Procedures

Image-guided pain procedures.

Using ultrasound and fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance to place treatment precisely at the source of pain — performed in theatre, within a multidisciplinary team.

What it is

Precision, guided by imaging.

Image guidance means the needle is placed under direct, real-time vision rather than by landmarks alone. Ultrasound is used for many joint and soft-tissue targets; fluoroscopy — live X-ray — is used for spinal work where bony detail matters. The goal is the same: accurate placement, confirmed before any medication is given.

Ultrasound-guided

Real-time soft-tissue imaging without radiation. Commonly used for joint, tendon and soft-tissue injections, and for peripheral nerve targets.

Fluoroscopic-guided

Live X-ray guidance for spinal procedures — including facet and medial branch blocks and transforaminal injections — where precise bony landmarks are essential.

What it helps with

Conditions commonly treated

Whether a procedure is appropriate depends on your assessment. These are conditions where image-guided procedures are often part of the plan:

Back pain Neck pain Sciatica Nerve / radicular pain Facet joint pain Post-surgical pain Sports injuries Joint pain Shoulder, hip & knee pain Occupational injuries
What to expect

From assessment to aftercare

1

Assessment

We review your history, examination and any imaging to decide whether a procedure is appropriate — and which one. If a surgical or sports-medicine opinion is useful, that's arranged through the team.

2

The procedure

Done under local anaesthetic with image guidance. Placement is confirmed on imaging before any medication is given. Most procedures take a short time and are performed as a day case.

3

Aftercare & review

You'll go home with clear aftercare instructions and a follow-up plan. Your referring doctor receives feedback on what was done and what comes next.

Common questions

Frequently asked

What is an image-guided pain procedure?

It uses real-time imaging — either ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray) — to place a needle precisely at the source of pain. The imaging improves accuracy and confirms correct placement before any medication is given.

Is the procedure painful?

Most procedures are done under local anaesthetic and are well tolerated. You may feel brief pressure or discomfort during needle placement. Sedation options are discussed where appropriate.

Do I need a referral to book?

A referral isn't always required, but it's helpful. Many patients are referred by their GP, surgeon or physiotherapist. If you're self-referring, an initial assessment is done first to decide whether a procedure is appropriate.

How long is recovery?

Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activity within one to two days, depending on the procedure. Specific aftercare instructions are given at the time.

Will medical aid cover it?

This is a private, fee-for-service practice. Cover depends on your medical-aid plan and the specific procedure. You're welcome to request procedure and billing codes in advance to check with your scheme.

For referring doctors

Refer a patient for assessment

Send a referral and I'll assess whether an image-guided procedure is appropriate, keeping you informed throughout. Referrals welcome from GPs, surgeons, physicians and allied health colleagues.

This page provides general information about procedures offered and is not medical advice. Whether any procedure is suitable can only be decided after individual clinical assessment.