Medically reviewed by Dr Diana Chan Xin Hui, Anaesthesiologist & Pain Specialist (MBBS, MMED (Anaesthesia), MCI, FAMS, GDA, EDRA, FIPP). Last Updated: July 14, 2026

Treatments

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain Management in Singapore

Persistent pain can affect every aspect of daily life, making it difficult to work, exercise, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities. If medications, physiotherapy, or injections have not provided lasting relief, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be an option. This minimally invasive procedure uses targeted heat to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves, providing longer-lasting relief without the need for major surgery. At Advanced Pain Specialists, Dr Diana Chan performs image-guided RFA as part of a personalised treatment plan based on the underlying cause of your pain.

Our Doctor

Dr Diana Chan: Radiofrequency Ablation Pain Specialist in Singapore

Dr Diana Chan is a Pain Medicine Specialist with over 20 years of experience and more than 2,000 pain procedures performed. She is the former Head of the Department of Pain Medicine at Singapore General Hospital and founder of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Pain Centre. With experience in image-guided interventional pain procedures, she performs radiofrequency ablation to help relieve chronic spine, joint, nerve, and cancer-related pain while helping patients reduce pain and improve daily function.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive, image-guided pain procedure used to treat chronic pain arising from specific nerves. It works by applying controlled heat to carefully selected nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals, helping reduce or interrupt those signals before they reach the brain.

Unlike surgery, RFA does not involve large incisions or the removal of tissue. The procedure is typically performed as a day procedure using a small specialised needle guided into position with X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound for accuracy.

How Radiofrequency Ablation Works

Pain is carried from different parts of the body to the brain through nerves. In some chronic pain conditions, these nerves continue sending pain signals even after the original injury has healed or when ongoing inflammation continues to irritate them.

During radiofrequency ablation, a specialised needle is placed next to the targeted nerve using imaging guidance. Controlled radiofrequency energy generates heat at the needle tip, creating a small, carefully controlled lesion on the nerve. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals while preserving surrounding muscles and most normal movement.

How Long Does Pain Relief Last?

Pain relief following radiofrequency ablation varies from person to person and depends on the condition being treated. Many patients experience relief for 6 to 18 months, although some may benefit for a shorter or longer period.

Over time, the treated nerve may gradually regenerate, allowing pain signals to return. If you previously responded well to radiofrequency ablation and your pain recurs, the procedure can often be repeated, provided it remains appropriate for your condition.

Conditions Radiofrequency Ablation Can Treat

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can be used to manage a wide range of chronic pain conditions by interrupting pain signals from specific nerves. The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pain, which is why a thorough assessment is always performed before recommending RFA.

Neck & Back Pain

Radiofrequency ablation is commonly used to treat chronic pain arising from the small facet joints of the spine, particularly when pain has persisted despite medication or physiotherapy.

Joint Pain

RFA can help relieve persistent joint pain by targeting the nerves supplying the painful joint, particularly when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief or surgery is not appropriate.

Trigeminal Neuralgia & Facial Pain

For selected patients with facial nerve pain, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) may be used to reduce pain while preserving nerve function.

Postherpetic Neuralgia (Shingles Nerve Pain)

Persistent nerve pain following shingles can sometimes respond to pulsed radiofrequency, particularly when medication alone has not provided adequate relief.

This treatment may help reduce ongoing burning, stabbing, or electric shock-like pain in carefully selected patients.

Pelvic Pain

RFA can be used as part of an interventional pain management plan for selected chronic pelvic pain conditions where specific nerves have been identified as the source of pain.

Cancer Pain

For some patients with cancer-related pain, RFA can help interrupt pain signals from specific nerves as part of a comprehensive pain management plan.

Who Is a Candidate for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?

Radiofrequency ablation is not suitable for every type of pain. It is most effective when a specific pain-generating nerve has been accurately identified and conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief.

You may be a suitable candidate for RFA if you:

Have chronic neck, back, joint, or nerve pain that has persisted for several months
Continue to experience pain despite medication, physiotherapy, or activity modification
Experienced significant temporary pain relief after a diagnostic nerve block, confirming the source of your pain
Want a minimally invasive alternative before considering surgery
Have pain that is affecting your mobility, work, sleep, or quality of life

The best way to determine whether RFA is appropriate is through a comprehensive assessment. Dr Diana Chan reviews your symptoms, examination findings, previous treatments, and imaging before recommending the most suitable treatment.

How Dr Diana Chan Performs Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed under imaging guidance to ensure the treatment is delivered accurately and safely.

