This is an analgesic therapy that combines the advantages of both electroacupuncture and Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The use of painless needle probes positioned in the soft tissues to stimulate peripheral sensory nerves at the dermatomal level corresponding to the local pathway.

The aim is to reduce the sensitivity of nerve endings in the spinal cord, thereby closing the pain "gates."  PENS is a useful, nonpharmacological supplement to opioid and nonopioid analgesic medications that avoids the problem of tolerance and physical dependence that is associated with long0term opioid use.