Explore pain conditions

The lumbar epidural space lies inside the spinal canal, outside the protective membrane around the spinal nerves. In most adults, the spinal cord ends near the upper lumbar spine, while the cauda equina nerve roots continue through the lower lumbar canal. A herniated disc or narrowed spinal canal can irritate or compress these nerve roots and contribute to inflammation and radiating pain. The injection delivers a corticosteroid directly into that space, suppressing the inflammation at its source. As swelling decreases, pressure on the nerves is relieved and pain signals diminish. A local anesthetic is included for immediate comfort while the steroid takes effect over the following days.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, and patients are commonly awake. Your care team explains each step, positions you carefully, and uses local anesthetic to numb the skin. Additional comfort measures may be used when clinically appropriate. Using fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance, a thin needle is directed precisely into the epidural space. Contrast dye confirms correct placement before the medication is delivered. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, and most patients experience only mild pressure during the injection. You can return home the same day and resume most daily activities within 24 hours.

To explore Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection as an option for your back pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The medial branch nerves are small nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints in your lumbar spine to the brain. By injecting anesthetic near these nerves, their ability to transmit pain is temporarily interrupted. The amount and duration of relief after the block can help your physician assess whether the facet joints contribute to the pain and whether radiofrequency ablation may be appropriate. The decision also depends on the clinical evaluation, response threshold, number of diagnostic blocks, and payer requirements.

The procedure takes place in an outpatient setting. Your doctor uses fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to identify the exact position of the medial branch nerves along the lumbar spine. After numbing the skin, a thin needle is advanced to the target location and anesthetic is injected. The procedure is typically completed in 15 to 30 minutes and involves minimal discomfort. Pain relief is usually felt within minutes. You can walk out of the office and return to normal activities the same day.

To explore Lumbar Medial Branch Block as an option for your back pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Lumbar Medial Branch Block and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Once a medial branch block has confirmed the lumbar facet joints as your pain source, RFA delivers targeted radiofrequency energy through a small electrode placed near those same nerves. The controlled heat creates a precise lesion that disrupts the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals. Motor nerves are not affected. With the pain pathway interrupted, relief sets in and can persist for six months to over a year. If pain returns, the procedure can be safely repeated.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia and mild sedation for comfort. Your doctor uses fluoroscopic guidance to position a thin electrode needle precisely next to the targeted nerves. Sensory and motor testing confirms correct placement before the radiofrequency energy is applied. You may feel a brief warmth or tingling sensation during treatment. The full procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the number of nerves treated. Most patients return to their normal routine within one to two days.

To explore Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation as an option for your back pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Lumbar Radiofrequency Ablation and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The sacroiliac joints bear a significant portion of upper body weight and are subject to strain, inflammation, and arthritis. When inflamed, SI joint pain can mimic lumbar disc pain or sciatica, making it difficult to identify without targeted testing. The injection delivers corticosteroid and anesthetic directly into the joint capsule under fluoroscopic guidance. The anti-inflammatory medication reduces joint swelling and irritation while the anesthetic provides immediate relief. The diagnostic component is equally important: if your pain resolves after the injection, it confirms the SI joint as the source.

You lie face down on a procedure table while your doctor cleans the skin over the injection site. Fluoroscopic (live X-ray) imaging is used to precisely target the SI joint. After a local anesthetic numbs the area, a thin needle is guided into the joint and the medication is injected. The procedure is typically completed in 15 to 30 minutes. Most patients feel relief quickly and can resume light activity the same day with Many patients resume light activities the same day, but restrictions vary. Follow your clinician's instructions about driving, work, exercise, and other activities.

To explore Sacroiliac Joint Injection as an option for your back pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Sacroiliac Joint Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Vertebral compression fractures occur when weakened bone collapses under the weight of the body, causing sudden, severe back pain and height loss. Kyphoplasty addresses this by inserting a small balloon-like device into the fractured vertebra and inflating it to create a cavity and partially restore the vertebra's original height. The balloon is then removed and the cavity is filled with medical-grade bone cement, which hardens quickly to stabilize the fracture. This mechanical stabilization eliminates the micromotion causing pain and reinforces the vertebra against further collapse.