Before the Procedure

Before recommending RFA, Dr Diana Chan performs a detailed assessment to confirm that the targeted nerve is responsible for your pain. This may include reviewing your symptoms and medical history, examining previous MRI, CT, or X-ray imaging or performing a diagnostic nerve block, which temporarily numbs the suspected nerve

A positive response to the diagnostic block is one of the strongest indicators that radiofrequency ablation is likely to provide longer-lasting pain relief.

During the Procedure

The procedure is usually performed as a day procedure under local anaesthetic and sedation. Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance), Dr Chan carefully positions a specialised needle next to the targeted nerve. A small amount of local anaesthetic is first administered before controlled radiofrequency energy is applied to the nerve.

The heat interrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals while preserving surrounding muscles and normal movement.

Most procedures take approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of treatment areas.

Recovery After the Procedure

Most patients return home on the same day.

It’s normal to experience mild soreness around the treatment site for several days. As the treated nerve stops transmitting pain signals, improvement is usually gradual over the following two to six weeks.

Your recovery plan may also include physiotherapy, stretching, or strengthening exercises to help maximise long-term outcomes.

Radiofrequency Ablation vs Other Pain Treatments

Several treatments can help manage chronic pain, but each works differently. The most appropriate option depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Treatment	How It Works	Best For	Duration of Relief	Minimally Invasive
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)	Uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals from targeted nerves.	Chronic pain after the pain source has been identified, often following a successful diagnostic nerve block.	Typically 6–18 months (varies by patient).	Yes
Nerve Block	Injects local anaesthetic, with or without steroid medication, to temporarily interrupt pain signals and reduce inflammation.	Diagnosing the source of pain and providing temporary pain relief.	Usually weeks to months.	Yes
Steroid Injection	Delivers anti-inflammatory medication around irritated nerves or joints.	Pain where inflammation is the main cause, such as inflamed joints or irritated nerve roots.	Usually weeks to months.	Yes
Surgery	Removes or repairs the underlying structural cause of pain.	Conditions requiring surgical correction or when non-surgical treatments are no longer appropriate.	Varies depending on the condition and procedure.	No

Is Radiofrequency Ablation Safe?

Radiofrequency ablation is a well-established procedure that has been used in pain medicine for many years. When performed by an experienced pain specialist using image guidance, it is generally considered safe.

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, although serious complications are uncommon.

Possible risks include:

Temporary soreness at the treatment site
Mild bruising
Temporary numbness or increased sensitivity
Bleeding (<0.1%)
Infection (<0.5%)
Incomplete or short-lived pain relief
Rare nerve injury (<0.5%)

Before treatment, Dr Diana Chan will explain the potential benefits, limitations, and risks of RFA, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect and whether the procedure is appropriate for your condition.

Why Choose Dr Diana Chan for Radiofrequency Ablation?

Specialist in Spine, Joint & Nerve Pain

More Than 20 Years of Pain Medicine Experience

Extensive Experience in Image-Guided RFA Procedures

Focus on Minimally Invasive Pain Relief

Singapore's Only Female Private Pain Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

How long does RFA pain relief last?

Pain relief typically lasts 6 to 18 months, although this varies depending on the condition being treated and how your body responds. As the treated nerve gradually regenerates, symptoms may return over time.

Is RFA painful?

Most patients tolerate RFA well. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation when necessary, to keep you comfortable. Mild soreness afterwards is common and usually settles within a few days.

Is RFA surgery?

No. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive, needle-based procedure, not open surgery. It does not involve large incisions and is typically performed as a day procedure.

Can RFA be repeated?

Yes. If your pain returns after the nerve regenerates and you previously responded well to treatment, RFA can often be repeated following reassessment by your pain specialist.

Will I be awake?

You will usually be sedated but you can choose to be awake if you prefer. RFA procedures are performed under local anaesthetic and sedation, and some patients may also receive light sedation if appropriate. Remaining awake allows you to provide feedback during parts of the procedure when needed.

Can I drive home afterwards?

It is generally recommended that you arrange for someone to drive you home, particularly if you’ve received sedation. Dr Diana Chan will advise you based on the procedure performed.

Will insurance cover RFA?

Many Integrated Shield Plans and corporate insurance plans may cover eligible consultations and procedures, subject to your policy terms and insurer approval. Our team can help verify your coverage and assist with the claims process.

When will I notice pain relief?

Some patients notice improvement within a few days, while for others it may take two to six weeks as the treated nerve stops transmitting pain signals. The timeline varies depending on the condition being treated and your individual response.