Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about OrthoCor devices, how they work, or how to get started? You’re in the right place.

How to use your OrthoCor device

If you’re looking for information about how to use your device, please first access our user guides and how-to videos below. These include information about how to position the device, how to turn it off and on, and how to get the best results.

Your questions, answered.

Explore answers to common questions below. If you’re still not finding the answers you need, contact our team and let us assist you.

General product and usage

Activ8 and Active System devices both use the same core PST technology to manage pain and support healing. They also both deliver soothing heat, but from different sources: the heating mechanism is built into Activ8 devices, whereas Active System devices deliver heat via disposable OrthoPods.

Typically, Active System devices are recommended for injuries that require less than six months of pain management treatment; e.g., strains, sprains, and post-op. Activ8 devices are often recommended for the treatment of chronic pain or more long-term conditions; e.g., osteoarthritis.

OrthoCor devices can treat many different types of pain, including:

  • Post-operative pain
  • Strains and sprains
  • Chronic pain (including pain related to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis)
  • And more


If you’re curious whether OrthoCor is a good fit for your pain management needs, consult your physician.

Activ8 therapy lasts for 30 minutes, twice per day. The device will automatically shut off once therapy is complete.

If you’re interested in wearing your device for a longer period, discuss it with your physician first.

Active System therapy lasts for two hours, once per day. The device will automatically shut off once therapy is complete.

If you’re interested in wearing your device for a longer period, discuss it with your physician first.

OrthoCor devices can be used on the following areas:

  • Shoulder
  • Neck
  • Elbow
  • Hand
  • Wrist
  • Back
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Ankle
  • Foot

OrthoCor’s adjustable devices are designed to fit snuggly but comfortably. For more information on how to put on, take off, and operate your device, consult our Activ8 or Active System user guides.

Both Activ8 and Active System devices use a rechargeable battery. The Activ8 battery is removable. The Active System battery is built in. Each device comes with a wall adapter to charge the system between therapy sessions.

OrthoPods are single-use, air-activated treatments that initiate PST in the Active System. Once exposed to air, OrthoPods provide soothing heat for the entire duration of the two-hour therapy session. Activ8 does not use or require OrthoPods.

OrthoPods must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. To request a refill, please contact your provider directly. They will need to submit a refill order on your behalf.

OrthoCor devices are prescription-only solutions that are currently available through Worker’s Compensation and Veteran Affairs medical coverage. Learn more about who can benefit here. To learn more about managing pain with OrthoCor devices, consult your physician. If your physician needs additional information on OrthoCor technology, they can reach out to us for further support.

If you are a new patient interested in utilizing an OrthoCor system for pain relief, please talk to your doctor to see if our devices are right for you. If your doctor needs additional information on OrthoCor technology, they can reach out to us for further support. Note that OrthoCor Medical is only able to accept Worker’s Compensation and Veteran Affairs insurance coverage at this time.

For up-to-date return information, please consult our return policy.

Answers to common problems can also be found in our Activ8 and Active System user guides.

If you are having a problem with your OrthoCor device that is not addressed in the user guide, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.

PST technology

PST (short for Pulsed Shortwave Therapy) is a therapeutic pain management technology that uses electromagnetic waves to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and support healing.

For more information on how PST technology contributes to pain management and healing, visit our How It Works page.

Yes! PST is clinically proven to effectively reduce pain and patient reliance on pain medication. For a more detailed rundown of the clinical evidence, visit our Clinical Evidence page.

TENS units and OrthoCor devices work in different ways with different effects.

TENS units temporarily mask pain by continuously stimulating your body’s nerves and reducing your ability to perceive specific pain signals. In contrast, our devices use PST technology (short for Pulsed Shortwave Therapy) to target pain at its source by stimulating the production of nitric oxide with pulsed electromagnetic waves. This process enhances blood circulation and lymphatic flow, which helps decrease pain and swelling in the area and supports the body’s natural healing and repair processes. You can learn more about the technology behind our devices on our How It Works page.

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Get device instructions, support, and answers to help you get the most from your OrthoCor experience.

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Pain Management

OrthoCor’s convenient and powerful wearables deliver proven pain relief and support the body’s natural healing processes.