Soovu is backed by four clinical studies and over 10 years of research and development by pain management physicians at the University of Washington. For a full list of clinical studies on Soovu, please visit our Science page.

Soovu can be used as an adjunctive therapy to massage, physical therapy, and chiropractic adjustments. For long term use, Soovu is a safe [and effective] alternative to oral medications such as NSAIDS (e.g., Ibuprofen) for temporary relief of pain. However, if you wish, Soovu may be used with over-the-counter pain medications. Ask your physician before using Soovu along with prescription medications. Do not apply Soovu over areas of the skin where you’ve applied pain relief creams that produce heat, such as capsaicin, or cooling, such as methol creams.

Soovu HeatWave™ technology is a new way to deliver drug-free relief to patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain. The treatment uses waves of pulsed heat at temperatures >40°C (104° F).  It is hypothesized that heating the skin to these high temperatures blocks pain impulses and provides temporary relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The treatment is both soothing and enjoyable to use while being effective at providing temporary relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is not recommended for lower back pain (footnote: American Academy of Neurology (AAN) does not recommend TENS for chronic back pain https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/784 ). In addition, many TENS users find the experience of electricity running through their skin to be unpleasant.

Soovu's pulsed heat is more effective than steady heat (see study of Soovu vs. steady heat). Soovu is wearable, discreet, and cordless. It cycles the heat between lower and higher temperatures. Finally, the Soovu pods have embedded safety sensors to monitor temperature and automatically shut off if temperature exceeds 45° C.

Soovu uses patented HeatWave™ technology to deliver waves of pulsed heat, at high temperatures, safely and comfortably to the skin for effective, targeted pain relief.  Soovu begins working in as little as 5 minutes and delivers lasting relief up to 3.5 hours after one 30-minute treatment (for chronic low back pain; onset in 5 minutes using Soothe, Max Heat setting; 3.5 hours of relief using Deep, Max Heat setting).

In an independent, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial published in 2020, subjects started feeling relief in as little as 5 minutes when used on max heat, soothe setting for low back pain. For a full list of clinical studies on Soovu, please visit our Science page.

In an independent, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial published in 2020,  subjects' pain relief lasted up to 3.5 hours after one 30-minute treatment when used on max heat, deep setting for low back pain.  For a full list of clinical studies on Soovu, please visit our Science page.

Soovu is an FDA-registered Class II device that has been cleared for sale in the United States.

Soovu is founded by two pain medicine physicians from a leading university who were seeking a drug-free way to help relieve patients with chronic pain.  Soovu is backed by four clinical studies. To learn more about the Soovu story, visit About Us.

Soovu works on musculoskeletal pain, including chronic pain. Soovu provides temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness; the temporary relief of joint pain associated with arthritis; the temporary relief of muscle spasms, minor sprains and strains, and minor muscular back pain; the temporary relief of menstrual discomfort; the relaxation of muscles; and the temporary increase of local circulation where applied. This product is intended to be used by adults only. The safety and effectiveness of this System with pregnant women and children has not been established. Do not use the system in the following ways: while sleeping; on a child or animal; on a person who is unconscious; if you have a medical condition in which you are unable to feel heat or pain on your skin; or within 6" of an implantable device such as a pacemaker.

Soovu works on musculoskeletal pain, including chronic pain. Generally people with chronic pain rated from a 4 to a 9 (where 10 represents worst imaginable pain) find at least partial relief. Soovu provides temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain and stiffness; the temporary relief of joint pain associated with arthritis; the temporary relief of muscle spasms, minor sprains and strains, and minor muscular back pain; the temporary relief of menstrual discomfort; the relaxation of muscles; and the temporary increase of local circulation where applied.

The adhesive rings are medical-grade, hypoallergenic, latex free and biocompatible.

If there is a metal recycling program in your location, you may be able to recycle the metal portion of the adhesive ring. Check with your local recycling agency to confirm.

