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.

Make an Appointment

Make an Appointment

Find a Doctor

Find a Doctor

Find a Location

Find a Location

Related Services

Orthopedics Center

Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Electrothermal Catheter Therapy: During the Procedure

An electrothermal therapy procedure may take up to 2 hours. During the procedure, you’ll be awake but relaxed. Read on for details about what to expect.

Read article
Orthopedics
Surgery for Shoulder Impingement

For many people, nonsurgical treatments are enough to ease shoulder impingement symptoms. But if these treatments haven’t worked, surgery may be an option.

Read article
Orthopedics
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

A reverse total shoulder replacement is a special type of shoulder replacement surgery. It allows your surgeon to remove the damaged parts of the shoulder and replace them with artificial components.

Read article
Orthopedics
Hip Arthroscopy: Repairing Chondral Damage

Arthroscopy can be used to repair loose or missing cartilage in the hip joint. Learn more about this surgery and how it is done.