Joint Pain Relief, Without Drugs
Adjunctive relief for arthritis-related joint pain with continuous, noninvasive therapy.
ActiPatch® is an FDA 510(k) cleared (K192234), drug-free wearable that delivers pulsed shortwave therapy at 27.12 MHz for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. One device provides 720 therapy hours and costs $39.99 at painkiller.care. It may be positioned over musculoskeletal pain associated with arthritis & joint pain; individual results vary and it does not address the underlying condition.
When Joint Pain Limits Your Day
Joint pain and stiffness can make movement uncomfortable. Arthritis has several forms; a clinician can assess your symptoms and discuss appropriate care.
A Different Approach to Joint Pain Relief
ActiPatch® delivers continuous, nonthermal, noncontact therapy at the joint. Unlike TENS units, it is a self-contained wearable with no electrode pads or lead wires to manage. Wear it directly on the skin secured with the included tape or wrap, or over thin/light clothing. Thick fabric reduces therapy reaching the area. The device produces no tingling sensation.
ActiPatch® is FDA 510(k)-cleared under K192234 for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. It is for pain relief only; it does not address the underlying condition. Individual results vary.
What You May Notice
Getting started
Place the loop over the painful joint as directed
With regular use
Notice whether joint pain changes with use
Over time
Discuss persistent symptoms with a clinician
Responses and timing vary; ActiPatch® does not change the underlying joint disease.
Where to Place It
Place the device directly over the area of discomfort:
Wear ActiPatch® directly on the skin secured with the included tape or wrap, or over thin/light clothing such as a t-shirt or leggings. Thick fabric can reduce therapy reaching the area. Follow the package insert for positioning.
- Directly over affected joint
- Knees, fingers, wrists, or shoulders
- Rotate between joints as needed
Focus on the joint causing the most discomfort and use consistently.
The Science Behind It
ActiPatch® uses Pulsed Shortwave Therapy (PSWT), a nonthermal, noncontact form of PEMF technology operating at 27.12 MHz. Unlike TENS, it is a self-contained wearable—no electrode pads or lead wires to manage. Designed to operate without perceptible heat or tingling from the device.
What joint pain can feel like
Joint discomfort can be an ache during movement, tenderness around a joint, or stiffness after rest. Different joints behave differently, and symptoms can change from day to day. A painful hand, knee, and shoulder do not necessarily have the same cause. Note which joint hurts and when it happens.
Common musculoskeletal contributors
Osteoarthritis is one possible cause of joint pain, but overuse, strain, and other joint conditions can also be involved. Arthritis is an umbrella term rather than a single diagnosis. ActiPatch offers adjunctive musculoskeletal pain relief; it is not a disease-modifying treatment and does not substitute for investigating an undiagnosed joint.
When to see a clinician
A joint that is suddenly very red, hot, swollen, or painful needs prompt assessment, particularly with a fever. Seek care after significant injury or if you cannot bear weight. If several joints become painful or morning stiffness persists, discuss this pattern with a clinician rather than assuming it is routine wear and tear.
Where to position the loop
Identify the joint that is currently painful and place the treatment loop over that area as the package insert directs. Positioning may look different on a knee versus a wrist or shoulder. Avoid broken skin. If discomfort shifts between joints, ask a clinician about the pattern instead of assuming one device treats every cause.
Wearing it during your day
For a frequently moving joint, check placement after dressing and during ordinary activities. Secure the loop on skin with included tape or a wrap; thin clothing such as leggings can also sit between device and skin. Avoid heavy fabric underneath it. Keep the device dry and do not change prescribed medication without clinical advice.
What does the published evidence say?
For joint pain broadly, Rawe and Kotak's 2015 UK registry provides observational, self-reported pain data across a mixed chronic-pain population. It was not a joint-specific, sham-controlled trial and cannot predict the response in any particular type of arthritis. A separate knee osteoarthritis randomized study is discussed on the science page, but its knee findings should not be generalized to all joints. Evidence here concerns pain relief, not treatment of arthritis itself.
Source: Rawe and Kotak, Pain Management, 2015. Read the ActiPatch science overview.
Important Usage Guidelines
Not a Cure: ActiPatch® is intended for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain, not a cure for arthritis & joint pain.
Water Resistance: The device is not waterproof. Remove it before showering, bathing, or swimming.
Contraindications: Do not use if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other active implanted metallic or electronic device. Follow the supplied instructions for use.
Pregnancy: Do not use if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Not for children: Not for use by or on children under 17.
Pain of unknown cause: Do not use for sudden or unexplained pain, or if the cause of the pain is unknown. Not for pain deep in the body such as the chest or stomach, and not for cancer-related pain.
Open wounds: The device is not sterile. Do not place it in direct contact with open wounds.
If pain does not improve: If pain does not improve after 7 days of use, stop and consult a doctor. If you are under a doctor's care, consult your doctor before use.
See the package insert for full contraindications, warnings and precautions.