Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation, commonly referred to as RFA, is a treatment method that leverages the power of radiofrequency energy to combat chronic pain. Whether it’s neck pain, lower back pain, or even pain in the sacroiliac joint, radiofrequency ablation could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

How Does Radiofrequency Ablation Work?

Radiofrequency Ablation works by applying heat, generated from radiofrequency energy, to a small area of nerve tissue that is transmitting pain signals. By creating this heat lesion, the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain is significantly diminished or altogether stopped, thereby alleviating the patient’s discomfort.

Conditions Suitable for Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) has proven to be incredibly effective for managing various types of chronic pain. Some of the most common applications include:

  • Neck Pain: Chronic pain in the cervical facet joints can be effectively managed with RFA, offering relief where other treatments may have failed.
  • Low Back Pain: Whether it’s pain in the lumbar facet joints or discogenic pain resulting from herniated discs, RFA can provide lasting relief.
  • Sacroiliac Joint Pain: RFA can be used to manage the pain emanating from the sacroiliac joint, often where other pain management strategies have not yielded sufficient results.
  • Other Applications: RFA has also shown promise in treating hip pain (related to osteoarthritis or fractures), knee pain (due to osteoarthritis), and coccydynia (tailbone pain). 

One of the most advanced RFA techniques currently available is COOLIEF™. This innovative technique utilises a proprietary cooling mechanism to prevent overheating at the needle tip, allowing for the creation of large-volume, spherical lesions that can treat the nerves causing pain. As a result, COOLIEF™ is often more effective than conventional RFA techniques.

Dr. Ho Kok Yuen is the first doctor in Asia to perform COOLIEF™. Using this technique, he has successfully treated patients with spine, hip, knee, shoulder, back, and neck pain since 2006. Over the past 15 years, he has also trained hundreds of doctors in Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East in performing COOLIEF™.

Personalised Radiofrequency Ablation Treatments

Each individual’s pain is unique. At The Pain Clinic, we emphasise customised pain management using radiofrequency ablation for effective treatment, catering to various conditions like neck and back pain. Beyond this, we provide supplemental therapies such as physical therapy and ergonomic advice.

Don’t let chronic pain dictate your life. Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Ho, our specialist in pain management and the pioneer of COOLIEF™ in Asia. Committed to your well-being, The Pain Clinic aims to offer lasting pain relief, empowering you to live life to the fullest. Contact us now to begin your journey towards recovery.

Our clinic is under the following insurance panels

We work with various insurance partners to assist with your hospitalisation and surgery claims. In some instances, pre-approval from your insurer allows direct billing between the hospital and insurer so that you will have peace of mind during your treatment. We are accredited by Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), so you may also utilise Medisave for your hospitalisation expenses.

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Meet Our Doctor

Dr Ho Kok Yuen is a specialist in pain medicine and anaesthesia. He completed his pain management fellowship at Duke University Hospital in USA in 2006. He is involved in teaching, research and also serves on numerous advisory boards. Besides writing articles in peer-reviewed journals, clinical practice and consensus guidelines, as well as book chapters on pain and anaesthesia, he lectures at international conferences and teaches at interventional pain workshops frequently.

Dr Ho Kok Yuen obtained his MBBS and Master of Medicine (Anaesthesiology) from the National University of Singapore. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine (GDSM) from the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMed) at Nanyang Technological University.

  • Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management (DAAPM)
  • European Diploma in Pain Medicine (EDPM), European Society of Regional Anaesthesia (ESRA)
  • European Diploma in Pain Medicine (EDPM), European Pain Federation EFIC
  • Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMed)
  • Chairman, Chapter of Pain Medicine Physicians, Academy of Medicine, Singapore
  • Council Member, College of Anaesthesiologists, Academy of Medicine, Singapore
  • Chairman, South-East Asian Section, World Institute of Pain (WIP)
  • Fellow, Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP) with the WIP
  • Examiner, FIPP Examinations
  • Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS)
  • Past President, The Pain Association of Singapore (2011-2017)
  • Past Vice-President, Association for South-East Asian Pain Societies (ASEAPS) (2012-2013)

Dr Ho Kok Yuen is widely recognised as an expert in minimally invasive interventional pain management, having performed thousands of such surgeries. He treats persistent and severe pain using therapies such as steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, intrathecal drug delivery and spinal cord stimulation.

The first physician in Asia to perform cooled radiofrequency ablation, he has been treating spine, sacroiliac joint, hip, and knee pain using this technique since 2006. He also administers spinal infusions to ensure pain-free end-of-life comfort care for patients with advanced terminal cancer pain.

When Boston Scientific launched its most advanced SCS system – the WaveWriter Alpha™ – in Southeast Asia, Dr Ho Kok Yuen was the first doctor to perform the implant surgery. SCS uses electrical impulses to block pain signals in the spinal cord, effectively treating intractable back pain, leg pain and neuropathic pain. SCS therapy has helped hundreds and thousands of people around the world improve their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency Ablation is a treatment method that uses heat generated from radio waves to target a specific area of nerve tissue that’s causing pain. By heating and subsequently destroying this area of the nerve, it prevents the nerve from sending pain signals back to the brain, thus providing pain relief.

The success rate of Radiofrequency Ablation can vary significantly depending on the specific cause, location, and severity of your pain. However, most patients experience some degree of pain relief after going through Radiofrequency Ablation. It’s best to discuss the expected outcome and success rate of your procedure with your healthcare provider.
The frequency of Radiofrequency Ablation treatments can depend on various factors, including the specific nerve being targeted and individual response to the treatment. Some patients may find relief lasting for several years after a single treatment, and are not required to come back for further treatments. However, if the nerve regrows and pain returns, Radiofrequency Ablation can be repeated as needed, usually six to twelve months after the initial procedure. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your individual case.
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