The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia in an outpatient or hospital setting. Using fluoroscopic guidance, your doctor makes a small incision and inserts a narrow tube into the fractured vertebra. A balloon is inflated to create space, then removed before bone cement is injected to fill the cavity. The cement hardens within minutes. The procedure takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours and can resume light activities within a few days.

To explore Kyphoplasty as an option for your back pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Kyphoplasty and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The epidural space runs along the full length of the spinal cord. When spinal structures compress or irritate the nerve roots, inflammation develops in this space and intensifies pain signals. Injecting corticosteroid into this area suppresses the inflammatory response directly, reducing nerve irritation and restoring normal pain signaling. A local anesthetic provides immediate relief while the steroid's full effect builds over several days. The injection can be targeted to the specific spinal level causing symptoms.

You remain awake and comfortable in an outpatient setting. After cleaning the injection site and numbing the skin with a local anesthetic, your doctor uses fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to direct a thin needle to the precise location in the epidural space. Contrast dye confirms correct placement before the medication is delivered. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes. You can expect to go home the same day and resume most normal activities within 24 hours.

To explore Epidural Steroid Injection as an option for your spine pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Epidural Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Facet joints connect the vertebrae of the spine and allow for smooth bending and rotation. When these joints become arthritic or inflamed, they generate localized pain that may radiate into the back, buttocks, or limbs. Injecting anesthetic and corticosteroid directly into the affected joint numbs the pain immediately while the steroid reduces ongoing inflammation. If the injection significantly relieves your pain, it confirms the facet joint as the source and opens the door to longer-lasting treatments such as radiofrequency ablation.

Your doctor uses fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to visualize the facet joint and direct a thin needle to the precise target. After positioning the needle, medication is injected. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and causes only mild pressure. You can return to normal activity the same day with no recovery period required.

To explore Facet Joint Injection as an option for your spine pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Facet Joint Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Each facet joint in the spine is supplied by two medial branch nerves that relay pain signals to the brain. By temporarily numbing these nerves with anesthetic, the pain pathway from the joint is interrupted. The amount and duration of relief can help determine whether radiofrequency ablation may be appropriate. The number of diagnostic blocks and required response threshold vary based on the clinical situation and payer policy. RFA interrupts pain-signal transmission for an extended period, but nerves can regenerate and pain can return.

In an outpatient setting, your doctor uses fluoroscopic guidance to locate the medial branch nerves at the appropriate spinal levels. After numbing the skin, a thin needle is advanced to the target nerve and anesthetic is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes with minimal discomfort. Pain relief is typically felt within minutes. Driving and activity guidance depends on your response and whether sedation was used. Arrange transportation if instructed and follow your care team's discharge guidance.

To explore Medial Branch Block as an option for your spine pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Medial Branch Block and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

After a medial branch block has confirmed the facet joints as the pain source, RFA delivers radiofrequency energy through a small electrode positioned next to the targeted nerves. The controlled heat creates a precise lesion that disrupts the nerve's ability to send pain signals without affecting surrounding tissues or motor function. The result is long-lasting relief that can persist well beyond a year. The procedure can be repeated safely if pain gradually returns as nerves regenerate.

You remain awake with local anesthesia and light sedation in an outpatient setting. Fluoroscopic guidance is used to position a thin electrode needle adjacent to the targeted nerves. Sensory and motor testing confirms precise placement, then radiofrequency energy is applied. You may feel mild warmth during the treatment. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and most patients return to their normal routine within one to two days.

To explore Radiofrequency Ablation as an option for your spine pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Radiofrequency Ablation and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Spinal cord stimulation works by modulating pain signals in the dorsal column of the spinal cord. Thin leads containing small electrodes are placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord and connected to a small pulse generator implanted under the skin. The device delivers low-level electrical impulses that interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain, replacing them with a mild, often barely noticeable sensation. Patients typically try a temporary trial system for 5 to 7 days to confirm effectiveness before proceeding with permanent implantation.

The trial procedure involves placing temporary leads in the epidural space under local anesthesia. If the trial relieves at least 50 percent of your pain, you proceed to permanent implantation. The permanent procedure places the leads and a small pulse generator under the skin, typically in the flank or buttock area. The generator is programmable and the patient can adjust stimulation intensity. Recovery from permanent implantation is approximately two to four weeks, after which you can resume normal activities with long-term pain relief.

