When I first bought these, I was disappointed in their size. They are so tiny compared to other pain-relieving patches I buy for my chronic neck/shoulder muscle spasms.

However, after using them for awhile now, I'm pretty sure that for the money, you get tons more actual product--although these patches are quite a bit smaller--only 2.56 X 1.64 inches each, there are way more in a package. They are actually a better value than the other, larger patches, which typically come with five or ten in a box.

This box has six small packages inside, each containing 20 patches, so you get 120 of these little patches in the box. Even if you use multiple patches at a time, they will last quite awhile. Plus, they are quite portable. I have one of the smaller packages in my purse for on-the-go pains.

Another thing I really like is that unlike large patches, these are pretty easy to apply by yourself without having them get all wadded up/wrinkled or in the wrong spot. This is not an issue if you are putting patches on areas you can actually see and reach, but as I often use them on my neck and shoulders, it is for me. Plus, they are a perfect size for putting on my “cranky, creaky knee”.

And, you can always slap on more than one to cover however much space you need to cover! They adhere quite strongly, and are like any adhesive applied to the skin--it can smart a bit when you take it off! Just use whatever bandage removing method works for you.

The active ingredients in these patches are camphor, menthol and methyl salicylate. If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, or aspirin (salicylate is very similar to aspirin), skip these and try something else--maybe the capsicum products? I have some skin allergies, but am not bothered by these patches at all. Like many pain patches, when you apply these, you will feel a warming sensation that lasts a fairly long time, bring blood supply and some pain relief to the area.

One benefit of using patches rather than pain-relieving creams or ointments is that you do not get yucky-smelling product on your hands. This is really why I started using these products in the first place. I love liniments and ointments but really do not enjoy the stinky residue on my hands. I don't mind the smell; I just don't like it on my hands, and it can be hard to wash the smell of some of those products away.

Plus, you can wear these when you have to be around other people, without smelling like you are slathered in “medicine”. A perfect business-meeting solution!

I use these mostly for my neck/shoulder pains, but they also work when I walk too much (or it rains) and my old knee injury acts up, or when I pull the any muscle. They are also good for stiff lower back issues. I believe they'd work for almost any spasm, pulled muscle, stiffness or joint problems--anywhere you have pain, but the skin is not broken. As always, consult your doctor for any worrisome pain or injury. With her blessing, give these a try. I highly recommend them.