Treatment

Electrothermal Catheter Therapy: After the Procedure

Choose a preferred language

The procedure is over soon, but you won’t recover overnight. For the first week, you may feel more back pain than usual. This is normal. It may take 6 months or more to reach full improvement of your back pain. Be patient and stick to your treatment plan to make sure you get better.


In the hospital

After your procedure, you’ll be moved to the recovery room. You may stay there for 1 to 2 hours. You’ll be given pain medicine if you need it. You will also be checked to make sure that your legs are not numb or weak. When it’s time for you to leave, you’ll be given:

  • A prescription for pain medicine to take at home

  • Instructions on how to take care of yourself during your recovery

  • A back brace, if needed

    Healthcare provider talking to man in hospital bed.


At home

For the first 4 weeks:

  • Rest and heal at home.

  • Be careful not to bend or twist.

  • Limit your sitting time as advised by your healthcare provider.

During this time, you will have a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider. Depending on how your recovery goes:

  • You may start to exercise as directed by your healthcare provider or physical therapist.

  • You may return to work as soon as 4 weeks after the procedure, or as directed by your healthcare provider or physical therapist.


When to call your healthcare provider

Contact your provider right away if you have:

  • Increasing redness or drainage from your needle insertion site

  • Increasing pain, weakness, or numbness in your legs

  • A fever above 100.4°F ( 38°C), or as directed by your provider

  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

  • A severe headache

Online Medical Reviewer: Jimmy Moe MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Tara Novick

Date Last Reviewed: 10/01/2024

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Suitcase Icon

Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health

Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.

Explore Services
Newspaper Icon

Get Health Tips & Updates

Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Understanding Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement

Total knee replacement is a type of surgery to replace a damaged knee joint. It is done by an orthopedic surgeon.

Read article
Orthopedics
Having Arm Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of treatment to fix a broken bone. It puts the pieces of a broken bone back together so they can heal.

Read article
Orthopedics
Nonsurgical Treatment Choices for Shoulder Impingement

Learn about the ways a shoulder impingement can be treated.

Read article
Orthopedics
Treating Trigger Finger

The treatment for trigger finger may be nonsurgical or surgical, depending on how severe your condition is. Your healthcare provider can talk to you about the best choice for you.

Stethoscope Icon

Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

Find A Doctor
Appointments Icon

Make an Appointment

Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.

Schedule an Appointment
Cross Icon

Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location

Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.

Find Urgent Care