To explore Spinal Cord Stimulation as an option for your spine pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Spinal Cord Stimulation and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The hip is a deep ball-and-socket joint that can develop significant inflammation from arthritis, cartilage damage, or repetitive stress. Injecting corticosteroid directly into the joint capsule suppresses that inflammatory response at its source. This reduces swelling, decreases pressure on sensitive nerve endings within the joint, and alleviates pain. The local anesthetic provides immediate comfort while the steroid builds its full anti-inflammatory effect over several days. Imaging guidance ensures the medication reaches exactly the right location deep within the joint.

You lie on your back or side on a procedure table while your doctor uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to visualize the hip joint. After cleaning the skin and numbing the entry point, a thin needle is guided into the joint capsule and the medication is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and is well tolerated. You can stand and walk immediately afterward and resume normal activities the same day.

To explore Hip Joint Injection as an option for your hip pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Hip Joint Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The greater trochanteric bursa cushions the bony prominence on the outer hip (greater trochanter) from friction with overlying tendons. When this bursa becomes irritated —from repetitive motion, a fall, or prolonged walking— it swells and produces sharp lateral hip pain that may radiate down the outer thigh. Injecting corticosteroid directly into the bursa quiets the inflammatory process, reduces swelling, and relieves the pressure and friction causing pain. Relief can be felt within days and often lasts for several months.

You lie on your side with the affected hip facing up. Your doctor locates the trochanteric bursa using anatomical landmarks or ultrasound guidance, then cleans and numbs the skin. A needle is inserted into the bursa and the corticosteroid is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and involves minimal discomfort. Many patients resume light activities the same day, but restrictions vary. Follow your clinician's instructions about driving, work, exercise, and other activities.

To explore Greater Trochanteric Bursa Injection as an option for your hip pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Greater Trochanteric Bursa Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The sensory nerves that supply the hip joint —including the articular branches of the femoral and obturator nerves— transmit pain signals to the brain. Radiofrequency ablation uses precisely targeted heat to create a lesion on these nerves, disrupting their ability to send pain signals without affecting motor function or surrounding tissue. This provides relief that typically lasts 6 to 12 months or longer. Patients who first receive a diagnostic hip nerve block and experience significant relief are the best candidates for this procedure.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and light sedation. Using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance, your doctor positions electrode needles adjacent to the sensory nerves of the hip. After confirming correct placement with nerve testing, radiofrequency energy is applied to each nerve. You may notice a mild warmth during treatment. The full procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and most patients return to their normal routine within one to two days.

To explore Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection as an option for your back pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

When lumbar nerve roots are compressed or irritated, the resulting inflammation sends pain signals traveling down the sciatic nerve into the buttocks, thigh, calf, and foot. An epidural steroid injection places corticosteroid directly into the epidural space at the level where the nerve is inflamed. This reduces swelling around the nerve root, quiets the inflammatory response, and significantly decreases the intensity of radiating leg pain. A local anesthetic provides additional immediate relief while the steroid takes full effect.

You remain awake and comfortable throughout the outpatient procedure. Your doctor uses fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to direct a thin needle to the precise location in the lumbar epidural space. Contrast dye confirms proper placement before the medication is injected. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and most patients experience only mild pressure. You can go home the same day and resume most normal activities within 24 hours.

To explore Epidural Steroid Injection as an option for your leg pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Epidural Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Neurostimulation —also known as peripheral nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation for leg pain— works by delivering low-level electrical pulses that interfere with pain signals in the nerve pathways serving the legs. The electrical impulses compete with and override pain signals, preventing them from registering in the brain as pain. This approach is especially valuable for patients with neuropathic leg pain, complex regional pain syndrome, or chronic sciatic pain that has not responded adequately to injections or medication. A trial period allows patients to evaluate the level of relief before committing to permanent implantation.

The trial phase involves placing thin electrode leads near the targeted nerves under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. A small external device delivers the electrical stimulation for 5 to 7 days while you go about your daily life and track your pain levels. If the trial relieves at least 50 percent of your pain, a small permanent pulse generator is implanted. The permanent device is programmable, allowing you to adjust stimulation to match your activity and comfort level throughout the day.

