Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief, Without Drugs
ActiPatch® is an FDA 510(k)-cleared (K192234), drug-free wearable for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain at the painful knee area. Individual results vary.
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 knee osteoarthritis; individual results vary and it does not address the underlying condition.
How Knee Osteoarthritis Can Limit Your Day
Knee osteoarthritis can be accompanied by pain and stiffness that make stairs, walking, and getting up from a chair uncomfortable. A clinician can help manage the underlying condition.
Targeted Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain
ActiPatch® provides nonthermal, noncontact pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) over the painful knee area. Wear the self-contained device directly on the skin secured with the included tape or wrap, or over thin/light clothing, as directed in the package insert. Thick fabric reduces therapy reaching the area. It is an adjunct to your existing care for pain relief only; it does not address the underlying condition.
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 treatment loop over the painful knee area as directed in the package insert.
With regular use
Notice whether knee pain changes with use; some people may not experience relief.
Over time
Review persistent or worsening symptoms with your healthcare professional.
There is no guaranteed relief schedule; response and timing vary between people.
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.
- Front of the painful knee
- Inner side of the knee if discomfort is there
- Outer side of the knee if discomfort is there
Position the treatment loop over the site of pain and secure it according to the supplied instructions; keep the device dry.
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 with no electrode pads or lead wires to manage. Designed to operate without perceptible heat or tingling from the device. FDA 510(k) K192234 clears ActiPatch® for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
What knee osteoarthritis pain can feel like
Some people with knee osteoarthritis experience an ache during walking or stairs and stiffness after sitting. Pain may cluster near the kneecap or along one side of the knee. Symptoms can vary, and a change in the familiar pattern may need reassessment. A pain-relief device cannot identify what is changing inside the joint.
Common musculoskeletal contributors
Osteoarthritis is one established cause of knee pain, but an injured tendon, overuse, or another joint problem can also contribute. A clinician can help distinguish these when symptoms overlap. ActiPatch is intended as an adjunct for musculoskeletal pain, not a treatment that reverses cartilage changes or alters the underlying osteoarthritis.
When to see a clinician
Seek prompt care if the knee becomes very hot or swollen, if you develop fever, or if you cannot bear weight after an injury. New locking, significant instability, or a sudden change from your usual pain pattern warrants assessment. Ask your clinician before changing an existing arthritis care plan or medication.
Where to position the loop
Position the loop over the most painful area of the knee as the package insert directs: in front, to one side, or near the kneecap as appropriate. Keep it off broken skin. Pain in a different area from your usual knee discomfort should prompt a fresh evaluation rather than simply moving the device.
Wearing it during your day
While walking or sitting, check that knee bending has not moved the loop out of position. Secure directly on skin with included tape or a wrap, or wear over thin leggings. Thick fabric or a bulky brace underneath can reduce therapy reaching the area. Remove before bathing, swimming, or showering.
What does the published evidence say?
Bagnato and colleagues studied knee osteoarthritis pain in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial published in Rheumatology (2016). Active and sham groups were compared on pain outcomes; the reported findings support an evidence discussion for this studied pain population. A trial result does not guarantee relief for an individual and does not mean ActiPatch treats osteoarthritis itself. Read the linked original paper and the science page for study details.
Source: Bagnato et al., Rheumatology (Oxford), 2016. Read the ActiPatch science overview.
Important Usage Guidelines
Not a Cure: ActiPatch® is intended for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain, not a cure for knee osteoarthritis.
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.