Pain Therapy Services
What is X-ray Guided Pain Therapy?
The Pain Therapy Services provided by Radiology Consultants Associated allow local anesthetic and steroid pain medication to be delivered directly into joints, spinal facet joints and bursal areas using digital fluoroscopic X-ray guidance and/or ultrasound guidance.
Treatment is effective with few side effects since we deliver medication to the body in an isolated and precise manner.
Who can benefit from pain therapy?
A wide variety of patients can benefit from these services including those patients suffering from pain due to arthritis, post-traumatic injuries, chronic pain or ongoing pain while awaiting joint replacement therapy.
Common areas suitable for treatment include extremity joints, shoulders, hips, knees, cervical spine and lumbar spine area.
What do I need to do to prepare?
No special preparation is required; however, please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete the necessary paperwork. Review the instructions on the back page of the Pain Therapy Requisition form and contact us if you have any questions prior to your appointment. When your appointment is booked, you will be advised if you need to bring any medication with you for injection.
What can I expect during the procedure?
After changing into a dressing gown, you will be positioned on an X-ray table. Your appointment will begin with a brief consultation to isolate the problem and confirm the source of pain. The affected area will be cleaned and frozen or anesthetized prior to the injection. Often, a small volume of contrast is injected into the affected area to ensure that the needle is correctly positioned prior to the injection of local anesthetic and corticosteroid. The procedure is not painful but you might experience slight discomfort for a couple of seconds when the medication is injected.
How long will it take before I can expect results?
Reduction of symptoms usually begins immediately and can last up to six months. You may be given a Pain Therapy Log Book to take home with you to track the responsiveness of the therapy as well as the success of the particular treatment. This documentation will help your physician choose his or her next course of action.
Which of your locations offer these services?
At present, our Mayfair Place clinic offers pain therapy services on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Are these examinations covered by Alberta Health Care?
These exams are free of charge to patients with valid Alberta Health Care insurance. If you are asked to bring medication with you, the charge for the specialized injectible medication is usually covered by insurance.
