Step 1
Know what you need

The more information you can provide the prescriber the better.

• Know your size

• Left or right leg?

• Where is your pain?

Step 2
Ask your GP to prescribe it

You will need to ask your prescriber (usually a GP or MSK physiotherapist) to prescribe the Action Reliever; this can be done either in a face to face appointment or over the phone. The more information you can provide them, the easier the process. Many GPs will not have heard of a brace being available on prescription, so it is important that we give them as much information as possible.

You can send your GP a link to this website or print some of the information to take with you. If you want to take information and don’t have a printer, we can send you an information pack; just fill out the request form at the end of this page.

Useful downloads:

Step 3
Answer objections

Some patients find that their healthcare professional is resistant to prescribing a knee brace for their osteoarthritis. Here are some of the objections you might hear and answers you can give.

I don’t know the product

Just because a clinician hasn’t heard of Thuasne or the Action Reliever knee brace doesn’t mean they can deny you access to the brace. Explain to them that Action Reliever is listed on Drug Tariff and is available on prescription. Action Reliever is available on most electronic prescription systems e.g. SystemOne, EMIS, Vision. Search for “Action Reliever”, it doesn’t appear under “knee brace”.

It’s not on formulary

Most health care areas have a preferred list of products that they require healthcare professionals to prescribe; just because something is not on a formulary doesn’t mean it can’t be prescribed. In many areas, medical devices like the Action Reliever are not on formulary and don’t need to be. Most healthcare professionals aren’t aware that they are free to prescribe any product as long as there is a valid clinical reason and up to 20% of products prescribed in any area can be non-formulary products. So, if you hear this objection, remind your clinician that they are allowed to prescribe off-formulary products, if they provide additional clinical benefits, and tell them the ways in which Action Reliever will benefit you.

It’s too expensive

The Action Reliever could be considered expensive compared to some general pain relief medicines, which may make a cost-conscious clinician think twice before prescribing an Action Reliever for you. However, what many clinicians don’t realise is that strong opioids (pain killers) can cost over £200 per year, plus the cost of patients returning for the repeat prescriptions. A reduction in prescribing of oral medication is beneficial financially, mentally and physically.

Referrals for physiotherapy, surgery or orthotics cost more than the Action Reliever.

Clinical evidence suggests that many patients who wear an offloading brace for osteoarthritis for more than two years still don’t need a knee replacement eight years later. With knee replacements costing the NHS over £5,000 each, an Action Reliever is very cost effective.

Step 4
Send your prescription to your preferred supplier or pharmacy

Although you can take your prescription to any pharmacy, we work with Daylong, a Dispensing Appliance Contractor. They can send the Action Reliever direct to your home via Royal Mail and this route is quicker than going to your local pharmacy. Ask your GP to send the prescription electronically to Daylong (FJ708) or by post to:

FREEPOST RTHL-YUAG-GCST
Daylong
10 Cossall Industrial Estate
Ilkeston, Derbyshire
DE7 5UG