Radiofrequency COOLIEF* for Chronic Knee Pain: What to Expect

If you've been dealing with chronic knee pain, you know firsthand that it can significantly affect your quality of life. Chronic knee pain can hinder simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs or get in the way of enjoying your favorite activities like gardening or playing with your kids. 

Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have resulted in new ways to manage and relieve this pain. One such breakthrough is radiofrequency COOLIEF*, a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that has shown tremendous results in relieving chronic knee pain. 

At Liberty Pain Associates in Flower Mound and the Alliance/Keller office in Fort Worth, Texas, Sathya Bhandari, MD, and her team of highly skilled specialists have earned a reputation as the go-to place for this cutting-edge treatment.

Here, she explains how this game-changing therapy works and what to expect from the procedure.

What is radiofrequency COOLIEF*?

Radiofrequency COOLIEF* is an advanced outpatient procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to target and treat the nerves responsible for sending pain signals from your knee to your brain. 

Instead of relying on medications or invasive surgeries, COOLIEF* addresses the root cause of the pain. It uses cooled radiofrequency energy to heat the pain-transmitting nerves safely, blocking their ability to send pain signals. It's like flipping a switch on the nerves to halt their transmission of pain.

What to expect from the procedure

Before undergoing COOLIEF*, it's essential to consult with Dr. Bhandari to determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.

Before the procedure

Ahead of the procedure, we give you clear-cut instructions on how to prepare. You may need to stop taking certain medications and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

During the procedure

To start, we clean the area around your knee and administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. We then insert a thin, needle-like tube into the tissue near the nerves that are causing the pain. With the help of live X-ray images, we ensure that the tube is precisely positioned. 

Radiofrequency energy is then passed through the tube, heating and ablating the nerves. The cooling technology of COOLIEF* allows the treatment area to be larger than traditional radiofrequency ablation, which can result in more effective pain relief.

After the procedure

Once the procedure is complete, we monitor you briefly before allowing you to go home. Most people experience only minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities within a few days. It's essential to follow the post-procedure instructions we give you.

Benefits of radiofrequency COOLIEF*

One of the primary benefits of radiofrequency COOLIEF* is the significant reduction in knee pain, which can last 6-12 months or even longer for some people. This can significantly improve your ability to engage in daily activities and enhance your quality of life.

Additionally, COOLIEF* is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it doesn't require incisions or general anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with traditional surgery.

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. These are minimal in the case of COOLIEF* but may include temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the site of the procedure.

Radiofrequency COOLIEF* has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional treatment for chronic knee pain. It's minimally invasive and offers effective, long-term pain relief, making it an option worth considering for anyone suffering from chronic knee pain. 

If you're struggling with chronic knee pain and searching for an innovative approach to reclaim your life, don't hesitate to book an appointment online with us today or call 972-355-9038 to explore your options with COOLIEF*.