Mastering Ultrasound-Guided Pain Management Techniques – a hands-on workshop for acute and chronic pain
• QUT MERF Anatomical and Surgical Skills Facility (ASSL) • Brisbane • 27 September 2025 • Saturday
Experience in cryoanalgesia
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Interventional Pain Management Australia (IPMA) brings together clinicians who are passionate about pain management and staying at the forefront of interventional pain care. We’re the hub for the latest techniques, tools, and training in the field of interventional pain management— starting with our Cryoanalgesia Workshop this June.
Our goal is to make it easier for practitioners across Australia to connect, learn, and grow — all while improving outcomes for patients living with chronic pain. Whether it’s workshops, new procedures, or shared insights, IPMA is all about supporting the people who make a difference in pain care.
Treatments
Cryoanalgesia
Cryoanalgesia, or cryoneurolysis, is a minimally invasive technique used to manage chronic pain by applying extreme cold to targeted nerves.
Regenerative Medicine
Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is a volume of plasma of autologous blood having a platelet concentration above the baseline.
Epidurolysis
Epidurolysis, commonly referred to as the Racz Procedure after its pioneer Dr. Gabor Racz.
Ozone therapy
Ozone therapy is a therapeutic approach utilized in complementary and integrative medicine that involves the administration of medical-grade ozone (O₃).
Research Papers and Articles
FAQ’s
How does cryoanalgesia work?
Cryoanalgesia involves inserting a thin probe near a peripheral nerve and applying extremely cold temperatures (typically around -70°C). This temporarily disrupts the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals, while preserving the structural integrity of the nerve, allowing it to regenerate over time.
How long does the pain relief last?
Pain relief typically lasts between 3 and 12 months. In some cohorts, relief has been documented for up to 20 months following a single cryoablation session. As the nerve regenerates, pain may gradually return, but the procedure can be safely repeated if needed.
What types of pain are best treated with cryoanalgesia?
Cryoanalgesia is effective for managing neuropathic and chronic pain, particularly in:
Indications[1]
Chronic Pain
• Intercostal neuralgia • Neuromas/Neuritis • Lumbar, thoracic, cervical, and sacral facet pain • Facial pain: trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux) • Residual pain from Iliac crest bone graft • Coccydynia (tailbone pain) • Perineal neuropathy/peroneal neuropathy • Ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and genitofemoral neuralgia • Phantom limb pain • Ganglion of impar • Obturator neuralgia • Cluneal neuralgia (“pseudo sciatica”) • Knee pain – genicular nerves • Greater occipital neuralgia • Other peripheral neuropathies
Postoperative Pain
• Post-herniorrhaphy (ilioinguinal nerve) • Post-thoracotomy (intercostal nerves) • Post-tonsillectomy (glossopharyngeal nerve) • Intraoperative cryolysis, intercostal nerves
Podiatry
• Neuromas • Plantar Fibromas • Plantar Fasciitis
References: 1. Trescot A. Cryoanalgesia in Interventional Pain Management. Pain Physician 2003;Vol 6;Num 3:345-360.
What are the risks or side effects?
Cryoanalgesia is generally well-tolerated. Mild side effects may include temporary numbness, tingling, or bruising at the treatment site. The risk of neuroma formation is lower compared to other ablation methods. As with any procedure, proper technique and patient selection are key to minimizing complications.
How is cryoanalgesia different from radiofrequency ablation (RFA)?
While both are minimally invasive pain interventions, cryoanalgesia uses cold to block pain transmission, whereas RFA uses heat to ablate the nerve. Cryo preserves the nerve structure and is less likely to result in neuroma formation, making it a preferred option for certain anatomical sites and patient types.
Can the procedure be done under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance?
Yes. Cryoanalgesia procedures can be performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopy for accurate needle placement and improved safety. Metrum Cryoflex systems are compatible with image-guided interventions.
Why Choose the CRYO-S Painless?
The CRYO-S Painless cryoanalgesia system delivers fast and effective pain relief with minimal trauma. Here’s why it’s gaining momentum among interventional pain physicians:
Minimally Invasive
The CRYO-S Painless requires minimal anesthesia, can be performed percutaneously, and does not require sutures. This makes it ideal for outpatient settings.
Immediate Pain Relief
Patients experience little to no post-procedure discomfort, and recovery time is virtually nonexistent.
Simple and Safe
The procedure is typically completed in one session with minimal post-operative bruising. It’s a low-risk, high-benefit option for long-lasting pain management.