Chronic joint pain affects nearly every part of daily life. Climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, or even walking across the room can feel like a challenge you never signed up for—and it wears on you. Many people try a range of treatments that work for a while or help delay surgery, but never provide the level of relief they’re hoping for. In some cases, COOLIEF® Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment has offered a longer-lasting option.

What COOLIEF® Does

COOLIEF® targets the nerves that carry pain signals from the affected joint—most often the knee, hip, or shoulder. A small probe delivers cooled radiofrequency energy that interrupts those signals. Because the energy is cooled, it treats a broader area and offers longer-lasting relief.

The procedure takes about 45 minutes in the clinic and doesn’t require incisions, general anesthesia, or activity restrictions. Most patients notice improvement immediately, with only mild soreness for a few days to a week afterward.

Who May Benefit

COOLIEF® can be a good fit for people with:

• Chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain from osteoarthritis
• Limited relief from injections, therapy, or other conservative treatments
• Medical concerns that make surgery less ideal
• A goal of delaying or avoiding joint replacement

What to Expect

Research from Avanos, the developer of COOLIEF®, shows that 65% of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in pain, often lasting a year or more. Many also report improved mobility and a reduced need for daily pain medication, with some reporting relief for nearly three years.

The process includes two appointments before the procedure: a consultation to review health history and a one-hour test block to assess how well the treatment may work. These visits and the procedure itself can be completed within a few weeks.

Since Dr. Mellgren began offering COOLIEF® at Glenwood Medical Center in 2018, he’s seen patients return to activities they hadn’t been able to do for years—gardening, pickleball, fishing, biking, or simply walking with less discomfort. Seeing that kind of progress is what makes offering this treatment so rewarding for him.

“When you go in with constant pain, and you walk away with none—that’s pretty good!” exclaimed Jim, a retired carpenter from Starbuck. He’s had nearly two pain-free years with a full range of motion. These patient testimonials tell more.

Finding Relief That Lasts

Chronic pain can be discouraging, especially when it holds you back from the things you enjoy. COOLIEF® isn’t the right fit for everyone, but for many, it has helped reduce pain and enabled them to move more comfortably.

If you’re living with persistent joint pain and weighing your options, consider asking whether COOLIEF® might be appropriate based on your health history and goals. Call 320.634.5157 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mellgren at Glenwood Medical Center.