A handheld nerve stimulating device (60, 80) with an adjustable length, comprising: a handle (62, 90); and an elongated shaft (64, 94) having a distal end with an electrode made of a conductive material and in electrical communication with a source of stimulation energy, wherein the elongated shaft is selectively movable with respect to the handle; wherein the overall length of the device is adjustable by adjusting the exposed length of the elongated shaft projecting away from a distal end (74, 98) of the handle while the length of the handle remains fixed; wherein: the elongated shaft comprises a radially inner conductive section surrounded by a non-conductive outer annular section, so that the exposed conductive portion of the elongated shaft is limited to the electrode, or the elongated shaft (64, 94) comprises a hollow interior or lumen defined by an annular non-conductive section; characterized in that the handle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the handle is between the electrode and the proximal end of the handle, the device further comprises a locking device that engages a portion of the handle, and the locking device includes a tightened configuration and a loosened configuration, such that when the locking device is in the tightened configuration, the elongated shaft is immovable with respect to the handle, and when the locking device is in the loosened configuration, the shaft is movable with respect to the handle. a handle (62, 90); and an elongated shaft (64, 94) having a distal end with an electrode made of a conductive material and in electrical communication with a source of stimulation energy, wherein the elongated shaft is selectively movable with respect to the handle; wherein the overall length of the device is adjustable by adjusting the exposed length of the elongated shaft projecting away from a distal end (74, 98) of the handle while the length of the handle remains fixed; wherein: the elongated shaft comprises a radially inner conductive section surrounded by a non-conductive outer annular section, so that the exposed conductive portion of the elongated shaft is limited to the electrode, or the elongated shaft (64, 94) comprises a hollow interior or lumen defined by an annular non-conductive section; characterized in that the handle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the handle is between the electrode and the proximal end of the handle, the device further comprises a locking device that engages a portion of the handle, and the locking device includes a tightened configuration and a loosened configuration, such that when the locking device is in the tightened configuration, the elongated shaft is immovable with respect to the handle, and when the locking device is in the loosened configuration, the shaft is movable with respect to the handle. the elongated shaft comprises a radially inner conductive section surrounded by a non-conductive outer annular section, so that the exposed conductive portion of the elongated shaft is limited to the electrode, or the elongated shaft (64, 94) comprises a hollow interior or lumen defined by an annular non-conductive section; characterized in that the handle includes a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the handle is between the electrode and the proximal end of the handle, the device further comprises a locking device that engages a portion of the handle, and the locking device includes a tightened configuration and a loosened configuration, such that when the locking device is in the tightened configuration, the elongated shaft is immovable with respect to the handle, and when the locking device is in the loosened configuration, the shaft is movable with respect to the handle.