PTNS Specialist
Home » Treatments » Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD FACOG
Urogynecologist located in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD provides Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) treatments for patients in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding Arizona areas. This treatment can help patients that suffer from Overactive Bladder and Urge Urinary Incontinence who have failed medications.
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) Q & A
What is Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)?
The bladder is controlled by a group of nerves in the pelvis called the sacral nerve plexus arising from the sacral nerve roots. These same sacral nerve roots also innervate the legs and feet. Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) gently stimulates these nerves with electrical impulses and can make the bladder function better. This is done with a small, thin acupuncture needle that is inserted into the skin above the ankle.

What does Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) treat?
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is used to treat Overactive Bladder symptoms such as urinary frequency, urinary urgency, nocturia and urge urinary incontinence when more conservative treatments have failed. It can also be used to treat fecal incontinence or accidental bowel leakage although the FDA has not approved it for this indication as of now.
How is Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) done?
It is a 20-minute treatment that is done weekly for 12 weeks. You will come to Dr. Stone’s office and a thin, small needle is inserted above the inner side of your ankle. Dr. Stone’s nurse will then adjust the stimulation. After the 12 weeks of treatment, a monthly maintenance regimen is then used.
What will I feel with Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)?
Patients can experience the sensation of PTNS in different ways. They often describe the sensation as "tingling" or "pulsating." Dr. Stone's staff can set it to many different levels of stimulation, so they will be able to adjust treatment to suit you as well as address any discomfort that you might experience during treatment.

How soon will I see results with Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)?
Because PTNS modifies the signals to achieve bladder control, it usually takes 5-7 weeks for symptoms to change. However, everyone is different and it can vary anywhere between 2-12 weeks.
How effective is Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)?
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is very effective and 2 of 3 patients experience significant improvement of their symptoms.
What are the risks of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)?
There are very few risks associated with Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS). There can be minor irritation or redness. The main downside of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is that it is time-intensive due to the weekly treatments.
What are the alternatives to Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS)?
Yes, Dr. Stone will discuss with you 2 other alternatives to Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) including bladder botox, and Sacral Nerve Stimulation. The advantage of PTNS is that it is minimally invasive and can be done in an office setting. The disadvantage is that it is time-intensive.
What are other resources where I can learn more?
- Urgent PC website (this is what Dr. Stone uses)
- Nuro Website
Testimonials
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
We accept most insurance policies for your convenience. Please contact your insurance carrier to verify your individual benefits and any copays or coinsurance that are part of your plan. Patients are responsible for notifying our office if a specific plan requires precertification, preauthorization, or a referral (especially HMOs). Please call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to verify your provider network participation as insurance carriers change policies often.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stone today
One of our staff members will contact you directly. If you have any concerns requiring immediate attention, please don’t hesitate to call us at 602-788-1521.
Office location
Valley Urogynecology Associates
Phoenix, Arizona 85016-1302
Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM
Main: (602) 788-1521
Fax: (602) 688-5420
Conveniently located just off Highway 51 on Maryland Avenue just East of 16th Street between East Bethany Home Road and East Glendale Avenue.