Knee Pain Relief, Without Drugs
Place continuous, noninvasive therapy directly over the site of knee pain.
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 pain; individual results vary and it does not address the underlying condition.
Why Knee Pain Limits You
Knee pain can make stairs, walking, and daily activities harder. It may have many causes, including overuse or osteoarthritis; seek medical advice for persistent or worsening symptoms.
Targeted Therapy for Your Knees
ActiPatch® delivers continuous, nonthermal, noncontact PSWT therapy at the knee. 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
Position the loop over the painful knee area as directed
With regular use
Notice whether knee pain changes with use
Over time
Reassess symptoms with your clinician if pain persists
Individual responses and timing vary; relief is not guaranteed.
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.
- Center of the knee joint
- Around the kneecap
- On either side of the knee depending on pain location
Position directly over the area of greatest discomfort.
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 knee pain can feel like
Knee discomfort may be felt around the kneecap, along either side of the joint, or toward the back of the knee. People often notice it when taking stairs or standing up after sitting. Clicking, swelling, and the exact painful location are worth mentioning at an appointment; discomfort alone cannot identify the cause.
Common musculoskeletal contributors
Repetitive loading, a strain after activity, and joint changes such as osteoarthritis are among possible contributors to knee pain. Not every painful knee has osteoarthritis, and a new injury deserves its own assessment. ActiPatch is an adjunct for musculoskeletal pain; it does not diagnose the knee or change the course of a joint condition.
When to see a clinician
Seek prompt care after a major twist or fall, or when the knee is very swollen, hot, visibly misshapen, or cannot bear weight. Fever with a painful swollen knee also needs assessment. For pain that gradually worsens or repeatedly returns, a clinician can help clarify the cause and discuss an appropriate plan.
Where to position the loop
Center the treatment loop over the area that actually hurts: this may be the front, inner, or outer knee. Avoid putting it on broken skin. The device is for pain relief rather than a repair for a ligament or cartilage problem. Follow the supplied instructions, and seek clinical advice if the painful area is changing.
Wearing it during your day
When walking or climbing stairs, check that the loop remains aligned with the painful area as your knee bends. Secure it directly to skin with included tape or a wrap, or wear it over thin leggings. A thick brace or several clothing layers between device and skin may reduce therapy reaching the area. Keep it dry.
What does the published evidence say?
Bagnato and colleagues reported a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial in people with knee osteoarthritis in Rheumatology (2016). The trial reported a difference in pain outcomes between active therapy and sham in its study population. That evidence is relevant to osteoarthritis-associated knee pain but does not establish that every kind of knee pain has the same response, nor does it mean the device treats osteoarthritis itself. Individual results vary; the science page explains the trial and its limits.
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 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.