The complete 2026 guide to
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat from a special needle to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves.
For arthritic facet joints in the neck or low back, or for certain knee and sacroiliac joint pain, radiofrequency ablation can offer relief lasting several months to a year or more. The pain physician first confirms the target with diagnostic nerve blocks; if those temporarily relieve pain, RFA is used to create a small, controlled heat lesion on the medial branch nerves so they stop transmitting pain. Because the nerves can regrow over time, the procedure can be repeated. It is widely offered by interventional pain practices across the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
Targets facet-joint nerves in the low back or neck after positive diagnostic blocks.
Treats chronic knee osteoarthritis pain, including for people who are not surgical candidates.
Targets nerves supplying the SI joint for chronic SI-related low back/buttock pain.
A Florida medical license lets a physician practice, but board certification is the signal that a doctor completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board that matches the care you need — and verify it yourself.
Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.
American Academy of Pain Medicine ↗American Society of Anesthesiologists ↗Choose a board-certified doctor — and verify it yourself:
ABMS — Certification Matters ↗ Look up any U.S. physician’s board certification across all 24 ABMS member specialty boards. Florida DOH — License Verification ↗ Confirm an active Florida license and review any disciplinary history. NPI Registry (CMS) ↗ Verify a provider’s national identifier and registered specialty taxonomy. Medicare Care Compare ↗ Compare clinicians, hospitals and facilities on quality measures.