TAME (TransArterial MicroEmbolization)
Reduces the abnormal blood vessels that drive chronic inflammation and pain.
Specialist doctor‑led care
Chronic Pain Treatment
For chronic joint, tendon, neck or back pain, image-guided procedures are an option before committing to surgery. Our pain-medicine team pinpoints the source first, then targets it under fluoroscopy or ultrasound — needle-sized entry, local anaesthetic for most procedures, and mostly same-day discharge.
Specialist doctor‑led care
Treating chronic pain at its source — without major surgery
Every type of chronic pain has its own source — abnormal blood vessels, facet joints, compressed nerve roots, or muscle. Effective care starts with pinpointing which structure is driving your pain, then choosing the procedure that targets it directly.
Our pain-medicine team performs image-guided procedures under fluoroscopy or ultrasound. Entry points are needle-sized, most procedures need only local anaesthetic, and the majority of patients go home the same day.
Why minimally invasive?
- Needle-sized entry — no surgical wound
- Local anaesthetic for most procedures
- Same-day discharge and fast recovery
- A sensible option before committing to surgery
Find your pain area
In-depth guidance for each symptom pattern
The full range of procedures we perform
Every procedure is image-guided and performed by a pain-medicine specialist
Diagnostic medial branch block
A small local-anaesthetic test injection that confirms whether the facet joints are the pain source.
Medial branch RF / RFA
Radiofrequency treatment that quiets the pain signal from confirmed facet or SI joints.
Facet / SI joint injection
Optional joint injection with steroid or prolotherapy as an adjunct.
Epidural steroid injection
Reduces inflammation around compressed nerve roots; lumbar ESI can use the transforaminal, interlaminar, or caudal route.
Selective nerve root injection
Targets a single confirmed nerve root under ultrasound guidance.
Pulsed RF of the nerve root
An option when epidural steroid injection is unsuitable or relief is insufficient.
Epidural balloon neuroplasty
Releases epidural adhesions in selected patients with persistent radicular pain.
Trigger point injection
Releases painful muscle knots when the diagnostic workup points to muscular pain.
Minimally invasive vs. open surgery
Why we start with the least invasive option that fits your diagnosis
| Our image-guided procedures | Open surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Needle-sized entry | Surgical incision |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthetic ± light sedation | General anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | Mostly same-day discharge | Several days in hospital |
| When it fits | First-line for most patients without red flags | Clear indications such as weakness or spinal cord compression |
Chronic Pain FAQ
How do image-guided procedures differ from surgery?
Image-guided procedures leave a pinhole rather than an incision, most need only local anaesthesia, most patients go home the same day, and everyday activity usually resumes within 1–3 days. Surgery involves an incision, general anaesthesia, and weeks to months of recovery.
Which kinds of chronic pain can be treated this way?
Chronic joint and tendon pain such as plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder and chronic elbow pain, along with neck pain or pain radiating into the arm, and back pain or pain radiating into the leg arising from the facet joints, the sacroiliac joint or a compressed nerve root.
What is TAME?
TAME (TransArterial MicroEmbolization) reduces the abnormal blood vessels that drive inflammation and chronic pain in a joint or tendon. It is performed without surgery, through a pinhole access.
Why is a diagnostic injection sometimes done before treatment?
A small anaesthetic injection called a medial branch block tests whether the facet joint really is the source of the pain. The result of that test is what determines whether the next step, such as radiofrequency, is likely to help.
When is surgery still the better option?
When there is a clear indication for it, such as muscle weakness or spinal cord compression. Minimally invasive procedures are the first option for most patients who have none of those warning signs.
Not sure where your pain fits?
Book an assessment with our pain-medicine team — we will locate the source and plan the least invasive path that works.
Reviewed by The YOUNIFY Clinic medical team · Last reviewed
Individual results may vary. Please consult a doctor before treatment.