Shoulder Nerve Ablation for Chronic Joint Pain
Shoulder nerve ablation — including suprascapular nerve ablation — is radiofrequency treatment for chronic shoulder pain without an operation. If injections have faded, request a consultation with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos to review whether this option is a fit.
Typically outpatient, with light sedation rather than general anesthesia
The procedure
Shoulder radiofrequency ablation for joint pain
Guided by imaging, radiofrequency energy is applied to small nerves around the shoulder so they stop relaying the pain signal. It is one option among joint treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine — non-surgical shoulder treatment for selected people, not a promised result.
Not a replacement
Not an open operation. Inflamed vessels may need shoulder embolization instead.
MedStar procedures
Done in the MedStar hospital setting. Visit flow is on the Locations page.
Request a consult
Request a consultation so candidacy is decided in person — not from this page.
The nerves
Chronic shoulder pain and shoulder arthritis pain
Chronic shoulder pain and selected shoulder arthritis pain are the usual nerve-ablation consults. A shoulder nerve block is sometimes used first. This quiets signaling — it does not repair a tendon tear.
The ablation
Suprascapular and other sensory nerves around the shoulder
Suprascapular nerve ablation is one of the targets discussed. Needles are placed with imaging. Most visits use light sedation. If stiffness from inflamed vessels is the story, shoulder embolization may fit better.
Candidacy
A consult if you want shoulder pain without surgery
People ask about shoulder nerve ablation when they are not ready for an operation or injections no longer last. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- Chronic shoulder pain that limits reach, sleep, or work
- Shoulder arthritis pain when you want to avoid an operation
- Interest in outpatient radiofrequency after a helpful block, when one is used
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not every cuff MRI
An acute complete tear, infection, or neck-referred pain can point elsewhere.
Sudden loss of strength after injury, or a hot swollen joint with fever, needs urgent care — not this page.
The visit
Your shoulder nerve ablation visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
History, exam, and films. A block may be planned first. See Locations.
The day of treatment
Outpatient image-guided radiofrequency. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
Relief can last many months. Nerves may recover. No duration is promised here.
Afterward
Recovery after shoulder nerve ablation
Needle-site soreness can occur. If it is not the match, options include conservative care, shoulder embolization, or surgical evaluation with your existing team.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
Shoulder nerve ablation is performed by a dual board-certified interventional and diagnostic radiologist, Associate Professor of Radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology (2020). Credentials are on the About page.
-
Dual board-certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
-
American Board of Radiology
-
Associate Professor of Radiology MedStar Georgetown
-
Society of Interventional Radiology SIR
Before you book
Shoulder nerve questions we hear at consult
What is shoulder nerve ablation?
Image-guided radiofrequency of sensory nerves around the shoulder, sometimes including the suprascapular nerve. Results vary.
Can it help shoulder arthritis pain?
That is a common consult. Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Is it non-surgical shoulder treatment?
For selected people, yes. It does not repair a torn tendon.
Is it outpatient?
Yes. It is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.