The Pain Experts of Arizona Suprascapular Nerve Block & Radiofrequency Ablation Shoulder Pain

Suprascapular Nerve Block and RFA for Chronic Shoulder Pain Relief

When shoulder pain refuses to improve with medication, therapy, or injections, you need another option. A suprascapular nerve block or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) gives you targeted relief that restores movement and function. At The Pain Experts of Arizona, our specialists perform these advanced procedures to stop shoulder pain, strengthen mobility, and help you return to daily activities without major surgery.

Because the suprascapular nerve carries most of the shoulder’s pain signals, directly treating it creates a safe and effective solution for chronic shoulder pain.

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What is a Suprascapular Nerve Block?

A suprascapular nerve block starts by delivering anesthetic, and sometimes steroid medication, near the suprascapular nerve. This direct injection stops pain signals from traveling to the brain, which gives you immediate relief and better function.

Doctors also use nerve blocks as a diagnostic tool. If your pain improves after the injection, the nerve likely causes your symptoms.

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What is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) of the Suprascapular Nerve?

If the block works well but only provides temporary relief, RFA becomes the next step. During RFA, our specialists apply controlled heat through a thin electrode to gently disrupt the suprascapular nerve. As a result, the nerve stops sending pain signals.

Unlike the nerve block, RFA provides longer-lasting benefits that often extend 6 to 12 months or more. You can safely repeat the treatment if the pain eventually returns.

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Why Do We Use Suprascapular Nerve Block and RFA for Shoulder Pain?

At our clinic, we recommend these treatments because they:

• Relieve shoulder pain from arthritis, injury, or rotator cuff problems

• Restore shoulder strength and range of motion

• Reduce the need for long-term medications

• Allow patients to delay or avoid surgery

• Support rehabilitation by making physical therapy less painful

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Conditions We Treat with Suprascapular Nerve Block and RFA

Our specialists often choose these procedures for patients who suffer from:

• Shoulder osteoarthritis

• Rotator cuff tears or tendon irritation

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

• Shoulder bursitis and chronic inflammation

• Pain after shoulder surgery

• Shoulder pain that resists standard treatments

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Benefits of Suprascapular Nerve Block & RFA

Patients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa rely on us because these procedures provide:

• Targeted Relief since we treat the exact nerve causing pain

• Quick Recovery with no downtime and fast return to activity

• Extended Pain Control that may last 6 to 12 months or longer

• Improved Mobility so you can move and exercise more comfortably

• Less Dependence on Medications because relief reduces the need for daily pills or injections

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How Do These Shoulder Pain Procedures Work?

Step 1: Diagnostic Nerve Block

First, we numb the skin over your shoulder with local anesthetic.
Next, we use ultrasound or X-ray guidance to place a thin needle near the suprascapular nerve.
Then we inject anesthetic, and sometimes steroid, to stop pain signals.
If you experience strong pain relief, we confirm the nerve as the source and recommend RFA.

Step 2: Radiofrequency Ablation

Once we identify the nerve, we move to RFA for longer relief.
We clean and numb the area around your shoulder.
Then we guide a specialized needle near the suprascapular nerve using imaging.
A thin electrode delivers radiofrequency energy to gently heat the nerve.
Finally, this process stops the nerve from sending pain signals.
Most treatments last only 30 to 60 minutes.

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What to Expect After Treatment

Patients usually notice improvement quickly and return to activity with confidence:

• After Nerve Block you may feel relief for hours, days, or even weeks depending on the medication.

• After RFA you often notice full results within 1 to 3 weeks and enjoy months or even a year of pain reduction.

• Activity you can usually resume light activity within 24 hours.

• Repeatability you can safely repeat both treatments whenever pain returns.

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Risks and Side Effects

Although we keep risks low, you should still know the possibilities:

• Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site

• Mild numbness or tingling in the shoulder

• Rare risks such as infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation

Because our team follows strict safety standards, we minimize these issues and deliver the best possible results.

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Is Suprascapular Nerve Block or RFA Right for Your Shoulder Pain?

When shoulder pain keeps limiting your life despite therapy, medications, or standard injections, you should consider a nerve block or RFA. After a thorough evaluation, our specialists will decide which treatment works best for your specific condition.

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Suprascapular Nerve Block & RFA in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa

At The Pain Experts of Arizona, we provide advanced pain treatments that stop chronic shoulder pain at the source. Because our board-certified physicians use the latest imaging technology, you receive precise, effective, and compassionate care. Patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Mesa trust us to restore their mobility and improve their lives.

Contact The Pain Experts of Arizona

Call us today at 480-950-9393 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward feeling better. The Pain Experts of Arizona – Your Partners in Pain Relief and Recovery.

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