Suprascapular Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency and Block

The suprascapular nerve supplies sensation to a large part of the shoulder joint, and is a common target for treating chronic shoulder pain — including from rotator cuff disease, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) or shoulder osteoarthritis — particularly when the shoulder itself is not a candidate for, or has not settled with, other treatments. Targeting this single nerve can meaningfully reduce shoulder pain while largely preserving the joint's normal movement.

Treatment begins with a diagnostic block: a local anaesthetic injection around the suprascapular nerve, performed under X-ray or ultrasound guidance, to confirm this nerve is contributing significantly to your shoulder pain. Where this produces clear, if temporary, relief, pulsed radiofrequency treatment can then be applied to the same nerve, using short bursts of electrical energy to reduce pain signalling without the sustained heat of thermal ablation.

This approach is often considered for patients who wish to avoid or delay shoulder surgery, or for whom surgery is not suitable, and can meaningfully improve comfort and shoulder function for an extended period. Dr Danesh will discuss expected duration of relief and whether repeat treatment may be appropriate based on your response.