When joint pain returns after surgery, or never fully resolves, patients often feel cornered into considering another operation. But second surgeries come with more risk, more recovery time, and sometimes, even less relief. Fortunately, it’s not 1999 anymore, and thanks to advances in interventional pain medicine, there’s a safer, non-surgical alternative worth considering: neuromodulation, specifically peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).
At Grand Rapids Pain, our board-certified specialists, Dr. Keith Javery, DO and Dr. Girish Juneja, MD, help patients avoid unnecessary revision surgeries with precise, minimally invasive treatments like peripheral nerve stimulator implants. If you’re still dealing with joint pain after surgery, schedule a consultation to see if PNS is right for you.
If you're not sure another surgery is the right move, this guide will help you compare your options clearly.
When Repeat Surgery May Be Avoidable
Surgery is sometimes necessary, but not always the right next step. Repeat joint surgeries (also known as revision procedures) are often more complex than the original operation, and success rates tend to be lower. Scar tissue, joint instability, and nerve damage can all reduce the chance of improvement and increase the risk of complications.
If your joint pain is well-localized, nerve-driven, and hasn’t improved with physical therapy or medication, a second surgery may not address the true source of your pain.
That’s where neuromodulation comes in. A peripheral nerve stimulator can offer effective pain relief for joint pain without cutting deeper into tissue, removing implants, or undergoing months of rehab.
The Risks of Revision Surgery
Second surgeries are not just physically demanding. They often come with higher risks and lower satisfaction.
Potential concerns include:
- Increased risk of infection and bleeding
- Damage to surrounding nerves or tissue
- Longer hospital stays and recovery times
- Diminished return on pain relief or function
- Greater reliance on post-operative medications
While every case is unique, our goal at Grand Rapids Pain is to help patients avoid additional surgery when safer, less invasive solutions exist.
Why Neuromodulation Is a Smart, Non-Surgical Option
Peripheral nerve stimulation works by delivering mild electrical impulses to the nerve carrying pain signals from your joint. A small device, known as a peripheral nerve stimulator, is placed near the affected nerve using image-guided techniques. This blocks or disrupts pain signals before they reach the brain, providing relief without affecting joint structure or movement.
There are different types of nerve stimulators, but PNS is uniquely suited for localized joint pain in areas like:
- The knee (post-total knee replacement or arthroscopy)
- The shoulder (rotator cuff repair, AC joint pain)
- The hip or groin
- Elbows and wrists
And because the peripheral nerve stimulator procedure is reversible and minimally invasive, it carries significantly fewer risks than surgery.
What Recovery Looks Like: PNS vs. Another Surgery
If you're worried about being out of work or daily life for weeks, you're not alone. That’s why PNS appeals to so many people, it’s fast, low risk, and doesn’t require major downtime.
With PNS:
- The procedure is done under local anesthesia. No hospital stay.
- Most people are up and moving the same day.
- You’ll start with a short trial period to test relief before moving forward.
- There's no large incision, just a small skin puncture.
- You’re back to normal activities within a few days.
By contrast, a second joint surgery usually means:
- General anesthesia and a longer procedure
- Weeks or months of recovery
- Physical therapy, medications, and more time off your feet
- Higher risk of complications, especially if you've had surgery before
If you’re looking for pain relief for joint pain without starting over in recovery, PNS is a safer, simpler alternative that gets you moving faster.
Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction with PNS
For the right candidate, neuromodulation offers long-term improvement in function and quality of life. Clinical studies show high satisfaction among patients who:
- Have nerve-related joint pain
- Failed conservative treatment or previous surgery
- Want to avoid further invasive procedures
Patients often report:
- Improved mobility and sleep
- Reduced use of pain medications
- More consistent pain control throughout the day
At Grand Rapids Pain, we take time to ensure that the right nerve is targeted, the cause of pain is confirmed, and your care plan is customized every step of the way.
Why Choose Grand Rapids Pain?
At Grand Rapids Pain, we don’t rely on one-size-fits-all treatments or pass patients down a corporate pipeline. Every care plan is developed and delivered by a board-certified pain specialist, not an assistant or third-party provider.
What makes us different?
- No middleman. You work directly with your physician.
- Advanced diagnostics. We pinpoint the exact nerve driving your pain.
- Innovative options. From peripheral nerve stimulation to MIST 2.0, we offer treatments that others simply don’t.
- Beyond spinal pain. While spine conditions are a specialty, we also treat joint pain, CRPS, nerve injuries, post-surgical pain, and more.
- Less systemic effect. Our goal is targeted relief with minimal impact on the rest of your body.
Grand Rapids Pain Offers Safer, Proven Relief with PNS
If you're facing the possibility of repeat surgery, it’s worth exploring alternatives. Peripheral nerve stimulation offers a safer, less invasive option for long-term joint pain relief especially when delivered by physicians who specialize in treating complex pain conditions.
Schedule a consultation with Grand Rapids Pain to learn if you're a candidate for PNS and how our team can help you move forward with confidence.