To explore Neurostimulation as an option for your leg pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Neurostimulation and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Once a diagnostic nerve block has identified the specific nerves responsible for your leg pain, RFA uses precisely applied heat to create a lesion on those nerves that disrupts their ability to transmit pain signals. The procedure targets only sensory nerves, leaving motor function intact. For patients with chronic leg pain related to facet joint-mediated nerve irritation or identifiable peripheral nerve involvement, RFA can provide relief that significantly outlasts the temporary results of injections alone.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia and light sedation. Your doctor uses fluoroscopic guidance to position electrode needles precisely at the target nerves. After confirming placement with sensory and motor testing, radiofrequency energy is applied. You may feel mild warmth during the treatment. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and most patients resume normal activities within one to two days.

To explore Radiofrequency Ablation as an option for your leg pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Radiofrequency Ablation and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

A nerve block delivers anesthetic —and sometimes corticosteroid— directly adjacent to the nerve responsible for your leg pain. The anesthetic temporarily prevents the nerve from transmitting pain signals, providing rapid relief. The diagnostic value is equally important: if the block substantially reduces your pain, it confirms which nerve is involved and helps your doctor create the most effective long-term treatment plan. For many patients, a positive nerve block response is the first step toward radiofrequency ablation for lasting relief.

Your doctor uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to precisely locate the target nerve. After cleaning and numbing the skin, a thin needle is advanced to the nerve and medication is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and causes minimal discomfort. The anesthetic takes effect within minutes, providing rapid pain relief. Many patients resume light activities the same day, but restrictions vary. Follow your clinician's instructions about driving, work, exercise, and other activities.

To explore Nerve Block as an option for your leg pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Nerve Block and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The genicular nerves (superior medial, superior lateral, and inferior medial) are the primary sensory nerves of the knee. By injecting anesthetic adjacent to these nerves, pain transmission from the knee to the brain is temporarily blocked. This provides immediate relief and —importantly— identifies whether these nerves are the primary source of your knee pain. The response to a genicular nerve block can help your physician determine whether genicular radiofrequency ablation may be appropriate. Clinical findings and payer requirements also affect candidacy.

You lie comfortably while your doctor uses fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance to locate the genicular nerves around the knee joint. After cleaning the skin and numbing the entry points, a thin needle is directed to each nerve location and anesthetic is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and is well tolerated. Most patients walk out of the office with noticeably reduced pain and can resume normal activities immediately.

Osteoarthritis and other inflammatory knee conditions cause the joint lining (synovium) to produce excess inflammatory fluid, which swells the knee and amplifies pain. A corticosteroid injected directly into the joint capsule suppresses this inflammation at its source. The steroid reduces the production of inflammatory chemicals, decreases swelling, and relieves pressure on sensitive nerve endings within the joint. A local anesthetic included in the injection provides additional immediate relief. Most patients notice significant improvement within days, with relief lasting weeks to months.

Your doctor positions you comfortably and cleans the skin over the injection site. Using palpation or ultrasound guidance, a thin needle is directed into the knee joint space. If excess fluid is present in the joint, it may be drained before the steroid is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can stand and walk immediately after and resume normal activities the same day.

To explore Knee Steroid Injection as an option for your knee pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Knee Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Healthy joint fluid contains hyaluronic acid, which acts as both a lubricant and shock absorber. In arthritic knees, natural hyaluronic acid becomes diluted and degrades, reducing the fluid's ability to protect joint surfaces from friction. Viscosupplementation adds a purified hyaluronic acid gel to the joint and may provide temporary improvement in pain or stiffness for some patients. It does not reverse or prevent cartilage damage. Results typically develop gradually over several weeks and can last six months or longer.

Your doctor uses ultrasound or palpation to guide a needle into the knee joint space. Any excess joint fluid may be removed before the hyaluronic acid gel is injected. Depending on the product used, you may receive a single injection or a series of three to five weekly injections. Each appointment takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can resume normal activities right away, though high-impact activity is best avoided for 48 hours after each injection.

