a few weeks to show.
Physical Therapy continues alongside, because the aim is not just a quieter back but a stronger one. The pain-free window is when strengthening finally becomes possible.
Benefits and prior authorization are handled before the date. Most major commercial plans are accepted, most Medicare Advantage plans in Arizona are in network, and AHCCCS is accepted for Pain Management.
Collision injuries can be billed to auto insurance or med-pay, to health insurance, or on a lien with payment held until settlement. Work injuries are billed to the workers’ compensation carrier.
More on radiofrequency ablation, the Westgate clinic in Glendale, and radiofrequency ablation across the Phoenix metro.
Every clinic below has Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture and Pain Management on one chart, so care can move between them without a new referral.
Downtown out through the north, west, south and east suburbs.
Academy, Interquest and Tenderfoot cover the north, central and south of the city.
Harmony in Fort Collins and our Greeley clinic serve Larimer and Weld counties.
Across the Valley, from the West Valley through Phoenix to the East Valley.
At our Westgate clinic in Glendale, 6622 North 91st Avenue, Suite 230, in office under fluoroscopy.
No. The block is the short test; the ablation is the longer-lasting treatment that follows a positive test.
Usually not. RFA targets joint pain in the spine. Nerve root pain is treated differently.
Usually under an hour in the procedure room, plus check-in and a short rest.
Yes, if it helped and the pain returns as the nerve regrows.
Often, yes, sometimes on separate days. The plan is set at the assessment.
Yes. It can be billed to auto or med-pay, your health plan, or a lien that waits for the settlement.
No. Book an assessment directly.
Radiofrequency ablation is performed in office at our Westgate clinic in Glendale. No referral is needed to be evaluated, and appointments are usually available within the same week.
