Key Takeaways
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) offers targeted, long-term pain relief for chronic shoulder pain by directly addressing overactive nerves.
- This treatment is minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis, and involves a short trial before committing to permanent placement.
- PNS can reduce the need for medication, improve the range of motion, and help patients return to normal daily activities comfortably.
- In cases of chronic shoulder pain, PNS is known to be effective prior to surgery and also after shoulder surgery fails to provide sufficient relief.
- It’s an excellent alternative for individuals who haven’t found lasting relief from physical therapy, injections, or surgery.
- Unlike SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulation) or DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglion) stimulation, PNS does not use an implanted battery or internal pulse generator (IPG). Instead, a small external transmitter activates the system only when needed, offering a battery-free, low-maintenance solution that may last a lifetime.
- Grand Rapids Pain offers advanced pain management solutions, including Peripheral Nerve Stimulation, in Grand Rapids, MI. Schedule your appointment today to find lasting relief.
1. Targeted Pain Relief
PNS delivers gentle electrical impulses to the affected peripheral nerve, blocking or reducing the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This approach targets the specific origin of shoulder pain, whether it stems from nerve irritation, rotator cuff injury, or post-surgical complications.
By focusing precisely on the affected nerve, PNS provides relief that’s both accurate and consistent, unlike systemic medications that affect the entire body. Patients at Grand Rapids Pain often notice significant improvements in shoulder comfort and function during the initial trial period itself. It is especially beneficial for patients with chronic shoulder pain who are either preparing for surgery or have not achieved desired outcomes from past shoulder procedures.
2. Minimally Invasive and Outpatient Procedure
Unlike traditional surgery, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation requires only a small incision to place a thin electrode near the targeted nerve. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day.
According to Grand Rapids Pain’s Minimally Invasive Options page, these procedures are designed to reduce recovery time, minimize risk, and promote faster return to daily activities.
The PNS Trial Process
One of the biggest advantages of PNS is its trial phase, which typically lasts up to 7 days. During this period:
- A temporary electrode delivers stimulation to the affected nerve.
- You continue your regular activities while monitoring pain improvement.
- If the trial proves successful, a permanent system can be implanted through a short outpatient procedure.
This “try before you commit” approach ensures patients receive treatment that truly works for them.
3. Long-Term Effectiveness
Many patients experience sustained relief from shoulder pain for months or years after treatment. Because PNS helps retrain the nerve’s pain response, benefits can last even after stimulation ends.
In clinical practice, Grand Rapids Pain patients often report:
- Reduced pain intensity
- Improved shoulder movement
- Decreased dependence on medication
- Better sleep and daily comfort
PNS can deliver several hours or even days of pain relief with just a few minutes of stimulation. This makes it an ideal therapy-on-demand solution, and because there is no implanted battery to deplete or replace, the internal micro-device may last indefinitely.
When paired with therapies like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or physical therapy, PNS can form part of a comprehensive long-term pain management plan.
4. Improved Mobility and Quality of Life
Chronic shoulder pain can make even simple tasks, like dressing, lifting, or reaching, feel impossible. By targeting the nerve dysfunction causing pain, PNS restores movement and flexibility that many patients thought they’d lost forever.
Grand Rapids Pain takes a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on both pain reduction and function restoration. Combining PNS with diagnostic nerve blocks, rehabilitation, or physical therapy allows patients to regain independence and live more actively.
At Grand Rapids Pain, our mission is not only to manage pain but to help patients reclaim their lives through advanced, personalized treatment plans.
5. Reduced Medication Dependence
Many people with chronic shoulder pain rely on painkillers to manage their symptoms, which can lead to side effects or diminishing effectiveness over time. PNS offers a safer, drug-free solution that helps minimize or eliminate the need for daily pain medication. These advanced techniques aim to “treat pain at its source” while reducing reliance on long-term pharmaceuticals.
By addressing the nerve dysfunction itself, PNS empowers patients to manage their pain naturally and improve their overall health.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PNS?
PNS is ideal for patients with:
- Chronic shoulder pain lasting three months or more
- Pain before surgery, or persistent post-surgical pain that has not improved with therapy or medication
- Arthritis or nerve irritation affecting shoulder mobility
- A desire to avoid major surgery and long recovery times
Additionally, patients who want to avoid implanted battery-powered devices, as used in SCS or DRG therapy, may find PNS to be a better fit. With no internal IPG, no recharging, and no future battery replacement surgeries, it offers a simplified and discreet solution.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate, a consultation with a pain management doctor near you at Grand Rapids Pain can determine if PNS fits your needs.
Find Lasting Relief in Grand Rapids
If you’ve been struggling with shoulder pain despite multiple treatments, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation may be the breakthrough you need. At Grand Rapids Pain, specialists combine medical expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide lasting pain relief through PNS, Radiofrequency Ablation, and other minimally invasive therapies.Our approach also considers patients who may be facing shoulder surgery or have undergone surgery without success.
Schedule your consultation today to explore how PNS can help you move freely, live fully, and rediscover comfort in your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Peripheral Nerve Stimulation relieve shoulder pain?
PNS delivers gentle electrical impulses that interrupt abnormal pain signals from the affected nerve, helping reduce chronic discomfort and restore normal function.
Is PNS a surgical procedure?
No. PNS is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, allowing most patients to go home the same day.
Does PNS involve an implanted battery or pulse generator?
No. That’s one of its biggest advantages. Unlike SCS or DRG, PNS uses a tiny internal electrode with no implanted IPG. Instead, an external transmitter is briefly worn during therapy sessions, eliminating the need for battery maintenance or replacement.
How long does PNS pain relief last?
Results vary, but many patients report long-term relief for months or even years after placement.
What is the trial period like?
The trial lasts up to one week, during which you’ll test the therapy’s effectiveness before deciding on a permanent device. It’s simple, safe, and reversible.
Who is a good candidate for PNS?
Anyone with chronic shoulder pain from nerve irritation, post-surgical discomfort, or musculoskeletal injury who hasn’t improved with traditional treatments may benefit. A pain management doctor near you can confirm your candidacy.
