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Coolief Procedure for Chronic Joint Pain
Also known as: cooled radiofrequency treatment
What is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is discomfort that continues for weeks or months, often long after the body would normally be expected to heal. It is commonly associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, nerve-related problems, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Over time, ongoing pain can alter how the nervous system processes signals, making symptoms more persistent and harder to manage.
What can the Coolief procedure treat?
While chronic pain can have many causes, the Coolief procedure is specifically designed for people with chronic joint pain, most often related to osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. It is most commonly performed on the knee, hip, and shoulder, where joint damage, inflammation, or prior injury can impair everyday movement.
The technique targets the sensory nerves surrounding the affected joint. By using cooled radiofrequency energy to interrupt pain signal transmission, discomfort is reduced while normal joint movement is preserved. The cooling technology allows a slightly wider treatment area, improving the precision of nerve targeting.
Benefits of the Coolief procedure
One of the key advantages of this treatment is its ability to provide long-lasting relief. Many patients notice a meaningful reduction in symptoms and an improvement in day-to-day function, with benefits often lasting many months and, in some cases, up to two years.
Recovery is usually quick. Most people can return to normal activities within 24 to 72 hours, making it a practical option for those seeking pain relief without a lengthy recovery. Because the treatment does not involve surgery or implants, it is often available to patients who are not suitable candidates for joint replacement due to age, other medical conditions, or personal preference.
Overall, the Coolief procedure offers a safe and effective way to manage chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain, helping many patients move more comfortably and improve their quality of life.
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Ways to payBefore treatment
Before having the Coolief procedure, you’ll attend a detailed consultation with a pain medicine specialist to assess whether the treatment is suitable for you. This appointment includes a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and, in many cases, imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to assess the extent of joint changes or nerve involvement.
In some situations, a diagnostic nerve block may be recommended beforehand. This involves a temporary injection to the suspected pain-carrying nerves. If it provides good short-term pain relief, it helps confirm that Coolief is likely to be an effective treatment option for you.
During treatment
The Coolief procedure is minimally invasive and carried out as a day-case, usually under local anaesthetic. Using imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the pain specialist carefully positions a fine probe near the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the affected joint. These may include the genicular nerves around the knee or sensory branches near the hip or shoulder.
Cooled radiofrequency energy is then delivered through the probe. The cooling system helps control temperature while creating a controlled treatment area that interrupts pain signal transmission. The procedure typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients tolerate it well, with only mild discomfort during the treatment.
After treatment
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored briefly before being able to go home the same day. Pain relief usually develops gradually over one to two weeks as the treated nerves respond to the radiofrequency treatment. Recovery is generally quick, and many people return to normal daily activities within 24 to 72 hours.
A follow-up appointment is arranged to review your progress, assess how well the treatment has worked, and discuss any next steps if needed. You’ll be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few days and to contact your clinical team if you notice any unexpected symptoms. Pain relief from Coolief can last up to 24 months, although nerves may regenerate over time, and repeat treatment may occasionally be required.
Risks & Complications
As with any medical procedure, the Coolief cooled radiofrequency treatment carries some risks and potential complications, although these are generally rare and mild. Possible side effects include temporary soreness or bruising at the needle insertion site, localised numbness or tingling, and, infrequently, infection or bleeding. Very rarely, irritation of nearby nerves can occur, leading to temporary changes in sensation. Patients with certain medical conditions or infections may not be suitable candidates for the procedure. It is important to discuss all risks and benefits with the pain physician during the consultation to ensure informed decision-making. Overall, the Coolief procedure is considered a safe and effective option for managing chronic pain, with a low complication rate compared with surgical interventions.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation
You’ll start by meeting with a pain medicine specialist to discuss your chronic pain symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. A physical examination will be performed, and in many cases, imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to assess joint damage and nerve involvement. If necessary, a diagnostic nerve block may be suggested. This test helps identify the nerves responsible for pain, and if it provides relief, it confirms that the Coolief procedure is likely to be effective for you.
Treatment Discussion
Based on your examination and imaging results, your doctor will discuss whether Coolief is a suitable treatment for your condition. They will explain the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes, as well as how the procedure works to target and interrupt pain signals by using cooled radiofrequency energy. Your specialist will help you understand how Coolief compares to other options such as joint replacement or traditional radiofrequency ablation.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Before undergoing the Coolief procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions on how to prepare. This might include advice on fasting before the procedure, any medications you should stop taking, and what to expect on the day of the procedure. It’s also a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you’ll likely be able to leave the same day.
The Procedure Day
The Coolief procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and is minimally invasive. Your pain specialist will use imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or ultrasound to guide the insertion of a fine probe near the sensory nerves causing pain. Cooled radiofrequency energy is then applied to the target nerves, disrupting pain signals while preserving joint movement. The procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes, and most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure.
Immediate Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored briefly in the clinic to ensure you’re stable before you can go home the same day. You’ll be given instructions on managing mild soreness or tenderness in the treated area. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity for a few days to allow the nerves to begin healing and to minimise the risk of complications.
Early Recovery
Recovery from the Coolief procedure is generally quick. Most patients can return to their regular activities within 24 to 72 hours. While some individuals may feel immediate relief, the full benefits typically develop over 1 to 2 weeks as the nerves respond to the radiofrequency energy. During this time, you may experience a gradual reduction in pain.
Follow-Up Appointment
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to assess your progress, discuss your pain levels, and evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. If necessary, further treatments or adjustments may be recommended. The pain relief from Coolief can last up to 24 months, although repeat treatments may be required if the nerves regenerate.
Long-Term Recovery & Maintenance
After your recovery, your doctor may recommend ongoing physical therapy or exercise to maintain joint function and prevent future pain. Depending on your condition, your specialist may also suggest lifestyle modifications such as weight management, using supportive footwear, or avoiding high-impact activities to further protect your joints. The long-term benefits of Coolief typically include improved mobility and a reduction in chronic pain, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where you stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Spread the cost monthly
Paying for your treatment at One Stop Healthcare can be spread monthly from 12 to 60 months, rather than paying in one go.
With an upfront 10% deposit paid, via our Financial partner Chrysalis Finance, we offer various flexible terms to enable you to spread the cost, including 12-months at 0% APR. Click here to find out more.
Monthly payments need to be linked to a One Stop Healthcare treatment over £385 and is subject to a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period before any treatment can start.
Your on-going payments will be made directly between Chrysalis and yourself. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
FAQs
The Coolief procedure is generally well tolerated by most patients. Since it is minimally invasive and performed under local anaesthesia, patients typically experience only mild discomfort during the procedure. Some individuals may experience a brief sensation of pressure or heat at the site of radiofrequency energy application, which is usually transient and manageable. After the procedure, mild soreness or tenderness around the treatment area is common and typically resolves within a few days.
Recovery from the Coolief procedure is relatively quick compared with surgical interventions. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within 24 to 72 hours after treatment. While some may experience immediate pain relief, many experience the full benefits gradually over 1 to 2 weeks as the nerves respond to radiofrequency denervation. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for a brief period after the procedure to facilitate healing. Follow-up appointments with the pain physician help monitor progress and address any concerns.
Coolief is a form of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) known as cooled radiofrequency ablation (CRFA). Unlike traditional RFA, which uses a probe heated to higher temperatures and creates smaller, elliptical lesions, Coolief uses water-cooling technology that circulates cool water through the probe tip. This cooling allows the probe to maintain a lower temperature while delivering RF energy, resulting in larger, spherical lesions that can more effectively target nerve tissue. The larger lesion size increases the likelihood of successful nerve disruption, making Coolief a more advanced and often more effective form of RFA for managing chronic joint pain.