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Genicular Nerve Ablation (Knee)
Peak Spine & Sports Medicine offers genicular nerve ablation for chronic knee pain in Marlton and Collingswood, NJ. Call (833) 377-7325.

Genicular Nerve Ablation for Knee Pain in Marlton and Collingswood, NJ

Chronic knee pain can make ordinary movement feel difficult. Walking, climbing stairs, standing from a chair, exercising, or even getting through a normal day may become painful when the knee joint is irritated, arthritic, or no longer responding well to conservative care.

Genicular nerve ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces knee pain by targeting the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee. Also called Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation, this procedure may be recommended for patients with chronic knee pain who want meaningful relief without proceeding immediately to knee replacement surgery.

For many patients, genicular nerve ablation can provide a significant improvement in daily comfort, mobility, and quality of life. The goal is to quiet the pain signals that continue to limit movement, activity, and independence.

At Peak Spine & Sports Medicine, our approach focuses on opioid-free, interventional pain care, with a strong emphasis on education, outcomes, and restored quality of life. Patients are cared for by Dr. Milind Patel, Dr. Jill Kalariya, and our interventional pain management team through a concierge, white-glove model designed to restore quality of life without opioids.

A strong treatment plan opens with understanding where the pain is coming from, how long it has been present, what treatments have already been tried, and whether the genicular nerves are likely adding to the problem.

Genicular nerve ablation may be appropriate for patients with knee osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain after injury, persistent pain after knee surgery, or who are not ready or medically suited for knee replacement.

To learn more about Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for knee pain in Marlton and Collingswood, NJ, call Peak Spine & Sports Medicine at (833) 377-7325 or conveniently request an appointment online today. Telehealth consults are available for convenience when appropriate. We proudly serve patients in Marlton, Haddonfield, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities.

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What Is Genicular Nerve Ablation?

Genicular nerve ablation is a minimally invasive pain management procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves around the knee.

These nerves are called genicular nerves. They help transmit sensation from the knee joint to the brain. When the knee is affected by arthritis, degeneration, injury, or chronic inflammation, these nerves may continue to send pain signals even after other treatments have provided only modest relief.

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation targets the nerves that carry signals for knee pain. By interrupting those signals, the procedure may help reduce pain and improve function.

Genicular nerve ablation may be considered for patients with:

  • Chronic knee pain
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Pain that continues despite physical therapy
  • Pain that continues despite injections
  • Pain after knee surgery
  • Pain after total knee replacement
  • Patients who want to delay knee replacement when appropriate
  • Patients who are not good candidates for knee replacement surgery
  • Difficulty walking or standing because of knee pain
  • Knee pain that limits daily activity

The procedure is often performed after a diagnostic genicular nerve block. If the nerve block provides temporary pain relief, it may suggest that genicular nerve ablation could provide longer-lasting improvement.

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation works by applying controlled heat to selected sensory nerves around the knee.

During the procedure, a specialized needle is placed near the targeted genicular nerves using imaging guidance. Once the correct position is confirmed, radiofrequency energy is delivered to create a small thermal lesion. This reduces the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals from the knee.

The treatment does not make the knee numb in the way a surgical nerve cut might. It also does not affect major motor nerves that control leg movement. The goal is focused pain reduction.

A number of factors can affect how well genicular nerve ablation works:

  • The cause of knee pain
  • The severity of arthritis or joint damage
  • Response to diagnostic nerve blocks
  • Prior knee surgery
  • Inflammation inside the joint
  • Overall mobility
  • Other sources of leg or back pain
  • Patient activity level
  • Weight and joint load
  • Rehabilitation or strengthening after treatment

For the right patient, genicular nerve ablation can create substantial relief. Results vary, but many patients experience less pain when walking, standing, going up stairs, and performing daily activities.

A good candidate for genicular nerve ablation is usually someone with chronic knee pain that has not improved enough with conservative treatment.

