Genicular Nerve Ablation (GNA), also called radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for knee pain, is a minimally invasive treatment that quiets pain signals coming from the knee. It’s ideal for chronic osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, or patients wanting to avoid or delay knee replacement. The procedure targets sensory genicular nerves and uses heat to stop pain signals before they reach the brain. Recovery is quick, results take 3–6 weeks to build, and relief often lasts 6–12 months. GNA can be paired with PRP, viscosupplementation, cryoneurolysis, bracing, or peripheral nerve stimulation. MAPS provides this treatment across multiple Chicago-area locations.

What Is Genicular Nerve Ablation?

Knee pain is one of the most common conditions treated at MAPS Centers for Pain Control. According to Thomas Pontinen, MD, LCP-C, “knee pain… along with back pain, is the most common thing we see at MAPS.” Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or progressive degeneration, chronic knee pain can significantly limit mobility and impact daily life.

For patients who want effective, non-surgical, long-lasting relief, Genicular Nerve Ablation (GNA)—sometimes called knee nerve ablation or radiofrequency ablation—is one of the top treatments offered at MAPS. This procedure interrupts pain signals before they reach the brain, making daily activities more manageable.

This article explains how GNA works, what to expect, and how it fits into MAPS’ comprehensive knee pain treatment options.

Knee Pain: Why it Becomes Chronic

Knee pain patients in Chicago typically fall into two categories:

Chronic Knee Pain (often arthritis)

Arthritis is extremely common. As Dr. Pontinen explains, “arthritis is the cartilage thinning as you age… a slowly progressive pain that will worsen over time.”
This can lead to:

Constant aching
Inflammation
Pain while resting or sleeping
Stiffness and reduced joint space

Acute Knee Pain (usually injury)

These cases involve meniscal tears, ligament injuries, sprains, or sudden trauma.
Dr. Pontinen notes it often includes “tearing something like a ligament or a meniscus,” which causes sharper, shorter-term pain.

Both can become chronic if not treated appropriately.

What Is Genicular Nerve Ablation?

GNA is a non-surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency heat to deactivate sensory nerves around the knee, preventing them from sending pain messages to the brain.

During the procedure:

Small needles target the genicular nerves
A radiofrequency probe gently heats each nerve
The nerve stops transmitting pain signals

Dr. Pontinen explains, “We use heat to denature the nerve so it stops the transmission of the signal.”

This treatment is ideal for:

Osteoarthritis
Chronic knee pain
Pain that persists after knee replacement
Patients seeking alternatives to surgery
Those unable to undergo major joint surgery

GNA can even treat post–knee replacement pain, where other injections no longer work due to artificial joint surfaces.

How Genicular Nerve Ablation Works

The procedure targets three main genicular nerves:

Superior medial genicular nerve
Superior lateral genicular nerve
Inferior medial genicular nerve

These nerves transmit most knee pain signals.

Step 1: Diagnostic Nerve Block

To ensure the right nerves are targeted, MAPS performs a preliminary nerve block. Only patients who experience temporary pain relief advance to ablation.

Step 2: Radiofrequency Ablation

Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance):

Needles are placed with precision
Radiofrequency energy heats each nerve
The nerve becomes temporarily inactive

Step 3: Blocking Pain Pathways

While the knee structure may still produce pain, the nerves can no longer transmit it—resulting in meaningful relief.

Step 4: Lasting Results

Relief typically lasts 6–12 months. The procedure can be repeated as nerves regenerate.

Step-By-Step: What to Expect at MAPS

Before the Procedure

MAPS takes a conservative, individualized approach to care. You may first undergo:

X-rays or MRI
Physical therapy
Medication management
Steroid or gel injections
Bracing

Dr. Pontinen emphasizes starting with these steps before advancing to ablation: “Most often you’ll start with some elements of physical therapy… then injections we can do.”

During the Procedure

The area is numbed with local anesthetic
Fluoroscopy ensures precise needle placement
Each nerve is treated with radiofrequency energy
No incisions
No sedation required
You walk out shortly after

The entire process takes 15–30 minutes.

After the Procedure

Most patients can resume normal activity within 24–48 hours. Mild soreness is expected but temporary.

Recovery Timeline

Week 1

Mild soreness
Resume light activity

Weeks 2–3

Noticeable reduction in pain
Improved mobility

Weeks 4–6

Peak benefit

6–12 Months

Relief continues until nerves regrow
Procedure can be safely repeated

As Dr. Pontinen says, for patients who respond well, repeating RFA annually is “a no-brainer.”

How Effective Is GNA?

GNA has strong clinical results, with 70–80% of patients experiencing significant relief.
Benefits include:

Reduced daily pain
Better ability to walk, climb stairs, and move without discomfort
Less need for pain medication
Better sleep
Improved function
Delay or avoidance of knee replacement

For many patients, GNA provides the relief needed to stay active and independent.

Is GNA Right for You?

You may be a candidate if:

Knee pain limits your daily activities
You’ve tried injections, therapy, or medications without lasting relief
You want to delay or avoid knee replacement
You have lingering pain after knee replacement
You prefer minimally invasive treatment options

FAQs

What is Genicular Nerve Ablation?

A minimally invasive treatment that uses heat to stop knee pain signals from reaching the brain.

Does GNA hurt?

Most patients feel pressure, not pain. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable.

How long does the procedure take?

Typically 15–30 minutes.

When does pain relief begin?

Most people notice improvement within 2–6 weeks.

How long does relief last?

Usually 6–12 months, sometimes longer.

Is GNA covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans—including Medicare—cover radiofrequency ablation when medically necessary.

Can GNA help me avoid knee replacement?

In many cases, yes. It can significantly delay or reduce the need for joint replacement.

Can I combine GNA with other treatments?

Yes—PRP, viscosupplementation, cryoneurolysis, bracing, and peripheral nerve stimulation can complement GNA depending on your condition.

Schedule Your Appointment

If knee pain is limiting your mobility, affecting work, or decreasing your quality of life, the experts at MAPS can help.
Genicular nerve ablation is one of the most effective non-surgical solutions for long-lasting knee pain relief—and it could be the breakthrough you have been looking for.

Schedule Online.
Call: 773-917-8400

Credible Sources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) – Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Practice Guideline.
https://www.aaos.org

Cleveland Clinic – Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain Management.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17411-radiofrequency-ablation

Mayo Clinic – Radiofrequency neurotomy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiofrequency-neurotomy/about/pac-20394931

National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation Studies.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6635137

ScienceDirect – Effectiveness comparison of genicular nerve ablation for knee osteoarthritic versus post-total knee arthroplasty pain.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772594424000086