Provided is a portable controller and associated method that provides a patient or caregiver the ability to recharge and alter the parameters of an implanted medical device, while allowing the patient substantially unobstructed mobility. To enable mobility, the controller may be worn on a belt or clothing. The controller also allows the patient to turn device stimulation on and off, check battery status, and to vary stimulation parameters within ranges that may be predefined and programmed by a clinician. The controller communicates with the medical device to retrieve information and make parameter adjustments using wireless telemetry, and it can send and receive information from several feet away from the implanted medical device. Charging of a battery contained in the implanted medical device is achieved via an inductive radio frequency link using a charge coil placed in close proximity to the medical device.