The adhesive rings are meant to be used daily. Many people find they can reposition and reuse an adhesive ring several times a day before it loses its ability to stick well to the skin. The ability to reuse the adhesive rings is variable and depends on factors such as location where the ring was worn, the individual's skin (e.g. how dry or oily), and how many times the adhesive ring had already been used. To avoid possible skin irritation, adhesive rings should be removed within 24 hours of initial application.

The Soovu pods can be worn when participating in sports but care should be taken to assure the Soovu pods are securely adhered to the body. The Soovu pods may be more likely to fall off during sports that have vigorous movements or rough contact with others. Soovu Labs plans to provide a "Active" adhesive with greater sticking power while sweaty.

The Soovu pods should not be immersed in water (do not swim or bathe with them). However, the Soovu pods are water resistant. If pod is accidentally immersed, allow it to dry completely before using.

Yes, another person may try out your Soovu pods by downloading the Soovu App, creating an account, and pairing the pods with their phone.

The Soovu App is needed to start a heat session with the Soovu pods. Once the heat session is underway, you do not need to remain near your phone or leave your Soovu app running. The heat session will run on its own.

To clean your Soovu Pods, simply wipe them off with a damp cloth. It is not necessary to use cleaning solutions. Do not submerge your Soovu Pods under water. Do not use your Soovu Pods until they are completely dry. To clean your Charging Cradle and Cable, unplug and wipe with a dry cloth. Never submerge your Charging Cradle or Cable under water or clean with water.

You can purchase Soovu adhesive ring packs or set up a subscription for them here. If you are enrolled through Premera, your adhesive rings packs will be provided at no cost through the end of 2024.

Each Soovu Pod is approximately 2 inches in diameter and just under 1/2 an inch thick.

The Soovu pod is powered by a rechargeable medical-grade lithium polymer battery. It typically takes 2 to 3 hours to fully charge a pod.

A fully charged battery allows approximately 100 to 150 minutes or ten to fifteen 10-minute heating sessions before the pods must be removed and recharged. Battery life varies based on duration and temperature of each heat session performed.

How often and when to use Soovu is up to you. Many people use their Soovu pods multiple times a day to help manage their chronic pain. Others vary their use based on when they have flare ups in pain. To give your skin a break between treatments, be sure to follow all warnings that the Soovu app provides, such as moving pods to a different location prior to ongoing use.

The Soovu pods can be worn during activities that cause sweating. However, care should be taken to assure the Soovu pods are securely adhered to the body.

It is unlikely you will experience significant negative side effects of using Soovu. After a heating session, most people will experience mild temporary redness ("erythema") on the skin where the Soovu pod was located. This redness will normally fade after a couple of hours. If you have an area of redness that does not fade and/or you feel a burning sensation, DO NOT continue to apply heat to that area as doing so could result in a burn. Please contact Customer Care at [insert phone number].

You have control over the Soovu pods. If the pods get too hot, simply lower the temperature using the Soovu app or remove the pods from your body.

The Soovu system is compatible with most versions of Apple iOS version and Android. For up to date compatibility information please visit www.soovu.com/compatibility.

The Soovu pods can be worn nearly anywhere on the body that has a fairly flat surface, such as the upper and lower back, shoulders, hamstrings, quadriceps, and neck. Do not apply the pods or adhesive rings on any of the following: an existing burn or over broken skin such as an open wound or a healing wound; any part of your body that has nerve damage (such as diabetic neuropathy) that reduces your ability to feel hot, cold or touch; your face or over your eyes; your genital area; any parts of your body within 6" of implanted devices such as pacemakers, pumps or stimulators; any area where you have applied a topical pain treatment that causes your skin to be hot (such as capsaicin creams) or cool (such as menthol creams); any part of your body with poor circulation.

Soovu is not covered by medical insurance, however, Soovu is eligible for FSA/HSA programs.  Contact your program provider for more information and eligibility.

No prescription is required.

Yes, there is a one-year warranty on the Soovu pods and charging accessories.

The Soovu Pain Relief System is available to purchase or rent. Just click the "Get Soovu" button at the top of www.soovu.com.

If you would like to delete your Soovu user account data please send a request to help@soovu.com. You can also review our privacy policy for full details.