To explore Hyaluronic Acid Injection as an option for your knee pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Hyaluronic Acid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Following a successful genicular nerve block, RFA uses radiofrequency energy delivered through thin electrode needles to create precise lesions on the genicular nerves. This disrupts their ability to transmit pain signals from the knee without affecting motor nerves or the muscles needed for movement. The result is significant, long-lasting pain relief that typically persists for 6 to 12 months or more. The procedure can be repeated if pain gradually returns as the nerves regenerate over time.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia and light sedation. Fluoroscopic guidance is used to precisely position electrode needles at the genicular nerve locations. Sensory and motor testing confirms accurate placement before radiofrequency energy is applied to each nerve. You may feel mild warmth during treatment. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and most patients return to normal activity within one to two days.

To explore Radiofrequency Ablation as an option for your knee pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Radiofrequency Ablation and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Platelets contain a rich supply of growth factors that naturally stimulate tissue repair and modulate inflammation. In PRP therapy, a small sample of your blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich layer, which is then injected directly into the damaged knee tissue. The concentrated platelets release growth factors involved in the body's repair response, but PRP has not been established as regenerating cartilage or slowing joint degeneration. Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, immune reaction may be less likely, but risks such as infection, bleeding, pain, and injury to nearby tissue or nerves remain possible.

The visit begins with a simple blood draw from your arm. Your blood is placed in a centrifuge for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to concentrate the platelet-rich layer. While the PRP is being prepared, your doctor prepares the injection site. Using ultrasound guidance, the concentrated PRP is then injected precisely into the affected knee tissue. The full appointment takes 30 to 60 minutes. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal for a day or two. High-impact activity should be avoided for 48 hours, after which results gradually develop over the following weeks.

To explore PRP Therapy as an option for your knee pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in PRP Therapy and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

When cervical discs herniate or the spinal canal narrows, the resulting nerve compression triggers inflammation in the cervical epidural space. This inflammation intensifies pain signals and can cause radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, and hands. Injecting corticosteroid directly into the cervical epidural space reduces this inflammation, relieves pressure on the affected nerve roots, and significantly decreases both neck pain and any radiating arm symptoms. A local anesthetic provides immediate comfort while the steroid builds its full effect over several days.

You lie face down or on your side while your doctor uses fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to carefully target the precise level of the cervical epidural space. After numbing the skin, a thin needle is directed into the epidural space and contrast dye confirms correct placement before the medication is delivered. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and causes minimal discomfort. You can go home the same day and resume most normal activities within 24 hours.

To explore Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection as an option for your neck pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The medial branch nerves supply sensation to the cervical facet joints. When these joints become arthritic or injured from whiplash, they generate pain that may radiate into the head, neck, and shoulders. By injecting anesthetic adjacent to the medial branch nerves at the affected cervical levels, the pain pathway is temporarily interrupted. The amount and duration of relief provide diagnostic information that your physician can use, together with the clinical evaluation and payer requirements, to decide whether cervical radiofrequency ablation may be appropriate.

Your doctor uses fluoroscopic guidance to precisely locate the medial branch nerves at the relevant cervical levels. After numbing the skin, thin needles are advanced to each target and anesthetic is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes with minimal discomfort. Pain relief is typically noticeable within minutes. You can resume normal activities right away after a brief observation period.

To explore Cervical Medial Branch Block as an option for your neck pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Cervical Medial Branch Block and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Once a cervical medial branch block confirms the facet joints as the pain source, RFA delivers radiofrequency energy through thin electrode needles positioned next to those same nerves. The controlled heat creates precise lesions that disrupt pain signal transmission without affecting the surrounding tissue or motor function. Relief sets in within days to weeks and typically lasts 6 to 12 months or longer. If pain returns as nerves regenerate, the procedure can be safely repeated for continued relief.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and light sedation. Your doctor uses fluoroscopic guidance to precisely position electrode needles at the cervical medial branch nerve locations. Sensory and motor testing confirms correct placement before radiofrequency energy is applied. You may feel mild warmth during treatment. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and most patients return to their normal routine within one to two days.

To explore Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation as an option for your neck pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Trigger points are tight, contracted bands within muscle tissue that fail to relax, generating localized pain and sometimes referring pain to distant areas. In the neck, trigger points in muscles such as the trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid are common contributors to neck pain and tension headaches. Injecting a local anesthetic (and sometimes a corticosteroid) directly into the trigger point releases the contracted muscle fibers, reduces local inflammation, and breaks the cycle of muscle spasm and pain. Relief is typically felt immediately and can be sustained for weeks to months.

