COOLIEF®: Nonsurgical Breakthrough for Chronic Joint Pain
Source: Voice of Alexandria Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Ad eligibility review: sensitive-topic
For millions of people living with osteoarthritis, joint pain is a constant companion that erodes the quality of everyday life. Reaching for a cup in an overhead cabinet, rising from a couch, or simply walking across a room can become a painful ordeal. Many patients cycle through a frustrating series of treatments—cortisone shots, gel injections, physical therapy—only to find that the relief fades too quickly. But a technology called COOLIEF® Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment is changing that narrative for some.
At Glenwood Medical Center in Glenwood, Minnesota, Dr. Gus Mellgren has been using COOLIEF since 2018 to help patients with chronic knee, hip, and shoulder pain. The procedure targets the specific nerves that carry pain signals from the affected joint. A small probe delivers cooled radiofrequency energy that disrupts those signals. Because the energy is cooled, it can treat a larger area than standard radiofrequency ablation, leading to more consistent and longer-lasting relief.
The entire procedure takes about 45 minutes in the clinic. There are no incisions, no general anesthesia, and no restrictions on activity afterward. Most patients notice improvement almost immediately, with only mild soreness that lasts a few days to a week.
Real patients in Glenwood have shared their experiences. Brenda, whose shoulder pain made reaching into kitchen cupboards and getting dressed a daily struggle, says, “The constant, low-grade pain is completely gone, and my full range of motion has been restored.” Helen, who turned to COOLIEF after cortisone and gel injections stopped working for her knee, reports, “COOLIEF was a success! I had no pain during it, and got relief the next day.”
Who might benefit from COOLIEF? The treatment is a good fit for people with chronic knee, hip, or shoulder pain caused by osteoarthritis, especially those who have gotten limited relief from injections, therapy, or other conservative treatments. It can also be an option for individuals who are not ideal candidates for surgery due to medical conditions or who wish to delay or avoid a joint replacement. The process includes two preliminary appointments: a consultation to review health history and a one-hour test block to assess likely effectiveness. These visits and the procedure itself can be completed within a few weeks.
Research from Avanos, the company that developed 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. Some patients have experienced relief for nearly three years. Dr. Mellgren has seen his patients return to gardening, pickleball, fishing, biking, and simply walking with less discomfort.
COOLIEF is not a universal solution, but for those whose joint pain is stealing the joy from daily life, it may be worth a conversation. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gus Mellgren, call 320.634.5157.
Article commentary
In an era where opioid use and invasive surgeries dominate the conversation around chronic pain, COOLIEF® Cooled Radiofrequency Treatment represents a notable shift toward precision, non-surgical interventions. While the technology is not new—radiofrequency ablation has been used for decades—the cooling element is a significant innovation that expands the treatment’s reach and durability. What makes COOLIEF particularly compelling is its ability to address the root cause of osteoarthritic pain: the transmission of aberrant signals from damaged joints. By interrupting those signals at the nerve level, the procedure offers a targeted approach that avoids the systemic side effects of oral medications and the recovery time of joint replacement. The reported 65% of patients achieving at least 50% pain reduction for a year or more is a meaningful statistic, especially when compared to the often temporary relief from corticosteroid injections. However, the commentary must also acknowledge limitations. The data from Avanos, the device’s manufacturer, should be viewed with the understanding that industry-funded studies may have inherent biases. Independent long-term studies are still relatively sparse, and questions remain about the durability of relief beyond two years for a significant subset of patients. Moreover, the procedure is not suitable for everyone—those with widespread pain, certain nerve conditions, or advanced joint destruction may not be ideal candidates. From a patient perspective, the value proposition is clear: a 45-minute clinic visit with no incisions, no general anesthesia, and minimal downtime. For individuals who are older, have comorbidities, or simply wish to avoid the risks and recovery of surgery, COOLIEF offers a middle ground. Yet the procedure is not without cost, and insurance coverage can vary, potentially limiting access for some. Another important angle is the physician’s role. Dr. Gus Mellgren’s experience since 2018 suggests that outcomes depend heavily on patient selection and technique. The test block step is crucial, as it helps identify those who are likely to respond. Without proper screening, the failure rate could be higher, undermining the technology’s reputation. Finally, the broader narrative around chronic pain management is shifting toward multimodal, less invasive options. COOLIEF fits neatly into that trend, offering a bridge between conservative care and surgery. But it should not be seen as a cure-all. Osteoarthritis remains a complex, progressive disease, and pain relief does not equate to disease modification. Patients should maintain realistic expectations—relief is often substantial but not permanent, and some may eventually need additional interventions. In sum, COOLIEF is a promising tool in the pain management arsenal, backed by reasonable evidence and patient testimonials. Its success in Glenwood reflects a growing recognition that chronic joint pain need not be endured silently or resigned to the operating room. As with any medical decision, informed discussion with a qualified provider is essential.