Common concerns may include:

  • Knee pain from osteoarthritis
  • Persistent pain despite medication
  • Modest relief from steroid injections
  • Minimal relief from gel injections
  • Pain that interferes with walking
  • Pain that makes stairs difficult
  • Pain that limits exercise
  • Pain after knee replacement surgery
  • A desire to delay knee replacement when appropriate
  • Being medically unable to undergo knee replacement surgery

The right candidate is also someone whose pain improves after a diagnostic genicular nerve block. This temporary test helps determine whether the targeted nerves are likely adding to the pain.

Some patients are better suited for physical therapy, bracing, weight management, injections, orthopedic surgery, or further diagnostic evaluation. A consultation helps determine whether genicular nerve ablation is the right next step.

Genicular nerve ablation is most often used for chronic knee pain, especially when it is related to arthritis or persists after surgery.

It may be considered for:

  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Chronic degenerative knee pain
  • Persistent pain after knee injury
  • Pain after meniscus surgery
  • Pain after total knee replacement
  • Pain that limits normal daily activity
  • Pain in patients who want to postpone knee replacement
  • Pain in patients who cannot undergo knee replacement
  • Pain that has not responded well to injections

Genicular nerve ablation does not correct mechanical instability, severe deformity, infection, fracture, or major structural problems inside the knee. If those issues are present, additional evaluation may be needed.

The goal is to reduce pain enough for patients to move better, participate in therapy, walk more comfortably, and improve daily function.

Before genicular nerve ablation, patients are usually evaluated to determine whether their pain pattern is a good fit for the procedure.

The consultation may include a discussion of symptoms, medical history, imaging results, prior treatments, prior surgery, medications, and goals. The provider may examine the knee, assess mobility, and determine whether other sources of pain could be involved.

At Peak Spine & Sports Medicine, the evaluation is designed to connect the treatment plan to the patient’s actual life. For some patients, that may mean walking farther. For others, it may mean standing through work, climbing stairs, traveling, golfing, exercising, sleeping more comfortably, or avoiding a more invasive procedure when appropriate.

In many cases, a diagnostic genicular nerve block is performed first. During this test, a small amount of local anesthetic is placed near the genicular nerves. If the patient experiences meaningful temporary relief, this may indicate that Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation is likely to help.

The diagnostic block is important because it helps confirm the source of the pain before a longer-lasting procedure is performed.

Genicular nerve ablation is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

The patient is positioned comfortably, and the skin around the knee is cleaned. A local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. Using imaging guidance, the provider places specialized needles near the targeted genicular nerves around the knee.

Once the needles are positioned, radiofrequency energy is delivered to heat the nerve tissue in a controlled way. This interrupts the pain signal pathway.

The procedure usually does not require general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.

During the procedure, the team keeps the process calm, precise, and organized:

  • Patients are carefully positioned to allow safe access to the knee.
  • The treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic.
  • Imaging guidance is used to identify the proper targets.
  • Our physician places specialized needles near the targeted genicular nerves.
  • Needle placement may be checked before treatment.
  • Radiofrequency energy is delivered in a controlled way.
  • Patients are monitored before going home with clear aftercare instructions.
  • The skin is cleaned using sterile technique.

After treatment, soreness around the injection sites may occur for a few days. Pain relief may begin gradually as the treated nerves stop transmitting pain signals.

The first day may be accompanied by mild soreness around the treated areas. Patients are typically able to walk after the procedure, though they may be asked to take it easy for the rest of the day.

Some patients feel improvement within days. Others notice gradual pain relief over several weeks as the treated nerves quiet down.

Normal activity is often resumed quickly, depending on the provider’s instructions and the patient’s comfort level.

Strenuous exercise may be limited briefly after the procedure.

Physical therapy or strengthening may be recommended after pain improves, especially if chronic knee pain has led to weakness, stiffness, or reduced activity. Peak Spine & Sports Medicine does not provide in-house physical therapy, but the team may refer patients to an outside provider when strengthening, mobility, gait mechanics, or knee support is part of the plan.

Pain relief can last for months or longer in many patients, although results vary.

The genicular nerves can regenerate over time, which means pain may return. If the procedure worked well the first time, repeat treatment may be considered in the future.

