Frederick, MD — October 7, 2025 — Leads & Copy — BioElectronics Corporation (OTC: BIEL) announced the completion and publication of a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial that demonstrated pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) provides sustained pain relief for adults suffering from thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis. The study was conducted by researchers at Stanford University, and its abstract is available online.
Thumb arthritis, a common and painful condition, affects an estimated 4-7 million U.S. adults, making tasks like turning doorknobs or opening jars difficult. Current treatments are limited to splints, medications, or injections. The research suggests PSWT could offer a safe, drug-free, at-home option, potentially transforming the treatment of this prevalent condition.
The study involved 61 adults diagnosed with thumb CMC osteoarthritis, comparing outcomes between participants using an active PSWT device and those using a sham device. Both groups used the devices for approximately eight hours each night over four weeks. While both groups reported pain reductions at four weeks, likely influenced by the splint-like stiffness and placebo effects, only the PSWT group maintained pain relief by week six, after device use was discontinued. This difference was statistically significant (p = .02).
Other measures, including maximum pain, hand function (PRWHE), and single-assessment scores (SANE), improved in both groups during the treatment period. PSWT was found to be safe and well-tolerated, with infrequent and mild adverse events, primarily minor skin irritation. No serious adverse events were reported.
Key findings include:
- Both PSWT and sham groups experienced pain reduction at 4 weeks.
- At 6 weeks, only the PSWT group sustained improvement, resulting in a significant difference versus sham.
- Benefits were not solely explained by splinting effects, placebo response, or continued device use.
- PSWT was safe, with no serious adverse events reported.
According to the study investigators, the findings suggest that PSWT may offer a true sustained analgesic benefit for thumb osteoarthritis.
Pulsed Shortwave Therapy (PSWT) is a non-invasive electromagnetic therapy designed to reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. BioElectronics’ flagship product, ActiPatch, is an over-the-counter solution for arthritis pain.
Contact: IR@bielcorp.com
Source: BioElectronics Corporation
