PTNM
Percutaneous Tibial Neuromodulation (PTNM) is used to treat patients with urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and urge incontinence. We are thrilled to be able to offer this treatment at our facility. PTNM (also known as Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation or PTNS) is an approved intervention that has been shown to have significantly positive outcomes as published in several evidence-based peer-reviewed journals.
PTNM is a minimally invasive neuromodulation treatment that provides sacral nerve stimulation through percutaneous electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve. Such stimulation of the sacral nerve plexus which regulates the bladder and pelvic floor muscles can eliminate or substantially reduce bladder symptoms. PTNM can often be helpful when other interventions have failed (medications, bladder training and traditional muscle therapy). It can also be a healthy alternative to long term use of medications with undesirable side effects. There is also some evidence for the use of PTNM for unresolving fecal incontinence.
If your doctor and physical therapist recommend this treatment to you, it will likely be covered at little to no cost to you by your insurance. Our billing department can check with your insurance for you if you are interested and if your team of providers agrees. Billing@ChicagoPT.org
The procedure:
A small needle is placed just above your ankle near the posterior tibial nerve. A small grounding pad is placed on the bottom of your foot and a palm-sized digital device is snapped in place on top of the pad. The machine is connected to the needle and your therapist will slowly increase the stimulation of low voltage electrical stimulation (10 mA, at a range of 1-10 HZ). It feels like gentle stimulation and is not painful. The treatments are weekly for 30 minutes ideally for 12 consecutive weeks. You can relax and read or be on your device during the treatment in a private room at our clinic.