The duration of relief after genicular nerve ablation varies from patient to patient.

Some patients experience relief for several months. Others may have improvement that lasts longer. The amount of relief depends on the underlying condition, the severity of joint damage, nerve regeneration, activity level, and overall knee health.

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation is not a permanent cure for arthritis. It is a pain management procedure designed to reduce pain signals and improve function.

If pain returns after a successful treatment, the procedure may be repeated when appropriate.

Knee injections and genicular nerve ablation work differently.

Steroid injections are designed to reduce inflammation inside the joint. Gel injections are designed to improve joint lubrication in selected patients. These treatments may help some people, but relief can be limited or temporary.

Genicular nerve ablation does not directly treat inflammation. Instead, it targets the nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee. This may be useful for patients whose pain endures despite injections or who are seeking a longer-lasting nonsurgical option.

Some patients may benefit from both approaches at different times. The right treatment depends on the cause of pain, prior response to care, imaging findings, and the patient’s goals.

Why Choose Peak Spine & Sports Medicine for Genicular Nerve Ablation?

Peak Spine & Sports Medicine was built around a simple standard: this should be the kind of pain management practice we would want our own family members to visit.

Initial consultations at Peak Spine & Sports Medicine are designed to be thorough, personal, and highly focused. The team takes time to understand the source of the pain, how it affects daily life, what has already been tried, and the activities the patient needs to return to.

For one patient, the priority may be walking through a workday with less knee pain. For another, it may be climbing stairs more comfortably, traveling with less discomfort, playing golf again, exercising, sleeping better, or keeping up with children or grandchildren. Those details matter because chronic knee pain does not affect every patient the same way.

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
  • Image-guided genicular nerve procedures
  • Diagnostic genicular nerve blocks when appropriate
  • Customized radiofrequency ablation technique
  • 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 move through care with clarity.

Radiofrequency ablation is an area where technical planning matters. At Peak Spine & Sports Medicine, the team customizes the approach based on the patient’s anatomy, body type, number of nerves treated, pain pattern, prior response to diagnostic blocks, and procedural goals.

Our practice is selective with insurance because the model is built around quality, not volume. We work for the patient, not the insurance company. That gives the team more time to listen, explain, coordinate care, and work for the patient rather than designing the visit around an insurance company’s schedule.

Visit our Why Choose Us page to learn more.

How Does Genicular Nerve Ablation Compare to Knee Replacement?

Genicular nerve ablation is not a replacement for knee replacement surgery.

Knee replacement changes the joint’s structure by removing damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial components. Genicular nerve ablation does not repair or replace the joint. It reduces pain signaling.

For some patients, genicular nerve ablation may help delay knee replacement. For others, it may be an option when surgery is not appropriate because of age, medical risk, recovery concerns, or personal preference. It may also be used in select patients who still have pain after knee replacement.

Patients with severe mechanical problems, deformity, instability, or advanced joint deterioration may still need orthopedic evaluation.

Patients may notice that walking feels easier, that stairs are easier to handle, that standing is less painful, or that daily activities feel less limited. The knee may still have arthritis or structural damage, but the pain signals may be quieter.

The goal is not necessarily zero pain. The goal is meaningful relief that helps the patient move better and rely less on pain medication when appropriate.

For some patients, the improvement is substantial. For others, it is more moderate but still valuable. The best results allow patients to participate more fully in daily life, therapy, exercise, and normal movement.

The cost of genicular nerve ablation depends on the provider, facility, insurance coverage, imaging guidance, whether diagnostic nerve blocks are required, and whether one or both knees are treated.

Peak Spine & Sports Medicine primarily works with patients who have PPO or POS insurance plans with out-of-network benefits. The practice is out-of-network for most insurance plans, allowing the team to maintain a smaller, more individualized model with longer visits, more education, and less pressure to rush patients through care.

Many patients are surprised to learn that out-of-network care with PPO/POS plan benefits are typically much more accessible than they expected. The Peak Spine & Sports Medicine team can help review benefits, explain the process, and determine whether the practice is a good fit.

