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.

FPC Locations

FPC Locations

Find a Provider

Find a Provider

Our Services

Our Services

Patient Portal

Patient Portal
Related Articles
Read article
Orthopedics
Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF): After Surgery

Learn about recovering at home after endoscopic plantar fasciotomy (EPF).

Read article
Orthopedics
Surgery for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a band of tough, fibrous tissue that helps stabilize the knee. Injury to this ligament often happens when the knee is forced beyond its normal range of motion.

Read article
Orthopedics
Hip Fracture Surgery: Types

The type of surgery you have often depends on where the hip is fractured. Read on to learn more.

Read article
Orthopedics
Having Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

A fusion is a surgery to join two or more bones together. During a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), this is done on the spine. Two of the bones of your back (vertebrae) are joined together, and one of your spinal disks is removed.