833-377-7325

Ablation & Neuromodulation
Learn about ablation and neuromodulation procedures, including RFA, SCS, MILD, annuloplasty, and PENS at Peak Spine & Sports Medicine in Marlton and Collingswood, NJ.

Ablation & Neuromodulation in Marlton and Collingswood, NJ

When chronic pain continues despite conservative care, targeted interventional treatments may help patients move forward without relying on opioids. Ablation and neuromodulation procedures are designed to treat pain at its source or to change how pain signals are transmitted, especially when pain involves irritated nerves, arthritic joints, chronic spine conditions, knee pain, or complex nerve pain patterns.

At Peak Spine & Sports Medicine, we provide opioid-free, interventional pain care with an emphasis on education, outcomes, and quality of life. Dr. Milind Patel, Dr. Jill Kalariya, Brian Brown, PA, and our interventional pain management team deliver care through a concierge model that ensures clarity, organization, and a personalized experience.

To schedule an ablation or neuromodulation consultation in Marlton or Collingswood, NJ, call Peak Spine & Sports Medicine at (833) 377-7325 or request an appointment online. Telehealth consultations are available when appropriate. We serve patients in Marlton, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Philadelphia, and nearby communities.

Quick Links

What Are Ablation and Neuromodulation Procedures?

Ablation procedures use targeted energy to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves or tissues. In pain management, this often means using radiofrequency energy or controlled heat to reduce pain signals from carefully selected nerves.

Neuromodulation uses electrical stimulation to alter how the nervous system processes pain signals. These treatments may be considered for select patients with chronic nerve pain, pain after spine surgery, CRPS, painful diabetic neuropathy, or other persistent pain patterns that have not improved enough with conservative care. The right treatment depends on the diagnosis, imaging, exam findings, response to prior care, and the patient’s goals.

Ablation and neuromodulation procedures may be used for:

  • Chronic neck or back pain
  • Facet joint pain
  • Arthritis-related spine pain
  • Chronic knee pain
  • Pain after spine surgery
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • Diabetic neuropathy in selected cases
  • Persistent nerve pain
  • Radicular or neuropathic pain patterns
  • Discogenic low back pain in selected cases

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency Ablation, or RFA, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to heat targeted nerve tissue and reduce pain signals.

RFA is commonly considered after diagnostic nerve blocks, which suggests that a specific nerve pathway is contributing to pain. It may be used for chronic neck or back pain related to facet joints, selected SI joint pain patterns, or other targeted pain sources.

For many patients, RFA is discussed after Medial Branch Blocks confirm that the small nerves carrying pain from the facet joints are involved. If the diagnostic blocks provide strong temporary relief, RFA may offer a longer-lasting treatment option.

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation for Chronic Low Back Pain

Basivertebral Nerve Ablation is a minimally invasive radiofrequency procedure for select patients with chronic low back pain originating from the vertebral endplates.

The basivertebral nerve transmits pain signals from the endplates, the surfaces where the spinal disc meets the vertebral bone. When these endplates become a chronic pain source, often visible as Modic changes on MRI, radiofrequency energy is used to ablate the nerve within the vertebral body and reduce pain signaling from that area.

This procedure may be considered for patients with chronic axial low back pain, Modic Type 1 or Type 2 endplate changes on MRI, and symptoms that have not improved enough with conservative care, therapy, or injections.

Genicular Nerve Ablation for Knee Pain

Genicular Nerve Ablation is a radiofrequency procedure for select patients with chronic knee pain.

The genicular nerves carry pain signals from the knee. When knee pain continues despite conservative care, injections, therapy, or medication, genicular nerve ablation may be considered to reduce pain signaling from these targeted nerves.

This treatment may be appropriate for select patients with knee osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain, or persistent pain after knee replacement when the pain pattern fits. It does not replace the knee joint or repair arthritis, but it may help reduce pain and improve function for the right patient.

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Spinal Cord Stimulation, or SCS, is a neuromodulation treatment for select chronic pain conditions.

SCS uses an implanted device to deliver controlled electrical impulses near the spinal cord. These signals can change how pain signals are processed before they reach the brain.

Spinal Cord Stimulation may be considered for patients with chronic nerve pain, persistent pain after spine surgery, painful diabetic neuropathy in selected cases, chronic leg or arm pain, or other complex pain patterns that have not improved enough with conservative care, injections, or other procedures.

SCS usually begins with a temporary trial. The trial allows the patient and physician to evaluate whether stimulation meaningfully reduces pain and improves function before considering a permanent implant.

MILD Procedure

The MILD Procedure is included in this category as an advanced minimally invasive spine treatment, although it is technically a decompression procedure rather than an ablation or neuromodulation treatment.

MILD stands for Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression. It may be considered for selected patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication when the thickened ligamentum flavum contributes to spinal canal narrowing.

Through a small access point, the physician removes small amounts of thickened tissue to help create more space around compressed nerves. The procedure does not involve a large incision, implant, or fusion.

Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS)

Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or PENS, uses small needle-like electrodes placed through the skin to deliver electrical stimulation near targeted nerves or soft tissues.

PENS is different from a permanent implantable stimulator. It may be considered a minimally invasive neuromodulation treatment for selected pain patterns when the physician believes targeted stimulation may help reduce pain signaling.

Patient selection matters. PENS may be considered based on the pain location, nerve involvement, prior treatment response, and whether the symptoms fit a focal stimulation approach.

Who May Be a Candidate for Ablation or Neuromodulation?

Ablation or neuromodulation may be considered when pain is persistent, function-limiting, and associated with a clearly identifiable pain source. A consultation helps determine which procedure, if any, fits the pain pattern.

Patients may be candidates if they have:

  • Chronic neck or back pain
  • Facet joint pain confirmed by diagnostic blocks
  • Chronic knee pain
  • Persistent nerve pain
  • Pain after spine surgery
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
  • Painful diabetic neuropathy in selected cases
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication
  • Discogenic low back pain in selected cases
  • Pain that has not improved enough with conservative care
  • A clear functional goal, such as walking farther, sleeping better, working comfortably, exercising, travelling, or reducing pain flares

Why Choose Peak Spine & Sports Medicine?

Peak Spine & Sports Medicine is founded on the principle of providing the level of care we would expect for our own family members. Patients come to our Marlton and Collingswood offices because they want more than a quick visit and another prescription. Our team takes time to understand where pain is coming from, how it affects daily life, what has already been tried, and which activities the patient wants to return to. Following a thorough evaluation, our team will address the pain directly through a customized plan that identifies the root of the pain rather than a cookie-cutter treatment.

Peak Spine & Sports Medicine offers:

  • Concierge, white-glove pain management care
  • A non-opioid approach to pain care
  • Ivy League-trained professionals
  • Double board-certified pain management physicians
  • Cutting-edge interventional techniques and technology
  • Advanced ablation and neuromodulation evaluation
  • Image-guided procedures, when appropriate
  • Temporary stimulation trials before permanent implantation
  • Telehealth consults when appropriate
  • A helpful staff that works to reduce the burden on patients
  • Insurance access for eligible PPO/POS patients with out-of-network benefits

Care is led by Dr. Milind Patel and Dr. Jill Kalariya, double board-certified pain management physicians who perform advanced interventional procedures in the outpatient surgery center. Brian Brown, PA supports patients through conservative care, diagnostic workups, imaging coordination, therapy recommendations, and follow-up planning, helping each patient navigate care with clarity.

Our practice is selective with insurance to prioritize quality over volume. This approach allows our team to dedicate more time to listening, explaining, and coordinating care for each patient, rather than adhering to insurance company schedules. Visit our Why Choose Us page to learn more.

Schedule an Ablation or Neuromodulation Consultation in Marlton or Collingswood, NJ

Ablation and neuromodulation procedures are not one-size-fits-all treatments. The right approach depends on the pain source, diagnosis, imaging, prior treatment response, and the patient’s goals.

For ablation and neuromodulation care in Marlton and Collingswood, NJ, contact Peak Spine & Sports Medicine at (833) 377-7325 or schedule a consultation online today. Our team will help determine whether the pain pattern, goals, and insurance benefits make our concierge interventional pain model the right fit.

We proudly serve patients in Marlton, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities.

Meet Our Providers
Request an Appointment

Ablation and Neuromodulation Marlton, NJ – FAQs

Ablation uses targeted energy to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves or tissues. Neuromodulation uses electrical stimulation to change how pain signals are processed by the nervous system.

Radiofrequency Ablation may be used for selected patients with chronic spine pain related to facet joints, certain SI joint pain patterns, genicular nerve pain from chronic knee pain, or other targeted nerve-related pain sources.

No. Genicular Nerve Ablation may be considered for chronic knee pain related to osteoarthritis or persistent knee pain after surgery in selected cases. The pain pattern and prior treatment response help determine candidacy.

Spinal Cord Stimulation targets pain signaling near the spinal cord.

Yes. Spinal Cord Stimulation usually begins with a temporary trial. The trial helps determine whether stimulation reduces pain and improves function before a permanent implant is discussed.

No. The MILD Procedure is not an ablation procedure. It is a minimally invasive lumbar decompression procedure for selected spinal stenosis patients. It may be grouped with ablation and neuromodulation because it is an advanced minimally invasive spine treatment.

Annuloplasty refers to treatment directed at the annulus, the outer portion of the spinal disc. Thermal annuloplasty procedures may be considered in selected disc-related pain cases.

PENS stands for Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It uses small needle-like electrodes placed through the skin to deliver electrical stimulation near targeted nerves or soft tissues.

No. Peak Spine & Sports Medicine is an opioid-free pain management practice. The team focuses on education, interventional procedures when appropriate, and targeted non-opioid treatment strategies.

Peak Spine & Sports Medicine accepts insurance and primarily works with PPO and POS plans that have out-of-network benefits. The practice does not participate with EPO, HMO, Medicare, or Medicaid plans. The team can help determine whether benefits may apply.