Chapel Hill, NC
Non-Surgical Nerve Release

Nerve Hydrodissection

Release trapped nerves without surgery. Using precise ultrasound guidance, we gently separate compressed nerves from surrounding tissues - providing relief from numbness, tingling, and pain caused by nerve entrapment.

An alternative to surgical release for mild to moderate carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and other nerve compression conditions.

What is Nerve Hydrodissection?

Nerve hydrodissection is a minimally invasive technique that uses fluid injection to free trapped nerves from surrounding tissue. Think of it as "unsticking" a nerve that has become adhered to fascia, scar tissue, or other structures that are compressing or restricting it.

Using high-resolution ultrasound, Dr. Buchheit and his team can visualize the nerve and surrounding structures in real time. A small amount of fluid, often PRP, prolotherapy, or ACS, is then precisely injected around the nerve, creating a "cushion" that separates the nerve from compressing tissues.

This restores the nerve's ability to glide freely during movement, reducing compression that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.

Why Nerves Become Entrapped

Repetitive Strain

Repeated movements cause inflammation and swelling that compresses nerves in tight anatomical spaces.

Scar Tissue

Previous injuries or surgeries create adhesions that "glue" nerves to surrounding structures.

Anatomical Compression

Some areas (like the carpal tunnel) are naturally tight, and even small changes can compress nerves.

Conditions Treated with Hydrodissection

Effective for a variety of nerve entrapment syndromes throughout the body

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Median nerve compression at the wrist causing hand numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow causing ring and small finger numbness.

Sciatic Nerve Entrapment

Piriformis syndrome and other causes of sciatic pain can respond to hydrodissection.

Meralgia Paresthetica

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment causing thigh numbness and burning.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tibial nerve compression at the ankle causing foot pain and numbness.

Suprascapular Neuropathy

Nerve entrapment causing shoulder pain and rotator cuff weakness.

The Hydrodissection Procedure

A precise, minimally invasive office procedure

1

Ultrasound Imaging

Dr. Buchheit uses high-resolution ultrasound to visualize the entrapped nerve and surrounding structures.

2

Local Anesthesia

The skin is numbed for comfort. The procedure itself is well-tolerated.

3

Precise Injection

Fluid is injected around the nerve under real-time ultrasound guidance, separating it from surrounding tissue.

4

Nerve Release

The nerve is freed from adhesions and can now glide normally, relieving compression symptoms.

The Power of Ultrasound Guidance

Dr. Buchheit is a Certified Interventional Pain Sonographer (CIPS), having completed advanced training in ultrasound-guided procedures. This expertise allows for:

  • Direct visualization of the nerve before, during, and after the procedure
  • Precise needle placement for accurate treatment
  • Confirmation that the nerve has been successfully released
  • Avoidance of blood vessels and other critical structures
15-30
Minutes per procedure
In-office, no hospital required

Preparing for Nerve Hydrodissection?

View our preparation guide including medication considerations and recovery expectations.

View Procedure Prep Guide

Hydrodissection vs. Surgical Release

A non-surgical alternative for many patients

Hydrodissection

  • No incision or surgical scar
  • Local anesthesia only (no general anesthesia)
  • Recovery in days, not weeks
  • Can be repeated if needed
  • Lower cost than surgery
  • Doesn't preclude surgery if later needed

Surgical Release

  • Requires incision and surgical scar
  • Often requires sedation or general anesthesia
  • Recovery typically 4-6 weeks or more
  • Revision surgery more complex
  • Higher overall cost
  • Risk of surgical complications

Note: Hydrodissection is an excellent first-line option for many patients, but surgery remains appropriate for severe cases or when hydrodissection doesn't provide sufficient relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure is performed using a small needle and gentle technique. Numbing medication is often applied to the skin, and several solutions used for hydrodissection can also provide quick pain relief. Most patients describe mild pressure or brief discomfort rather than pain. Many are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is.

Many patients notice some immediate improvement due to the anesthetic in the solution. As this wears off, you may experience temporary soreness. True improvement typically becomes apparent over 1-2 weeks as the nerve heals in its freed position. Full benefit often develops over 4-6 weeks.

Results vary depending on the cause and severity of the nerve entrapment. Many patients experience lasting relief, especially when combined with ergonomic changes to address contributing factors. If symptoms return, the procedure can be repeated. Some patients benefit from adding PRP to promote tissue healing.

Several solutions may be used for hydrodissection. These range from a low-concentration dextrose prolotherapy solution to PRP or ACS. The specific formulation is tailored to your needs and discussed during your consultation.

Hydrodissection is considered very safe, especially with ultrasound guidance. Potential risks are minimal and include temporary soreness, bruising, or infection (rare with proper sterile technique). Serious complications are extremely uncommon. The procedure has a much lower risk profile than surgery.

Free Your Nerves Without Surgery

Find out if nerve hydrodissection can relieve your numbness, tingling, and pain without the risks and recovery of surgery.

Other Treatments We Offer