Is iovera° Right for You?

Question 1

What is iovera° cryotherapy?

Accepted Answer

iovera° is an FDA-cleared handheld device that uses controlled cold (cryoneurolysis) to temporarily interrupt pain signals from specific nerves. A small, precise freeze is applied to the nerve near your surgical site in a quick in-office visit — no incisions, no systemic medications.

Question 2

How long does the pain relief last?

Accepted Answer

A single iovera° treatment can provide up to 90 days of targeted pain relief. The nerve naturally regenerates over time, so the effect is fully reversible. Most patients receive treatment before surgery so the relief carries them through the hardest weeks of recovery.

Question 3

Is iovera° FDA-cleared?

Accepted Answer

Yes. iovera° is FDA-cleared for the relief of pain and symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee and for the management of post-operative pain. It is a Class II medical device manufactured by Pacira BioSciences.

Question 4

Does it replace physical therapy or other treatments?

Accepted Answer

No — iovera° works alongside your existing care plan. By reducing pain, it can actually help you engage more fully in physical therapy, move sooner after surgery, and reduce your reliance on opioid pain medications. It complements, not replaces, your surgeon's protocol.

Question 5

What procedures is it used for?

Accepted Answer

iovera° cryotherapy is used for total knee replacement (TKA), total hip replacement (THA), shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), rotator cuff repair, trochanteric bursitis, and other orthopedic procedures. It is also used for chronic osteoarthritis pain in patients who are not having surgery.

Question 6

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

Side effects are minimal and localized. Some patients experience temporary numbness, mild bruising, or skin sensitivity at the treatment site. Because the treatment is localized, there are no systemic side effects — no nausea, sedation, or cognitive effects associated with opioid medications.

Question 7

How do I get access to iovera° treatment?

Accepted Answer

Ask your orthopedic surgeon or care team if Precision OrthoCryo is available at your facility. You can also use our Find a Location page to locate a participating provider near you, or contact us directly to learn about availability in your area.

Question 8

Does insurance cover iovera° cryotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Coverage varies by payer and plan. Cryoneurolysis is a billable procedure with established CPT codes. Our team works with participating facilities to support billing and coding. Contact us or your insurance provider for specific coverage information.

Question 9

Can I have iovera° if I've already had surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. iovera° can be used post-operatively to manage ongoing pain, and it is also effective for patients who continue to experience pain months or years after a prior surgery. It is not limited to pre-operative use.

Question 10

How is this different from a nerve block or cortisone injection?

Accepted Answer

A nerve block (such as an adductor canal block) typically lasts 12–24 hours. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation but do not directly interrupt pain signals. iovera° cryoneurolysis provides targeted, reversible nerve interruption lasting up to 90 days — without steroids, opioids, or systemic effects.

Are you scheduled for, or have you recently had, an orthopedic surgery?

Frequently Asked Questions