MARBELLA, 10 AUGUST 2026 - A study on persistent chronic pain conducted by the Costa del Sol University Hospital has been awarded by the Spanish Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SERMEF). This recognition is given during the 64th annual congress of SERMEF, highlighting the relevance of the work in the clinical field.
The research, developed by the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service of the centre, provides findings that could transform clinical decision-making and eliminate therapeutic barriers in the interventional management of peripheral chronic pain. In this context, it focuses on the Radiofrequency technique, an advanced treatment to alleviate pain signals in a prolonged manner.
Study Results
Prior to the application of Radiofrequency, a test was conducted that involved a temporary infiltration with local anaesthesia to assess the patient's reaction. It was required that it alleviated at least 50% of the pain to continue with the treatment. However, the study results showed that 30% of patients who did not meet this criterion, upon receiving Radiofrequency, achieved lasting relief and an improvement in their quality of life.
Moreover, the success rate of the Radiofrequency treatment reached 82.7%, while the prior test only showed relief in 51.8% of patients. This indicates a significant discrepancy between both techniques and their efficacy.
About the Research Team
The study, titled ‘Predictive value and clinical utility of diagnostic nerve block in selecting patients for Radiofrequency in refractory chronic pain’, was designed and carried out by resident doctors of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at HUCS. Enrique Vargas Escobar and Mario Ginel, along with researcher Francisco Rivas Ruiz, were the driving force behind this important initiative.
The team mentions that the difference in results lies in the mechanisms of action of both techniques. While the anaesthetic provides immediate but temporary relief, Radiofrequency generates a neuromodulatory reorganisation that reduces pain in the long term.
The research analysed a total of 139 patients, mainly elderly and with severe pathologies such as gonarthrosis and rotator cuff tears. Given the context, flexibilising diagnostic protocols has become essential to improve care for patients with chronic pain. The study suggests considering modest improvements in the initial test as valid criteria for authorising Radiofrequency treatment.
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