October 15, 2024
Managing pain without drugs can be effective and beneficial for many people.
We certainly wouldn’t advocate abandoning your Ibuprofen or Nurofen. They certainly have their place but if you’re interested in alleviating pain without medicine, consider trying one of these devices for drug-free pain relief.
If you are in any doubt whether it suits you and your condition, consult your GP.
Tens machines have become increasingly popular and they work by sending electrical currents that travel through electrodes and into the skin. This stimulates the specific nerve pathways to produce a tingling sensation and activates a complex neuronal network to result in a reduction of pain. If you are allergic to adhesives, you may get a reaction.
Like Tens, EMS machines use electrical currents and does so to stimulate and strengthen muscles. You need to be careful not to overwork muscles and only two sessions per week is advisable. When used in conjunction with exercise, EMS can aid weight loss.
Here are some of the best non-drug pain relief products available in the UK:
TENS Machines
VitalTrack Pro Tens Machine £59.99
Validated hospital grade EMS Tens machine for the home. Various intensity levels and dual zone technology allows for the ultimate pain relief.
There are customizable intensity settings. Target two different areas at the same time each with their own set of custom intensity levels.
Beurer EM49 Digital TENS/EMS Unit £49.99
This combines TENS for pain relief and EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) for muscle toning (as does Vital Track).
64 pre-set programs, customizable settings, and dual channels for simultaneous treatment of different areas.
Oska Pulse £450
The Oska Pulse uses pulsed electromagnetic field technology, which emits energy at different wavelengths to stimulate your body’s natural recovery process.
This type of technology is commonly used in medical settings, including post-surgical healing and cancer treatment. PEMF has helped to reduce pain in the feet, lower back, knees and more. They claim it’s better than the popular Tens machines which masks pain
Instead of taking a body-wide approach to pain relief (like OTC or other drugs), the Oska Pulse works locally. You can place it virtually anywhere on your body, under or over your clothes. It essentially reduces inflammation and increases blood flow at the pain site, encouraging cellular repair.
Heat Therapy
WheatyBags Microwaveable Heat Pack £11.99
A versatile heat pack that can be microwaved for soothing heat therapy.
Natural wheat filling, available in various shapes and sizes, and can be used for muscle aches, joint pain, and cramps.
Dreamland Intelliheat Heat Pad From £19.99
An electric heat pad that provides targeted heat therapy to relieve muscle pain and stiffness.
Different pads for different parts of the body.
Fast heating technology, adjustable temperature settings, and an automatic switch-off feature for safety.
Cold Therapy
TheraPearl Reusable Hot & Cold Pack From £9.99
A flexible gel pack that can be used for both hot and cold therapy. Different packs for different parts of the body.
Conforms to the body, reusable, and easy to heat in the microwave or chill in the freezer.
Koolpak Reusable Hot & Cold Pack From £4.99
Provides targeted cold therapy for inflammation and heat therapy for muscle relaxation.
Durable design, easy to use, and suitable for various types of pain.
Massage Devices
Renpho Rechargeable Handheld Deep Tissue Massager £82.99
A versatile massager with heat that can be used on the neck, shoulders, back, and other areas. Have a variety of different massagers.
Multiple speed settings, interchangeable heads, and a rechargeable battery.
Naipo Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager £49.99
A versatile massager with heat that can be used on the neck, shoulders, back, and other areas. Have a variety of different massagers.
Shiatsu massage nodes, heat function, and adjustable straps for easy positioning.
Compression Therapy
Actesso Elastic Knee Support £9.99
Provides compression and support to relieve knee pain and promote healing.
Breathable material, comfortable fit, and available in various sizes.
Neo G Medical Grade VCS Wrist & Thumb Support £18.00
Offers adjustable compression and support for wrist and thumb pain, arthritis and tendonitis.
Medical-grade materials, adjustable straps, and suitable for both everyday activities and sports.
Orthopaedic Supports
Bodi-Tek Lumbar Support £19.99
Provides support and relief for lower back pain.
Adjustable straps, lumbar pad for extra support, and breathable fabric.
LP Support Elbow Brace £24.99
Designed to relieve elbow pain from conditions like tennis elbow.
Adjustable compression, durable material, and targeted support.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
ProsourceFit Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set £51.14
An acupressure mat and pillow that stimulate pressure points to relieve pain and tension.
Thousands of acupressure points, durable construction, and portable design.
DongBang Press Needles £2.00-£5.00
Acupressure needles designed for at-home use to provide pain relief through targeted pressure.
Sterile, easy to apply, and used for various types of pain.
Foot Pain Relief
Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts £13.00
Orthotic insoles designed to provide support and relieve foot pain.
Arch support, durable construction, and suitable for various types of footwear.
Revitive Circulation Booster From £199.00
Uses electrical muscle stimulation to improve circulation and relieve foot and leg pain.
Multiple intensity levels, remote control, and suitable for daily use.
Multi Purpose
Paingone Plus £44.95
Provides Tens pain relief in a compact pen-shaped device which you can apply to any part of the body, so very handy to carry around with you.
Over two million users.
Paingone have a wide selection of products to cater for all manner of pain relief.
As shown, there are numerous non-drug pain relief products available in the UK that can help manage pain effectively.
From TENS machines and heat therapy to massage devices and orthopaedic supports, these products offer various ways to relieve pain and improve quality of life. Choose the ones that best suit your needs and preferences to achieve optimal pain relief.
Whether it be from what we have shown or not, if there is an effective product that you use, please do let us know.
All prices correct at time of posting.
You may find our post Benefits of Acupuncture useful.
You need to sign up or be logged in to leave a comment.