Recovery Timeline

PNS is performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. The procedure itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is done under local anesthesia with light sedation — no general anesthesia required.

Most patients are alert and mobile shortly after the procedure. You'll receive post-care instructions before leaving, and a follow-up is usually scheduled within the first week.

Mild soreness at the insertion site is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Many patients report noticeable pain relief within the first 24 to 48 hours as the stimulation begins modulating nerve signals.

Activity restrictions during this period are minimal. You should avoid heavy lifting and high-impact exercise, but walking, light movement, and daily routines are encouraged.

By the second week, most patients have returned to their normal daily activities. Pain relief typically continues to improve as the body adjusts to stimulation.

Your physician may fine-tune stimulation settings during a follow-up visit to optimize pain relief. This adjustment process is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes.

PNS is designed to provide sustained relief. Patients report continued benefit over months and years, with periodic check-ins to ensure optimal device performance.

Because the procedure preserves the natural joint, your long-term mobility and function are maintained. If your condition changes, your physician can adjust the treatment plan — and because PNS is reversible, all future options remain available.

For context, joint replacement typically requires 6 to 12 weeks of structured rehabilitation before returning to normal activities, and full recovery can take 3 to 6 months. PNS compresses that timeline dramatically — most patients measure recovery in days, not months.