The article discusses the challenges and potential solutions for promoting functional recovery after surgical repair of injured peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves have a better regenerative capacity compared to central nervous system nerves, but functional recovery often remains poor due to the progressive deterioration of neuronal growth capacity and the support from Schwann cells in the distal nerve stumps. The decline in electrical activity of motoneurons and the expression of regeneration-associated genes further hinders recovery. Brief, low-frequency electrical stimulation (ES) applied proximal to the injury site has been shown to promote the expression of endogenous growth factors, significantly accelerating axon outgrowth and target reinnervation. This effect has been demonstrated in both rats and humans. Preconditioning ES before nerve injury increases axonal outgrowth and regeneration rates, making it a promising approach for nerve transfer surgeries and end-to-side neurorrhaphies. However, additional surgery for electrode placement may be a practical challenge. Overall, ES is applicable in all surgeries with excellent outcomes.The article discusses the challenges and potential solutions for promoting functional recovery after surgical repair of injured peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves have a better regenerative capacity compared to central nervous system nerves, but functional recovery often remains poor due to the progressive deterioration of neuronal growth capacity and the support from Schwann cells in the distal nerve stumps. The decline in electrical activity of motoneurons and the expression of regeneration-associated genes further hinders recovery. Brief, low-frequency electrical stimulation (ES) applied proximal to the injury site has been shown to promote the expression of endogenous growth factors, significantly accelerating axon outgrowth and target reinnervation. This effect has been demonstrated in both rats and humans. Preconditioning ES before nerve injury increases axonal outgrowth and regeneration rates, making it a promising approach for nerve transfer surgeries and end-to-side neurorrhaphies. However, additional surgery for electrode placement may be a practical challenge. Overall, ES is applicable in all surgeries with excellent outcomes.