Mechanism of action
How ActiPatch® delivers pulsed shortwave therapy
ActiPatch® uses pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT). It sends a low-power radio-frequency signal into the tissue under the loop. Researchers are investigating its effects on nerve activity. It is designed to work without heat or tingling and is used alongside other care for musculoskeletal pain.
Step 1 · The signal
A tiny pulsed radio wave
A battery-powered chip makes a 27.12 MHz signal, a frequency the FCC sets aside for industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) use. It pulses 1,000 times a second, each pulse 100 microseconds long, so it is on only 10% of the time.
Step 2 · The loop
Focused over the pain
The loop is an antenna. It keeps the field concentrated inside the ring, over about 110 cm² of tissue. The field passes through clothing and bandages, so it needs no skin contact or electrodes.
Step 3 · The nerves
A proposed nerve effect
Researchers are investigating whether low-power radiofrequency fields influence nerve activity. This proposed explanation is not proof of how ActiPatch® produces pain relief in each person. Koneru et al., 2016 (opens in a new tab)
Step 4 · The brain
Measuring pain relief
Clinical trials compare outcomes such as pain scores with a placebo device. Those outcomes can help evaluate pain relief, but do not by themselves establish the underlying nerve mechanism.
Step 5 · Over time
Results over time
Longer-term follow-up studies can describe reported changes during use. Without a placebo group, they cannot establish lasting benefit or reversal of nerve sensitization. Individual results vary.
How does ActiPatch® work?
ActiPatch® is a Class II medical device that delivers pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT): a 27.12 MHz radiofrequency field, pulsed 1,000 times per second, from a palm-sized loop worn over the sore spot. It is FDA-cleared (K192234) for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain, alongside other care, and available without a prescription. The field is below sensation, so feeling nothing is normal.
FDA 510(k) K192234
Device specifications
| FDA clearance | 510(k) K192234, over the counter |
|---|---|
| Device classification | Class II medical device |
| Cleared indication | Adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain |
| Therapy | 27.12 MHz pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) |
| Carrier frequency | 27.12 MHz |
| Pulse rate | 1,000 pulses per second |
| Pulse width | 100 µs |
| Peak power density | 73 µW/cm² |
| Therapy hours | 720-hour version |
| Recommended use | 12 to 24 hours per day |
| Loop diameter | 12 cm (4.7 inches) |
| Treatment area | About 110 cm² (17.1 in²) |
| Device weight | 9.5 g |
| Battery | 3 V CR2032, not replaceable |
| Controls | On/off switch |
| Duty cycle | 10% |
| Prescription | Not required; over-the-counter (OTC) |
| Water resistance | Not waterproof |
ActiPatch® is FDA-cleared for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. FDA clearance is not an endorsement or a guarantee of results. Individual results vary.
How to wear it
Simple to wear
- 1
Place the loop over the pain
Secure it with the included tape or a wrap, or wear it over a thin layer of clothing. Avoid thick fabric between the device and the skin.
- 2
Switch it on
The indicator light confirms it is working. You will not feel tingling from the device.
- 3
Go about your day
Each device gives up to 720 therapy hours. Keep it dry and follow the package directions.