Chronic knee or shoulder pain can affect everything from daily tasks to quality sleep. You may have had trouble finding long-term relief, even if you’ve explored medications, physical therapy, or even invasive surgeries.
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is emerging as a groundbreaking, minimally invasive option for managing chronic pain, particularly in the knee and shoulder. At Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, and our team specialize in the most up-to-date therapies for combating pain.
We use the Nalu™ Neurostimulation System, an FDA-cleared, battery-free micro-implantable pulse generator (mIPG) that offers peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) to manage intractable chronic pain.
Read on to learn how this application of PNS can help you manage knee and shoulder pain.
Peripheral nerve stimulation involves the placement of tiny electrodes near nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. These electrodes deliver mild electrical pulses that disrupt pain signaling pathways, effectively reducing the perception of pain.
Unlike medications, which can carry side effects or lose efficacy over time, PNS directly targets the nerves to provide long-lasting relief.
Pain in the knee or shoulder often stems from injury, inflammation, or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. Over time, chronic pain can lead to hypersensitivity in the nervous system, making the discomfort worse.
PNS interrupts this cycle by suppressing nerve activity, retraining the nervous system to react less intensely to pain stimuli. This neuromodulation technique has been shown to:
Research shows that PNS is effective for many forms of chronic pain, including shoulder pain as a result of surgery or arthritis and chronic pain from knee surgery,
Conditions like osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, or post-surgical complications frequently cause knee pain. PNS for the knee involves placing electrodes near specific nerves that are key in transmitting pain signals from the knee joint to the brain.
PNS can significantly reduce chronic knee pain and improve movement by calming these pathways.
Shoulder pain often arises from rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, or frozen shoulder syndrome. Peripheral nerves like the suprascapular nerve are common culprits in transmitting shoulder pain. PNS targets these nerves, alleviating discomfort and restoring range of motion. If you’ve tried conservative treatments without success, PNS is a minimally invasive, drug-free alternative.
Patients with chronic knee or shoulder pain appreciate that PNS requires only a small incision or, in some cases, no incision at all. Expect to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
PNS can decrease the need for painkillers, including opioids, reducing the risk of side effects and dependency. We can adjust the stimulation level to meet your unique needs.
Dr. Skaribas recommends PNS for people with chronic knee or shoulder pain who have not found relief through other treatments. We invite you to come to Expert Pain for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for PNS. Key factors determining your suitability include the source of your pain, previous treatments, and overall health status.
At Expert Pain, we specialize in innovative treatments like PNS to help our patients live pain-free lives. Contact our office today to learn more about this life-changing technology and whether it’s right for you.