Your doctor locates trigger points by palpating the neck and shoulder muscles to identify the taut bands causing discomfort. After cleaning the skin, a small needle is inserted directly into each trigger point and the medication is injected. You may feel a brief twitch or cramp as the needle reaches the knot — this indicates the muscle is releasing. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the number of trigger points treated. Most patients notice immediate relief and can return to their activities right away with no downtime.

To explore Trigger Point Injection as an option for your neck pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Trigger Point Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Shoulder pain from bursitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, or arthritis involves inflammation in the joint or surrounding soft tissue structures. A corticosteroid injection delivers powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area —whether the glenohumeral joint, subacromial bursa, or acromioclavicular joint. The steroid suppresses the inflammatory response, reduces swelling, and relieves pressure on sensitive structures within and around the shoulder. A local anesthetic in the injection provides immediate comfort while the steroid builds its sustained effect over several days.

Your doctor uses anatomical landmarks or ultrasound guidance to accurately locate the target structure within or around the shoulder. After cleaning and numbing the skin, a thin needle is directed to the precise location and the medication is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and involves minimal discomfort. You can resume your normal activities immediately with no recovery period required.

To explore Shoulder Steroid Injection as an option for your shoulder pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Shoulder Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Platelets in your blood carry a concentrated supply of growth factors that drive tissue repair and regulate inflammation. In PRP therapy, a small blood sample is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet-rich layer, which is then injected into the damaged area of the shoulder. The platelets release growth factors involved in the body's repair response, but clinical benefit varies by shoulder condition. Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, immune reaction may be less likely, but risks such as infection, bleeding, pain, and injury to nearby tissue or nerves remain possible.

The procedure begins with a blood draw from your arm. Your blood is placed in a centrifuge for 15 to 20 minutes to concentrate the platelets. Your doctor then uses ultrasound guidance to inject the prepared PRP precisely into the damaged shoulder tissue. The full appointment takes 30 to 60 minutes. Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is normal and expected. High-impact shoulder activity should be limited for 48 hours, after which results gradually improve over the following weeks as tissue heals.

To explore PRP Therapy as an option for your shoulder pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in PRP Therapy and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Healthy shoulder joints are lubricated by synovial fluid containing hyaluronic acid, which reduces friction and absorbs impact during movement. In arthritic or worn shoulder joints, this fluid degrades and thins, allowing bone surfaces to grind against each other. Injecting hyaluronic acid adds a lubricant-like substance to the glenohumeral joint. Some patients may experience temporary improvement in pain or range of motion, while others may not benefit.

Your doctor uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement within the shoulder joint. After cleaning and numbing the injection site, a thin needle is guided into the glenohumeral joint and the hyaluronic acid is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can resume normal daily activities the same day, though strenuous overhead activity is best avoided for 48 hours to allow the joint fluid to settle.

To explore Hyaluronic Acid Injection as an option for your shoulder pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Hyaluronic Acid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The suprascapular nerve is the dominant sensory nerve of the shoulder joint, supplying the majority of the joint's pain sensation. By injecting anesthetic near this nerve where it passes through the suprascapular notch, pain signals from the shoulder to the brain are temporarily interrupted. Because such a large proportion of shoulder sensation travels through this single nerve, the block can produce dramatic and immediate pain relief. The response may help your physician determine whether a longer-acting radiofrequency procedure is appropriate. Nerves can regenerate and pain can return.

Your doctor uses ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to precisely locate the suprascapular nerve at the suprascapular notch. After cleaning and numbing the skin over the posterior shoulder, a thin needle is advanced to the nerve and anesthetic is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes with minimal discomfort. Pain relief is typically felt within minutes. Many patients resume light activities the same day, but restrictions vary. Follow your clinician's instructions about driving, work, exercise, and other activities. with Many patients resume light activities the same day, but restrictions vary. Follow your clinician's instructions about driving, work, exercise, and other activities.

To explore Suprascapular Nerve Block as an option for your shoulder pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Suprascapular Nerve Block and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

In healthy joints, synovial fluid contains naturally occurring hyaluronic acid that lubricates bone surfaces and absorbs mechanical stress. Osteoarthritis degrades this fluid, reducing its protective function and causing pain from increased friction. Injecting hyaluronic acid adds a lubricant-like substance to the joint. Some patients may experience temporary symptom relief, but it does not reverse or prevent joint damage. Because it works mechanically rather than through systemic medication, it is appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate oral anti-inflammatory drugs.

