Managing pain is no mean task. There’s only so much that painkillers can do. And not to forget, the many side-effects and medical challenges posed by liberal use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

Today, technology offers numerous drug-free alternatives to painkillers. In 2018, the global pain management devices market size was valued at USD 5.19 billion. While some of these wearable devices are available as OTC pain management device, others require a doctor’s prescription.

Here’s looking at the top 5 pain management devices that help relieve muscular and joint pains, improve blood circulation, cope with migraines and arthritis, or simply the aches and pains of a long day at work, or at the gym.

Table of Contents

# Quell

A compact wearable device, designed to ease chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, sciatica and osteoarthritis, the Quell is an FDA-approved device that is available without a prescription.
The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) technology uses infrared light energy to relieve pain, by tapping into the body’s natural pain response and blocking the pain signals. Worn on the calf, the device is found to be effective in providing relief to a majority of people living with chronic pain.

# PainPod

The antidote to nerve pain, post-injury and surgery recovery, prenatal, labour and postnatal pain, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, and more. An FDA-listed device, PainPod is powered by a combination of microcurrents and biomedical technology.

Tapping into the workings of our peripheral nervous and body systems to manage pain, improve performance and speed recovery, the hi-tech wearable device works its magic within minutes of getting into contact with the area in pain. Not surprisingly, it’s a go-to device in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, medical rehabilitation and professional sport.

# AVACEN 100

For muscle and joint pains, stiffness, spasms, strains and sprains, AVACEN 100 offers the best non-invasive pain management solution. The FDA-cleared medical device infuses heat throughout the circulatory system to reduce blood thickness and increase microvascular circulation, thus relieving muscle pain.
AVACEN 100 requires the user to place his/her hand inside a patented mitt that is then placed inside a vacuum chamber, where the heat is infused to create muscular relaxation. The device is also used to treat fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterised by muscle pain and tenderness.

# LumiWave

The first LED near-infrared light therapy device to get FDA clearance for arthritis treatment, LumiWave has since been used for treating a wide range of conditions, including fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, joint pain, arthritis, tendinitis, and the like. The device provides pain relief by stimulating the body’s natural biochemical processes.

The user needs to plug the device into an outlet, place the LED set directly over the pain area, and set the treatment mode to the preferred temperature. LumiWave works with the tissue underneath, where the infrared light penetrates to release nitric oxide (a naturally occurring chemical in the body that reduces pain) to increase blood flow and repair the tissue.

# Omron Pain Relief Pro

When it comes to ease of use and affordability, Omron has the best range of pain management devices. Omron Pain Relief Pro is, arguably, the most popular TENS technology unit.

The FDA-cleared device helps customise the therapy with preset pain modes for different parts of the body – arms, lower back, legs, feet, joints – for the most efficient results. The three massage-like modes – tapping, kneading and rubbing – offer instant relief to tired muscles and joints.

Road to the future

There are several mobile apps that claim to help in pain management. Currently, these app can calibrate with pain management devices, help analyse the users’ sleep and activity patterns, and provide personalised insights related to the sensation of pain. It’s just a matter of time before the apps become an integral part of pain management therapies.

In the meanwhile, technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and radiofrequency (RF) are stepping up the game. BreatheVR, a pain management device, uses immersive distraction to de-escalate chronic pain, while Coolief, a non-surgical and non-narcotic outpatient procedure banks on a cooled RF platform to target the sensory nerves that cause distress.

With proven treatment modalities, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation and heat therapy, innovating in the pain management space, the upcoming devices are destined to be superior. The future holds the promise of healthier pain management.