People who have lived with chronic pain may finally have a way to live pain-free — and the relief can be immediate.

The Connecticut Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center has launched an advanced pain-management program using next-generation nerve-treatment technology that provides long-lasting, opioid-free pain relief.

Currently, the treatment is being offered to patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Doctors are using cryotherapy — a treatment that applies cold temperatures to temporarily disrupt pain signals from nerves in and around the knee joint. The effects are completely temporary, and when the nerve regenerates, full sensation returns.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. The first patient we had came in with chronic pain for ten years, using a cane — and walked out without it,” said Dr. Theresa Bowling of St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

Doctors say sensation typically returns within two to three months. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, is performed under local anesthesia, and doesn’t require sedation.

According to the institute, 100% of patients reported reduced pain immediately following the procedure — all while lowering or even eliminating their need for opioids.