Your doctor uses imaging guidance or palpation to accurately target the affected joint. After cleaning and numbing the skin, a thin needle is guided into the joint space and the hyaluronic acid gel is injected. If excess fluid is present in the joint, it may be removed first. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can resume normal activities the same day. Depending on the product, you may receive a single injection or a series of three to five weekly injections for optimal results.

To explore Hyaluronic Acid Injection as an option for your joint pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Hyaluronic Acid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Joint inflammation —whether from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, or injury— is driven by the release of inflammatory chemicals within the joint space. A corticosteroid injected directly into the joint capsule suppresses this inflammatory cascade at the source. The steroid reduces swelling of the joint lining, decreases production of inflammatory mediators, and relieves pressure on pain-sensitive structures within the joint. A local anesthetic included in the injection provides immediate comfort while the steroid's full anti-inflammatory effect develops over several days. Relief typically lasts weeks to months.

Your doctor uses palpation or imaging guidance to target the affected joint. After cleaning the skin and applying a local anesthetic, a thin needle is inserted into the joint space and the medication is delivered. Excess joint fluid may be drained before the injection if swelling is present. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and is well tolerated. You can resume normal activities the same day with no recovery period required.

To explore Steroid Injection as an option for your joint pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Steroid Injection and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Platelets carry growth factors that are essential to the body's natural repair processes. By concentrating these platelets from your own blood and injecting them directly into damaged joint tissue, PRP therapy delivers a high dose of healing signals precisely where they are needed. The platelets release growth factors involved in the body's repair response, but PRP has not been established as regenerating cartilage or slowing joint degeneration. Using your own blood may reduce the likelihood of an immune reaction, but PRP is not risk-free and may cause infection, bleeding, pain, or injury to nearby tissue or nerves.

The visit begins with a blood draw from your arm. The sample is processed in a centrifuge for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to isolate the platelet-rich layer. Your doctor then uses imaging guidance to inject the PRP precisely into the affected joint or tissue. The full appointment takes 30 to 60 minutes. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal for one to two days. Results develop gradually over the following weeks as the body's healing process takes effect.

To explore PRP Therapy as an option for your joint pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in PRP Therapy and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

The sensory nerves supplying any joint transmit ongoing pain signals to the brain, even after the underlying inflammation is treated. Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to create precise lesions on these nerves, disrupting their ability to transmit pain without affecting motor function or the structures needed for joint movement. Following a positive diagnostic nerve block that confirms nerve-mediated joint pain, RFA extends that relief dramatically, with results typically lasting 6 to 12 months or longer. The procedure can be repeated as needed.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia and light sedation. Fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance is used to position thin electrode needles precisely adjacent to the targeted sensory nerves. Sensory and motor testing confirms accurate placement before radiofrequency energy is applied. You may experience mild warmth during treatment. The full procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes and most patients return to normal activity within one to two days.

To explore Genicular Nerve RFA as an option for your joint pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Genicular Nerve RFA and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.

Weak or imbalanced muscles around an arthritic joint place excess mechanical stress on the joint surfaces, accelerating wear and amplifying pain. Physical therapy corrects this by progressively strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support and stabilize the joint. Improved muscle support reduces the load on the joint itself, decreasing pain with activity. Therapists also address flexibility deficits, gait abnormalities, and movement patterns that contribute to joint overload. Over time, a consistent physical therapy program can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Your first session includes a thorough evaluation of your joint function, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. Your therapist creates a personalized plan targeting your specific deficits. Sessions typically involve a combination of guided exercises, manual therapy, stretching, and education about joint protection strategies. Exercises are progressively advanced as strength and function improve. Home exercise programs are provided so progress continues between clinic visits. Most patients attend sessions two to three times per week for several weeks, with ongoing home maintenance thereafter.

To explore Physical Therapy as an option for your joint pain, consult with a board-certified pain specialist. At Pain Treatment Specialists, our Harvard-trained doctors are experienced in Physical Therapy and will develop a personalized plan based on your specific needs.