Which Shoulder Conditions Benefit From Peripheral Nerve Stimulation?

You may not realize how much you rely on your shoulders until pain sets in. When nearly every upper arm move you make brings an ache, stabbing pain, or tenderness, it’s time to embrace treatment.

If your initial attempts only go so far, consider peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). This minimally invasive, drug-free treatment aims to minimize severe and long-lasting pain.

Our expert team at Houston Pain Specialists, led by board-certified pain management specialist Hui Kang, MD, offers PNS for chronic and difficult-to-ease shoulder pain. 

Here’s a closer look at PNS, including shoulder conditions it treats.

How peripheral nerve stimulation works

Peripheral nerve stimulation uses mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals to your brain. As a result, you won’t perceive (or feel) the level of pain you once did. 

It starts with a minimally invasive procedure, during which we place a small device near the nerves responsible for your severe or chronic pain.

At Houston Pain Specialists, we use the Nalu™ Medical device for PNS, which is known for its compact, discreet size and advanced technology. Thanks to personalized programming to target specific pain areas, you can tailor the impulses to your pain relief needs.

Shoulder conditions PNS treats

Peripheral nerve stimulation is a versatile treatment that eases many causes of pain. A range of shoulder conditions can benefit from PNS, including:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Frozen shoulder
• Labral tears
• Post-shoulder surgical pain
• Shoulder osteoarthritis

PNS can also treat complex regional pain syndrome that affects one or both of your shoulders. 

Good candidates for shoulder PNS

PNS isn’t typically the first line of defense for treating shoulder pain. But if more conservative treatments, such as rest, ice therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications, haven’t sufficed, you may be a strong candidate.

You may also benefit from PNS if your pain is localized, meaning it’s primarily in or around your shoulders, and you’re in good overall health. 

We may recommend alternate treatments if you have a bleeding disorder, infection, or spinal malformation.

Shoulder PNS results

Individual results vary, but PNS has been shown to reduce chronic pain by 75% within three months, on average. We program your Nalu system and show you how to increase and reduce its intensity using a smartphone app, making way for results you’re pleased with.

For some people, PNS negates the need for other pain treatments, with the doctor’s approval. Others continue to rely on medication, but less so. 

As your pain diminishes with PNS, you may have an easier time partaking in exercise or physical therapy, both of which can enhance your long-term comfort, flexibility, and strength.

To learn more about PNS or get started with personalized pain management, contact our Houston, Texas, office today to schedule an appointment.