Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief, Without Drugs

Drug-free support for pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, not treatment of the joint disease.

ActiPatch® is a drug-free wearable, FDA 510(k)-cleared (K192234) for over-the-counter (OTC) adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. It offers up to 720 therapy hours and can be used alongside other care for musculoskeletal pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. Results vary; it does not treat the underlying condition.

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Illustrative image: three runners on a park trail, each wearing the ActiPatch loop held by clear tape on the leg, including the front of the knee
ActiPatch® placement around the knee, a common site of osteoarthritis pain.

Living With a Diagnosed Knee Condition

Osteoarthritis involves changes in the joint, including the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. A diagnosed knee may ache during stairs or walking and feel stiff after sitting. Pain can vary from day to day, but a sudden change from your usual pattern deserves reassessment rather than being written off as arthritis.

Wearable Support for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

ActiPatch® offers adjunctive relief for musculoskeletal pain associated with knee osteoarthritis and can be used alongside your existing care. Unlike the broader knee-pain page, this page concerns a specific diagnosed condition studied in a randomized trial. Pain support does not change the underlying osteoarthritis or restore cartilage.

Drug-free adjunct for knee osteoarthritis pain
Placement focused on your painful knee area
Can be used alongside your existing arthritis care

Compare With Your Usual Knee Pain

1

Getting started

Note your usual painful area and discomfort during a familiar task, such as rising from a chair.

2

With regular use

Compare pain during that task on similar days. A different pain location or new locking needs advice, not just moving the loop.

3

At 7 days

If pain does not improve after 7 days of use, stop and consult a doctor. A very hot, swollen knee or fever needs earlier assessment.

Response and timing vary; some people may not experience relief. Pain relief does not mean the underlying condition has changed.

Where to Place It

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. Keep the loop close to the skin and avoid thick layers between the device and skin. 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

Center the loop over the painful knee area and secure it according to the package insert. Recheck alignment after bending the knee. Keep it off broken skin and avoid a thick brace or fabric between the loop and skin.

Technology and Evidence

ActiPatch® is a self-contained wearable that uses pulsed shortwave therapy for drug-free pain support, with no noticeable heat or tingling sensation from the device. There are no electrode pads or wires to connect. FDA 510(k) K192234 clears ActiPatch® for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Read the evidence below and the science overview for study limits and technical details.

From the evidence library

What does the evidence show?

ActiPatch® is FDA-cleared (510(k) K192234) for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. These counts cover selected ActiPatch® clinical publications, not laboratory studies or studies of other devices. Study conditions and protocols differ, and individual results vary.

Published records
6
Each paper counted once
Randomized controlled trials
3
Library design label: RCT
Publication years
2012–2021
Earliest to latest record
What do clearance and research tell us?

FDA clearance identifies the device's permitted use; it is not an endorsement or a guarantee of results. These pain trials do not establish improved circulation, tissue repair, or reduced inflammation as ActiPatch® outcomes.

Read the FDA clearance record (opens in a new tab)

How soon might I notice a difference?

Individual experiences vary. Many people report noticing relief within a few hours; for some, it can take up to four days of consistent wear. Keep following the package directions and do not change medications or prescribed care without speaking with your healthcare provider.

RCT2016 · Rheumatology (Oxford)

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

Bagnato GL, Miceli G, Marino N, Sciortino D, Bagnato GF

In a four-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ActiPatch® trial in knee osteoarthritis, 66 people were randomized and 60 completed the study. The investigators reported improvements in pain and physical function compared with placebo. Participants wore the device 12 hours a day.

Read the source publication(opens in a new tab)
RCT2012 · Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery

Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Therapy: A Potential Novel Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis

Brook J, Dauphinee DM, Korpinen J, Rawe IM

A seven-day, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied nightly use for plantar fasciitis. Among 70 participants who completed the study, the active-treatment group reported a greater reduction in morning pain than the placebo group.

Read the source publication(opens in a new tab)

Evidence describes study results, not a promise of the same result for everyone. This is not medical advice.

Explore the full evidence library

Keep track of your usual knee pattern

With knee osteoarthritis, you may notice aching on walks or stairs and stiffness after sitting. Pain may sit near the kneecap or along one side. Note what is usual for you so you can describe a change. A new pattern may need reassessment; a wearable cannot tell you what is happening inside the joint.

An arthritis diagnosis does not explain every ache

Osteoarthritis involves changes in joint tissues, including cartilage, the cushioning surface at the ends of bones. An injured tendon, overuse, or another joint problem can also add to knee pain. A clinician can help distinguish overlapping symptoms. ActiPatch® can be used alongside other care for pain, but does not reverse cartilage changes or alter osteoarthritis.

Changes that deserve a fresh assessment

Get prompt care if your 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 needs assessment too. Ask your clinician before changing an arthritis care plan or medication, even if you notice relief.

Place it over your familiar painful area

Follow the package insert and position the loop over the most painful area, such as the front, one side, or near the kneecap. Keep it off broken skin. If pain appears somewhere different from your usual knee discomfort, arrange a fresh evaluation rather than assuming that moving the device is all you need.

Check the loop after sitting and walking

Bending your knee can move the loop, so check it after walking and when you sit down. Secure it on skin with the included tape or a wrap, or over thin leggings. Keep the loop close to the skin and avoid thick fabric or a bulky brace underneath. Remove it before showering, bathing, or swimming.

What does the published evidence say?

Bagnato and colleagues studied knee osteoarthritis pain in a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial published in 2016. Assignment to active or sham therapy was by chance; participants and assessors did not know the assignment. The sham was an inactive comparison treatment. The reported pain findings are relevant to this studied population, but a group result does not guarantee relief for you. Nor does it mean ActiPatch® treats osteoarthritis itself. Read the original paper and science page for study details and limitations.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Wear ActiPatch® directly on the skin with the included tape, or over a thin layer of clothing such as a t-shirt or leggings. Avoid thick fabric between the device and the skin. Follow the package insert for positioning.

No. It offers adjunctive musculoskeletal pain relief without changing the underlying osteoarthritis. The double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial discussed on this page studied pain outcomes, not restoration of cartilage, and cannot guarantee your result.

It can be used alongside clinician-recommended care. Do not stop or change prescribed medication or increase exercise based only on a change in pain. Ask your clinician about your care plan and follow the supplied wear instructions.

Read the package insert for full contraindications, warnings and precautions. Do not use if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other active implanted metallic or electronic device. Not for use by or on children under 17. If you are under a doctor's care, consult your doctor before use.

Explore ActiPatch® for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain

Explore knee pain support while keeping care for the underlying osteoarthritis in place.

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