LUMINAS Relief Electroceutical Patches are some of the top-rated pain relief patches we found. They are drug-free and are a great alternative to OTC medication and topical creams. This company has invented electroceutical patch technology that uses the electronic signatures of ingredients known to reduce pain and inflammation. LUMINAS patches have an edge on competitors because they last 24 hours and begin to work in as little as 15 minutes, compared to most pain relieving products. These patches are clinically proven, with no side effects, and are safe for all ages.
2. STAMINAPRO
STAMINAPRO Patches utilize the same electroceutical technology as LUMINAS Relief patches. However, they are designed with athletes in mind. Their patches are sweat-proof and water resistant to guarantee that they stay on through all the elements. STAMINAPRO patches are supposed to support you before, during, and after workouts so that your body can reduce inflammation and pain in order to help you to recover from workouts or day-to-day activities.
Pros:
- Made with athletes in mind
- Provides support before, during, and after your workout
- Pain relief lasts up to 24 hours
- Durable and water-resistant
- No side effects
Cons:
- Pricey
- Adhesive is very sticky and might leave residue
3. ROCKTAPE
RockTape is a type of kinesiology tape that claims to treat injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee and back pain. Their tape is supposed to microscopically lift the skin away from the muscle and fascia, which in turn is creates a decompressive effect. This is supposed to reduce swelling so that you can move better. Unfortunately, Rocktape has not been clinically proven for all injuries. Relieves swelling through decompression which speeds recovery and increases awareness of your body position to help you maintain proper posture and form.
Pros:
- Assists with decompression
- Helps with posture
- Hypoallergenic adhesive
- Water-resistant
- Sticks on for 2-7 days
Cons:
- Lacks durability
- Difficult application
- Somewhat expensive
- Hard to cut
- It won’t stick on areas with body hair
4. VIBRANTS
Vibrants patches are embedded with natural frequencies that when applied to the skin create an electromagnetic field to restore balance to your body from negative environments and thoughts. Our bodies apparently absorb what it needs from the patch to self-regulate. These patches are non-transdermal, safe for all ages, and contain no drugs. Although patches last up to 48 hours, Vibrants are not clinically proven.
Pros:
- Lasts 48 hours
- Drug-free
- Safe for all ages
- Reduces inflammation
- Latex-Free
Cons:
- Useless
- Not effective at all
- Moderate pain relief
- Pricey
- Not recommended for chronic pain
5. KAILO
Kailo pain patches are designed to work with your body’s natural electrical system to “turn down” your pain receptors. Kailo’s benefits are that it is reusable, waterproof, FDA registered and is currently in a clinical trial. However, Kailo only operates on one local area of pain. Although you can wear more than one to target more areas, wearing more than one patch decreases the patch’s effectiveness.
Pros:
- Reusable
- Waterproof
- FDA Registered
- Turns down your body’s pain receptors
Cons:
- Causes headaches
- Doesn’t work for everyone
- Too expensive
6. KT TAPE
KT Tape is an elastic sports tape that is supposed to support your muscles, tendons, and ligaments so that you can go through a full range of motion pain-free. KT Tape is known as the leading brand in sports-related drug-free injury treatments. KT Tape comes in pre-cut strips that can be worn for multiple days. However, KT Tape is not known to reduce pain from inflammation.
Pros:
- Can be worn for multiple days
- Flexible
- Drug-free
- Comes in pre-cut strips
Cons:
- Can cause irritation and itchiness
- Doesn’t stick well
- Peels skin off
- Pricey
- Difficult to apply
7. OTC NSAID
NSAIDs are a class of drug sold to treat pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce fever. However, continual use of NSAIDs are known to thin the blood, create stomach issues, and reduce kidney function. NSAIDs are the most common treatment for inflammatory pain relief and are easily available OTC by brands such as Tylenol, Motrin, and Aleve. Although they are effective, there are drug interactions, they are not safe for all ages, and have side effects.