Peak Spine & Sports Medicine does not participate with EPO, HMO, Medicare, or Medicaid plans. This allows our office to quickly see both new and existing patients.

Patients visit Peak Spine & Sports Medicine in Marlton and Collingswood from Cherry Hill, Medford, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, Philadelphia, and surrounding areas because they want high-level interventional pain care without an opioid-first approach.

Genicular nerve ablation is commonly performed for appropriately selected patients with chronic knee pain, but every procedure carries some risk. Possible side effects may include temporary soreness, bruising, bleeding, infection, numbness, a temporary increase in pain, nerve irritation, weakness, an allergic reaction, or a lack of meaningful pain relief.

Safety depends on careful patient selection, sterile technique, imaging guidance, accurate needle placement, and appropriate follow-up. At Peak Spine & Sports Medicine, genicular nerve ablation is recommended only after the team evaluates the patient’s symptoms, pain pattern, medical history, prior treatments, activity goals, and response to diagnostic nerve blocks when appropriate.

Patients with infections, certain bleeding risks, unstable medical conditions, or pain that requires surgery may not be candidates. A consultation is needed to determine safety and appropriateness.

At Peak Spine & Sports Medicine, we do not use opioids as a shortcut for pain care.

Our practice focuses on interventional procedures because many pain problems are focal. A painful knee, an irritated nerve, an arthritic joint, a spine issue, or a soft-tissue problem often requires a targeted solution. Medication taken by mouth circulates through the whole body. That can mean higher doses, more side effects, limited benefit, and no clear endpoint.

Interventional pain management is different. It is designed to identify the source or pathway of pain and treat it directly. For the right patient, Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation can provide meaningful non-opioid relief, help restore more comfortable movement, and support a wider path toward improved function and quality of life.

Schedule a Genicular Nerve Ablation Consultation in Marlton or Collingswood, NJ

Chronic knee pain can limit far more than movement. It can disturb sleep, independence, exercise, work, and quality of life.

Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation may be an option for patients who have not found enough relief with medication, physical therapy, bracing, or injections. A consultation can help determine whether the pain pattern, exam findings, and response to diagnostic nerve blocks make this treatment appropriate.

For genicular nerve ablation for knee pain 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.

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Genicular Nerve Ablation Marlton, NJ – FAQs

Yes. Genicular nerve ablation is often performed using radiofrequency energy, which is why it may be called Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation or genicular nerve RFA.

It does not remove arthritis or rebuild cartilage. It helps reduce pain signals from the knee and may improve comfort and function in patients with arthritis-related knee pain.

A diagnostic genicular nerve block is often performed first. If the block provides meaningful temporary relief, it may suggest that radiofrequency ablation could provide longer-lasting benefit.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, and patients may feel pressure or temporary discomfort during needle placement.

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and often takes less than an hour, though timing varies by provider and treatment plan.

Some patients notice relief within days. Others improve gradually over several weeks as the treated nerves stop transmitting pain signals.

Relief varies. Many patients experience improvement for several months or longer, but the treated nerves can regenerate over time.

Yes, if the first treatment provided meaningful relief and pain returns later, repeat treatment may be considered.

Most patients can walk after the procedure. Activity instructions may vary, so patients need to follow their provider’s postoperative guidance.

It may help some patients delay or avoid knee replacement, but it is not the same as surgery and does not correct structural joint damage.

In some cases, genicular nerve ablation may be considered for persistent pain after knee replacement, especially after other causes have been ruled out.

Coverage varies by plan, diagnosis, prior treatments, medical necessity requirements, and whether diagnostic nerve blocks are required. Peak Spine & Sports Medicine primarily works with PPO and POS plans that have out-of-network benefits. The team can help patients determine whether their benefits may apply.

Patients with infections, certain bleeding risks, unstable medical conditions, or pain that requires surgery may not be candidates. A consultation is needed to determine safety and appropriateness.

In many cases, yes. Telehealth consults may be available to help accelerate evaluation, review symptoms, discuss prior treatments, and determine whether an in-person exam or procedure consultation is appropriate.