Radiofrequency Ablation in Phoenix, AZ

Radiofrequency ablation may provide lasting relief from chronic neck, back, or joint pain. At Comprehensive Pain Management, we locate the nerves causing your symptoms and create a personalized care plan to reduce pain, improve movement, and help you complete daily activities.

30+ years

Experienced pain management care

Diagnosis first

Confirm the pain source before treatment

Minimally Invasive Care

Target painful nerves without major surgery

Personalized Treatment

Care based on your symptoms and needs

Signs You May Need Radiofrequency Ablation

Certain signs may show that a nerve is causing your pain. An evaluation can find the source and determine if radiofrequency ablation may help.

Ongoing back pain

Pain that returns or does not improve

Long-term lower back pain may come from small joints in the spine.

Chronic neck pain

Pain and stiffness during movement

Worn or irritated neck joints may cause pain when you turn or tilt your head.

Temporary relief from nerve blocks

Pain improved after a test injection

Relief from a diagnostic nerve block may show that a specific nerve carries your pain signals.

Functional impact

Trouble standing, walking, or sleeping

Constant pain can limit normal movement and make simple tasks difficult. Radiofrequency ablation may provide longer-lasting relief for selected patients.

How We Evaluate and Provide Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation starts with finding the cause of your pain. We review your symptoms, medical history, imaging results, physical exam, and past treatments. This helps us find the nerve causing the pain and decide if RFA is right for you.

Initial Consultation

Discuss when your pain began, where you feel it, what makes it worse, and how it affects your normal activities.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Check your movement, strength, tender areas, pain patterns, reflexes, and other physical signs connected to your symptoms.

Diagnostic Nerve Block

Place numbing medicine near a suspected nerve to see whether blocking its signals provides temporary pain relief.

Radiofrequency Ablation Procedure

Guide a thin needle near the targeted nerve and use controlled radiofrequency energy to reduce its ability to send pain signals.

Recovery & Follow-Up

Monitor your response, provide recovery instructions, review your progress, and adjust your long-term pain management plan when needed.

Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment Options

Each patient’s pain is different. We choose the right RFA treatment based on the pain area, health history, exam, and test results. Treatment may target nerves in the lower back, neck, middle back, or joints.

Lower Back

Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation

Target medial branch nerves connected to painful facet joints in the lower back to reduce long-term pain and improve movement.

Neck

Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation

Treat selected nerves near the cervical facet joints when they cause ongoing neck pain, stiffness, or limited motion.

Thoracic Spine

Thoracic Radiofrequency Ablation

Reduce pain signals from selected nerves in the middle back when examination and diagnostic blocks confirm the source.

Joints

Joint Nerve Ablation

Target specific sensory nerves that carry pain signals from an arthritic or painful joint when other treatments provide limited relief.

Testing

Diagnostic Medial Branch Blocks

Temporarily numb selected nerves to confirm whether they carry pain signals from painful spinal joints.

Recovery

Physical Rehabilitation

Improve strength, flexibility, posture, and movement after treatment while reducing stress on the painful area.

Common Conditions We Evaluate

Radiofrequency ablation may help with long-term pain in the neck, back, or joints. The table below lists common conditions and related treatment options.

Condition or Symptom	What You Should Know	Related Treatments
Facet Joint Pain	Neck or back pain from facet joints.	RFA, Medial Branch Blocks
Spinal Arthritis	Stiffness, pain, and limited motion.	RFA, Rehabilitation, Pain Management
Chronic Neck Pain	Pain from irritated neck joints.	Cervical RFA, Diagnostic Nerve Blocks
Chronic Lower Back Pain	Pain from lumbar facet joints.	Lumbar RFA, Medial Branch Blocks
Sacroiliac Joint Pain	Pain in the lower back, hip, or leg.	Nerve Ablation, Injections, Rehabilitation
Chronic Joint Pain	Joint pain that limits daily movement.	Joint Nerve Ablation, Rehabilitation

Meet Our Pain Management Team

Our experienced providers work together to identify painful nerves, explain available procedures, and create personalized care plans that use advanced, minimally invasive treatment methods.

Physician

James KellerShabrokh, D.O.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Specializes in diagnosing spine, joint, muscle, and nerve conditions and creating personalized treatment plans.

Provider

Steven Giacoppo, FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner. Provides patient evaluations, follow-up appointments, and continued support throughout the pain management process.

Provider

Marcelle Hanish, FNP-BC, LAc

Family Nurse Practitioner. Evaluates painful conditions, manages treatment plans, and supports patients through personalized care.

Provider

Emily Brooker, PA-C, MMS

Physician Assistant. Helps evaluate symptoms, monitor treatment results, and provide continued care during recovery.

Insurance, Treatment Plans & Medical Documentation

We help patients understand radiofrequency ablation and guide them through each part of their care. Our team provides clear medical records and creates an appropriate treatment plan based on examination and diagnostic results.

Health Insurance

Coverage depends on your insurance plan and benefits.

Treatment Planning

Our team helps explain available treatment options based on your diagnosis.

Medical Records

We provide clear documentation related to your evaluation and treatment.

Follow-Up Care

We monitor your progress and adjust your plan when needed.

Why CPM

Why Choose Comprehensive Pain Management

Our team works to confirm the source of your pain before recommending radiofrequency ablation. We combine careful testing, clinical experience, and precise procedures to help patients reduce chronic pain, move more comfortably, and return to normal activities.

Experienced Providers

More than 30 years of experience in pain management care.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Personalized care options designed to help avoid surgery when possible.

Precise Diagnosis

Detailed evaluations to identify the cause of your pain and guide treatment.

Patient-Focused Care

Trusted treatment focused on helping patients achieve better outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about radiofrequency ablation, diagnostic testing, appointments, insurance, results, and recovery.

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to treat selected nerve tissue and reduce its ability to carry pain signals to the brain.

How does radiofrequency ablation work?

A doctor places a thin needle near the painful nerve. Radiofrequency energy heats a small area and interrupts pain signals from that nerve.

What conditions may be treated?

RFA may help selected patients with facet joint pain, spinal arthritis, chronic neck pain, lower back pain, or certain joint conditions.

What happens during my first appointment?

We review your symptoms, examine the painful area, discuss previous care, and decide whether you need imaging or a diagnostic nerve block.

Why do I need a diagnostic nerve block?

The block temporarily numbs a suspected nerve. Strong temporary relief may confirm that the nerve carries pain from the affected joint.

Will I be awake during the procedure?

Patients are commonly awake but may receive medicine to help them relax. The treatment area is numbed to reduce discomfort.

Is radiofrequency ablation surgery?

No. RFA is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses needles instead of the large incisions required for major surgery.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure often takes less than one hour. Your total visit may take longer because of preparation and monitoring afterward.

Does radiofrequency ablation hurt?

You may feel pressure, warmth, or mild discomfort. The provider numbs the treatment area and takes steps to keep you comfortable.

How long does recovery take?

Many patients return to light activities within a few days. Your provider will give instructions based on your procedure and health.

Find Relief from Long-Term Pain

Schedule an appointment with our team to identify the source of your pain, find out whether radiofrequency ablation is appropriate, and take the next step toward better movement and daily comfort.