Pros:
- Proven to treat pain and inflammation
- Reduces fever
- Easily available
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- Harsh chemicals
- Many side effects
- Temporary relief
- Must be ingested
8. TENS UNIT
A TENS unit is a device that sends low voltage electrical currents into the body to relieve pain. These electrical currents are delivered to your body through electrodes hooked up to a battery-powered device. It is believed that these electrical currents modify your perception of pain by stimulating nerve cells and that it raises your body’s natural level of endorphins, which is the body’s natural pain-killing chemical. TENS units however cannot be used on everyone. TENS units are not safe for use on pregnant women, people with heart disease, people with epilepsy, cancer patients, and people with implantable devices.
Pros:
- Drug-free
- Modifies your perception of pain
- Naturally raises body’s endorphins
- Alleviates pain for multiple conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
Cons:
- You can develop a tolerance to the treatment
- Complicated to use
- Is only useful for moderate pain
- Small screen, small controls, difficult instructions to interpret
9. SALONPAS
Salonpas patches are designed to relieve temporary minor aches and pains. The product works using a transdermal drug delivery system, that when applied to the skin delivers an anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of pain. Their active ingredients are menthol and menthyl salicylate-which are a topical approach to NSAIDs. Since the product contains NSAIDs, there are drug interactions and limitations caused by the use of the product, and cannot be used by children under the age of 12. Patches only last up to 12 hours.
Pros:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Creates a sensation on the skin to distract from the pain
- Can help reduce itching
- Provides pain relief
Cons:
- Can burn your skin
- Contains harsh chemicals
- Don’t stay on well
- Unpleasant smell
10. ICYHOT Patches
Icy Hot is America’s #1 topical pain relief brand. Icy Hot works just like the name implies- when applied to the skin a cooling effect is first experienced to dull your pain before transitioning to a soothing warming effect to relieve pain. The benefits of this product are that they are low in cost and readily available at most retailers. Although the product temporarily relieves pain, it does not treat injuries or help the body to heal. In some rare cases, severe burns have been reported when leaving that patch on for too long.
Pros:
- Low Cost
- Provides a soothing effect
- Easily available
- Temporarily relieves pain
Cons:
- Don’t stick well to the skin
- Harsh chemicals
- No relief
- Strong smell
11. BIOFREEZE Patches
BIOFREEZE provides a cooling sensation to the skin to help minor aches and pains. The product is formulated without NSAIDs and helps to treat conditions such as sore muscles, backaches, and arthritis. The product works by the cooling sensation of menthol overriding the pain signal in the brain lowering your perception of pain. The effects of BIOFREEZE products last up to eight hours and are safe for all ages over the age of 2.
Pros:
- Lowers your perception of pain
- Does not contain NSAIDS
- Provides a cooling sensation
- Works fast
Cons:
- Don’t stick well
- Can’t cut patch
- Expensive
- Doesn’t work for everyone
12. TIGERBALM
Tigerbalm products use traditional ingredients such as camphor, menthol, capsicum extract, and methyl salicylate. Initially formed in 1870, Tigerbalm’s formula has been refined through the years to treat everyday aches, pains, and discomforts. The brand has a line-up of products for different lifestyles. However, Tigerbalm contains active ingredients, is only safe for use on adults, and does not have a clinical trial.
Pros:
- Can be used for pain relief and cold symptom relief
- Improves blood circulation
- Alleviates osteoarthritis pain
- Easily available despite not being FDA regulated
Cons:
- Doesn’t stick well to skin
- Odor is very strong
- Texture is gooey
- Patches may burn skin
13. TEDS PAIN RELIEF
This pain cream claims to “outsmart pain on a molecular level” using resveratrol.
Daily use is suggested to increase maximum effectiveness. Ted’s is my go-to for intense, burning nerve pain. I also like it for foot pain and bicep pain. Bonus: It smells amazing.
Pros:
- Clinically-backed
- Created with advanced technology to “outsmart pain on a molecular level”
- Can be used for carpal tunnel and arthritis pain
Cons:
- Inconsistent pain relief
- Allows pain signals through
- Allergic reaction may occur
- Commonly referred to an “expensive version” of Bengay
