Peripheral Field Stimulation (PFS) is a form of neuromodulation that delivers low-level electrical impulses to small nerves just beneath the skin. Unlike other types of neuromodulation that target deep nerves or the spinal cord, PFS is used to treat regional or surface-level pain, particularly when the pain is widespread or not confined to a single nerve.
PFS can help manage chronic pain in areas where traditional injections, nerve blocks, or surgery have had limited success.
Thin electrical leads (similar to those used in spinal cord stimulation) are placed just under the skin in the area where you experience pain. These leads are connected to a small implantable pulse generator, which sends gentle electrical signals to surrounding superficial nerve endings.
This stimulation helps to:
You control the stimulation using a handheld remote, and your programme is customised to suit your symptoms.
PFS is typically used when pain is diffuse or poorly localised, especially in areas
with altered skin sensation or scar-related discomfort. Common indications include:
01
Post-surgical scar pain (e.g. abdominal, breast, or hernia surgery)
02
Post-herpetic neuralgia
03
Abdominal wall pain
01
Post-surgical scar pain (e.g. abdominal, breast, or hernia surgery)
02
Post-herpetic neuralgia
03
Abdominal wall pain
04
Pelvic or groin pain
05
Chronic low back pain without a clear surgical target
06
Pain following injury or trauma(e.g. crush injury, soft tissue damage)
06
Failed response to local nerve blocks or denervation
04
Pelvic or groin pain
05
Chronic low back pain without a clear surgical target
06
Pain following injury or trauma (e.g. crush injury, soft tissue damage)
07
Failed response to local nerve blocks or denervation
Like spinal cord stimulation, PFS is delivered in two stages:
Temporary leads are placed under the skin in the area of pain, and connected to an external stimulator. Over 5–7 days, you and your clinician will monitor how much relief is achieved. If you experience a meaningful reduction in pain, you may proceed to permanent implantation.
A small pulse generator (battery) is implanted under the skin, and connected to the leads placed in the same region as the trial. This can be adjusted over time to suit your changing needs and comfort level.
PFS may be suitable if you:
Our team will carefully assess your history and perform a trial to determine suitability.
PFS may be appropriate for patients with:
PFS may be appropriate for patients with:
We provide:
Reports and recommendations are promptly shared to support ongoing care.
Learn More About Peripheral Field Stimulation
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Originally from England, Sally graduated from St George’s Hospital, University of London in 2004 with a BSc (First Class Hons) in Physiotherapy. Since settling in Australia, Sally has worked in private practice and in the public hospital setting across Sydney.
Sally gained a Masters in Medicine Pain Management from the University of Sydney in 2019 and is a Titled Pain Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian Physiotherapy Association).
In addition to private practice, Sally currently works as a Senior Physiotherapist at Westmead Hospital Pain Management Service.
Sally is highly skilled in assessing, diagnosing and treating people who experience chronic pain. She enjoys working with injured workers and CTP claimants. She has a deep understanding of the impact of pain on the whole person and on their functioning in daily life. In partnership with her colleagues, Sally enjoys applying her knowledge and clinical skills to provide a safe space for exploration of the physical and emotional meaning of pain and for recovery of function.
Qualifications and Experience
Dr. Adam is a Fellowship-trained Pain Medicine Specialist with a Fellowship from the Faculty of Pain Medicine (FFPMANZCA) and a Master of Pain Medicine from the University of Sydney. He is dedicated to the comprehensive management of chronic pain across all age groups.
Dr. Adam trained in adult pain medicine at Liverpool Hospital, Nepean Hospital, and the Department of Pain Medicine, and completed additional training in paediatric chronic pain at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. He currently serves as a Staff Specialist at Westmead and St George Public Hospitals (NSW Health), and is a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Liverpool Public Hospital, St George Private, Sydney Southwest Private, Holroyd Private, Norwest Private, and Nepean Private Hospitals.
He adopts a whole-person, multidisciplinary approach rooted in the socio-psycho-biomedical model, utilising both pharmacologic and interventional techniques. These include:
Dr. Adam is an Authorised Prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis and holds a Diploma in Medicinal Cannabis. He is also certified in Opioid Treatment Programs, including Methadone. His areas of interest include opioid dependence management, medicinal cannabis, and interventional pain procedures.
He also completed advanced training in Virtual Reality Therapy for chronic pain and mental health disorders in Barcelona, Spain, and has further qualifications in Focused Psychological Strategies, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Clinical Hypnosis.
Qualifications:
