What Is Iovera? Drug-Free Pain Relief Without Surgery or Opioids

Iovera is an FDA-cleared cryoneurolysis device that uses targeted cold therapy to temporarily block pain signals for up to 90 days — without drugs, surgery, or downtime. If you’re living with chronic knee pain, joint pain, or nerve-related discomfort, it may be an effective alternative to cortisone shots and opioid medications.

Here’s how it works and who it helps.

How Iovera Works

Iovera is an FDA-cleared device that uses cryoneurolysis — targeted cold therapy — to temporarily block pain signals from specific nerves. A small, needle-like probe delivers precise cold temperatures to the nerve causing your pain. The nerve is temporarily disabled, so it can’t send pain signals to your brain.

Think of it like putting a nerve “on pause.” The nerve regenerates naturally over time, which is why the treatment can be safely repeated without the risks that come with steroids or opioids.

What Does Iovera Treat?

At Southern Comfort Pain & Wellness, we use Iovera for a range of conditions:

• Knee osteoarthritis — one of the most common and well-studied uses
• Chronic joint pain in the knee, shoulder, or hip
• Post-surgical pain — especially before or after knee replacement
• Peripheral nerve pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments

What to Expect During Treatment

The procedure is quick and straightforward:

1. We apply a local anesthetic to the treatment area
2. The Iovera device is positioned over the targeted nerve using ultrasound guidance
3. Cold therapy is delivered for a few minutes
4. The entire visit takes about 15–20 minutes

There’s no sedation, no incision, and no recovery period. You can drive yourself home and return to your normal routine the same day.

How Long Does Relief Last?

Most patients experience up to 90 days of pain relief from a single treatment. Because Iovera works by temporarily blocking the nerve (not destroying it), the treatment can be repeated as often as needed — without the tissue-thinning side effects of repeated cortisone injections.

Iovera vs. Cortisone Shots

This is one of the most common questions we hear. Here’s the key difference:

• Cortisone reduces inflammation using steroids. It wears off in weeks and can weaken tissue over time.
• Iovera blocks pain signals using cold. No steroids, no drug interactions, and it’s safe to repeat.

For patients who’ve had multiple cortisone shots and are looking for a better long-term option, Iovera is often the answer.

Is Iovera Covered by Insurance?

Yes — Iovera is covered by many insurance plans, including Medicare, for approved indications like knee osteoarthritis. Our team will verify your coverage before scheduling treatment.

Is Iovera Right for You?

If you’re dealing with chronic pain and want a treatment that’s drug-free, non-surgical, and repeatable, Iovera may be a great fit. It’s especially worth considering if:

• You’ve tried cortisone shots and they’re no longer effective
• You want to avoid opioid medications
• You’re looking for relief before or after joint surgery
• You want a treatment with zero downtime

Iovera is just one of many non-opioid pain relief options available at our practice. If you’re new to pain management, read about what to expect at your first visit.

Ready to find out if Iovera is right for you? Schedule a consultation or call us at 678-587-5993. Learn more about Iovera cold therapy at our practice.