Intervention

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Rhizotomy is a safe, proven means of relieving pain by interrupting pain signals sent from nerves in the body. In many cases Rhizotomy is becoming a viable alternative to surgery for patients seeking medium to long-term pain relief depending on their specific circumstances. Radiofrequency current is used to heat up and ablate a small volume of nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals from that specific area. Clinical data shows that radiofrequency treatment can effectively provide lasting pain relief. The degree of pain relief varies depending on the cause and location of the pain. More than 70% of patients treated with radiofrequency ablation report experiencing pain relief. If you experience chronic, persistent pain that has not improved with conservative management such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone or epidural injections; ask your doctor if Radiofrequency Ablation/ Rhizotomy may be right you. Western Radiology’s highly trained and experienced radiologists perform Rhizotomy on a daily basis for a number of common joint related pain conditions. Patients are bulk-billed for this service when referred by G.P. or specialist.

Patient information brochure

Neck & Back RF Patient Information

Hip RF Patient Brochure

Knee RF Patient Brochure

Platelet Rich Therapy (PRP) is a promising solution to increase the healing of osteoarthritis and tendon injuries naturally. By using the body’s own cells and supplementing them at the site of pain or trauma to the body; the PRP injection works to stimulate the healing process and relieve pain. PRP is now finding a place in supplanting the traditional use of steroid injection for the relief of pain because of the additional benefit of helping the body heal itself in the process e.g., an osteoarthritic knee.

The procedure is done by using the patient’s own blood and specially prepared platelets are taken from this blood sample and re-injected into the affected area utilising CT or Ultrasound guidance. This treatment is designed to promote long term healing and should not be regarded as a ‘quick-fix’ procedure. Patients are recommended to follow a course of physical therapy and proper rehabilitation to obtain the best results.

This procedure does not attract a Medicare rebate and as such, patients pay a private account on the day.

Patients should consider PRP treatment if they have been diagnosed with any of the following:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Knee tendonitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Osteoarthritis

A recent ultrasound or MRI scan prior to injection to confirm diagnosis and pinpoint the injection site and whether PRP is right for you. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) e.g. Voltaren, Nurofen etc will interfere with the platelet function. Therefore, patients must stop NSAIDs 7 days before and after the PRP injection procedure.

• Pain Management Injection Options
• Musculoskeletal Injections
• Diagnostic & Therapeutic Interventions (including Oncology services)