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Genicular Nerve Ablation

A non-surgical procedure for knee arthritis pain

Genicular nerve ablation uses heat to temporarily disable the small nerves carrying pain signals from the knee joint: a non-surgical option for arthritis pain in patients not ready for knee replacement. Same-day or next-week evaluations across eight LA-area offices.

Genicular Nerve Ablation performed by LAOSS specialists in Los Angeles: minimally invasive image-guided orthopedic procedure

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Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.

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Key takeaways

  • Genicular Nerve Ablation is part of the full diagnostic and treatment toolkit our LAOSS specialists use every day.
  • Genicular nerve ablation uses heat to temporarily disable the small nerves carrying pain signals from the knee joint: a non-surgical option for arthritis pain in patients not ready for knee replacement.
  • Most patients improve when treatment starts early and is matched to the actual diagnosis.
  • Same-day appointments available across eight Los Angeles-area offices.

About genicular nerve ablation

Genicular Nerve Ablation is part of the knee care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this procedure, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.

Our specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

Watch: Genicular Nerve Ablation (RF Neurotomy)

During this outpatient procedure, the physician uses a radiofrequency device to heat up and disrupt the genicular nerves. These are the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the knee to the brain. Disrupting these pathways can provide long term relief from knee pain.

Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomical illustration of the knee showing the femur, tibia, patella, meniscus, and cruciate ligaments
Anatomy of the knee: femur, tibia, patella, meniscus, and ACL/PCL ligaments.

Inside the knee.

The knee is the body's largest hinge joint: it bears your weight, absorbs impact, and lets you walk, run, and pivot.

When genicular nerve ablation is the right call.

Common symptoms

  • Chronic knee pain that hasn't responded to first-line care
  • Imaging confirming a structural cause we can target
  • Diagnostic injection or block that produced meaningful relief
  • Patients trying to avoid or delay surgery
  • Failed prior non-surgical attempts

Common causes

  • Adults of all ages with chronic, well-localized pain
  • Patients whose imaging and exam point to a clear structural source
  • Patients who can't have or want to avoid surgery

What genicular nerve ablation looks like

Most genicular nerve ablation procedures are done as outpatient cases. You arrive, get prepped, the procedure itself takes a defined window, and you go home the same day with clear post-procedure instructions and a follow-up scheduled.

Here's what you can expect:

  • Pre-procedure visit: we review your imaging, confirm candidacy, and answer every question
  • Day-of procedure: light sedation when needed, image guidance throughout, total time usually 30 to 60 minutes
  • Same-day discharge: most patients head home within an hour of the procedure
  • Follow-up: scheduled to track relief, adjust the plan, and decide on next steps

Knee care, conservative-first.

We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.

  • Physical therapy and quadriceps strengthening
  • Weight management and low-impact exercise
  • Bracing and activity modification
  • Anti-inflammatory medication, by mouth or as a gel
  • Steroid or hyaluronic acid (gel) injections
  • Genicular nerve block, then radiofrequency ablation if the block helps
Surgical care
When needed

Surgical options when needed

Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

  • Knee arthroscopy for a loose fragment or a tear that locks the knee
  • Partial knee replacement when one compartment is worn
  • Total knee replacement for advanced arthritis
  • Robotic-assisted knee replacement

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Knee care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.

  • Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
  • Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
  • Technique refined over thousands of cases
  • On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider

The LAOSS approach

Our knee specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • PT coordinated in your insurance network
  • Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a knee specialist is the next step.

You may be

You may be a candidate if

These signs typically point toward this procedure being a good fit.

  • Persistent knee pain that hasn't responded to PT, injections, or activity modification
  • Imaging confirming the structural source we can target
  • A diagnostic block or trial that gave you meaningful relief
  • You're not ready or able to have surgery
  • You want to delay or avoid joint replacement
Evaluation

What evaluation includes

Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.

  • Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
  • Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
  • On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
  • Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests

ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).

Your knee recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

  1. Days 0 to 14

    Right after care

    In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the knee, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.

    • Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
    • Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
    • Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
    • Follow-up scheduled to track healing
  2. Weeks 2 to 8

    Rehabilitation

    Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the knee.

    • Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
    • Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
    • Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
    • Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
  3. Months 2+

    Long-term care

    Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.

    • Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
    • Home program tailored to your sport or job
    • Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
    • Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations

What to weigh before you decide.

We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.

General

General considerations

Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.

  • Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
  • Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
  • Reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific

Knee considerations

Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the knee. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.

  • Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
  • Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
  • Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
  • Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function

Meet our knee specialists

At LAOSS, our knee specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive techniques to coordinating your rehab, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.

Specialists, not generalists.

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    Jose Antonio Acosta, MD

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    Habla español

    • Glendale
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    Raj Desai, MD

    Pain Management & Rehabilitation

    • East Los Angeles
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    Jason Kaushik, MD

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    • East Los Angeles
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    Matthew Longacre, MD

    Sports Medicine · Knee

    • Glendale
    • Encino
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Reliable genicular nerve ablation care starts here

With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.

Call or schedule online today to see a knee specialist in Los Angeles.

Find care by body area.

Jump to a nearby condition page and compare treatment paths across the body.

FAQ.

  • The right candidate depends on your diagnosis, prior treatments, and goals. We start with a focused orthopedic exam and review your imaging, and your specialist explains whether genicular nerve ablation is the best next step or whether a different approach makes more sense.

Find out if genicular nerve ablation is right for you.

Same-day and next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices. Book a visit and meet your specialist.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network
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