A method for providing therapy to a patient using intermittent electrical stimulation includes advancing a plurality of electrodes disposed along a distal portion of a lead to a target stimulation location within a patient. A proximal portion of the lead is coupled to an electrical stimulator disposed external to the patient. Patient tissue at the target stimulation location is stimulated for a first duration of time that is no greater than one day using the plurality of electrodes. The stimulation provides efficacious treatment to the patient for a second duration of time that is at least twice as long as the first duration of time. Stimulation is ceased after completion of the first duration of time. The lead is removed from the patient after ceasing stimulation and prior to an end of the second duration of time.
