Frequently Asked Questions About Twinge Health
Get answers to common questions about our custom compounded pain relief creams, telehealth consultations, prescription ingredients, pricing, and how our personalized pain management works.
FAQ Categories
How does the process work?
Fill out a quick online consult (2–3 minutes). A U.S.-licensed physician reviews your info, and if approved, writes a custom prescription. The pharmacy compounds and ships your cream within 3–5 business days.
Do I need a live video call with a doctor?
No. All consults are asynchronous. If your doctor needs follow-up info, they'll reach out.
What's included in the $79.99?
Your price covers everything:
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Online doctor consult
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Custom compounded prescription (30-day supply)
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Free shipping
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No insurance hassle
How long does shipping take?
Once prescribed, the cream is compounded and shipped within 3–5 business days. You'll receive tracking info once it's on the way.
How do I apply the cream?
Massage a small amount into the affected area 2–3 times daily, or as your doctor directs. It absorbs quickly and won't leave residue.
How fast will I feel relief?
Most patients feel better within 15–30 minutes. Continued use typically improves symptoms within 3–5 days.
Is this covered by insurance?
No. Twinge operates as a cash-pay service so you don't have to deal with denials or delays. No copays. No paperwork.
What does it cost?
$79.99 flat — includes your consult, prescription, compounding, and shipping.
Am I locked into a subscription?
Not at all. Order one-time or subscribe monthly. You can pause or cancel any time.
Can I adjust my formula later?
Yes. If you're not satisfied, message us. Your provider can tweak the ingredients or concentrations.
How do refills work?
Monthly subscriptions refill automatically. You can pause, skip, or cancel anytime in your account.
Can my formula change if my pain changes?
Absolutely. If your symptoms shift, your provider can re-evaluate and adjust your cream.
Who reviews my case?
A licensed U.S. physician reviews your symptoms and history. If approved, they prescribe a formula tailored to your pain.
Where is the cream made?
All creams are compounded in a licensed U.S. pharmacy following strict safety and regulatory guidelines.
What if I have questions after receiving my cream?
Our care team and your provider are available to help with guidance, formula changes, or re-evaluation.
How do I contact support?
Reach out via email or live chat. Our U.S.-based team typically replies within 1 business day.
What if my condition changes or worsens?
Let your provider know through the platform. Your treatment plan can evolve with your symptoms.
Is my health info safe?
Yes. We follow HIPAA standards. Your info is encrypted and only shared with your provider and pharmacy.
Will anything show up on insurance or medical records?
No. Twinge is cash-pay, so nothing goes through insurance or your employer. We can inform your primary care provider so that a Twinge Health cream can be incorporated into your overall health plan.
Will the shipping label say what's inside?
Nope. Packaging is discreet and doesn't reveal what's inside.
What makes this cream different from store-bought pain relief?
Unlike over-the-counter options with just one active ingredient, Twinge uses a custom-compounded formula prescribed by a licensed physician. It combines ingredients like NSAIDs, anesthetics, muscle relaxants, and nerve-calming agents into a single topical — made specifically for your pain.
Why use a cream instead of pain pills?
Oral medications affect your entire system and often cause side effects like drowsiness, stomach upset, or liver strain. Our cream delivers medication right where you need it — to the source of pain — with fewer systemic side effects.
Can I use this along with my current treatments?
Yes. It can be used as a stand-alone solution or alongside physical therapy, stretching, or other treatments. Your doctor will guide you based on your full health history.
What ingredients are in the cream?
Depending on your needs, your formula may include:
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Camphor & Menthol (cooling relief)
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Lidocaine (numbs sharp pain)
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NSAIDs (Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen – reduce inflammation)
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Amitriptyline & Baclofen (nerve pain and spasm relief)
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Cyclobenzaprine (eases tight muscles)
All delivered in a transdermal base for deep skin absorption.
Are these ingredients safe?
Yes. All are FDA-approved and commonly used in medical practice. Since they're applied topically, side effect risks are typically lower than oral meds.
Is this cream addictive or habit-forming?
No. Twinge formulas are opioid-free and contain no controlled substances.
I hate the strong minty smell. Do Twinge creams have it?
It depends! The smell is due to camphor or menthol which are common ingredients in pain relief topicals. Some of our formulas utilize these ingredients at varying concentrations.
During your visit you are asked about your preference about the smell and including it in your formula. If you select no, we will craft an alternative without that strong minty smell.
Is it greasy or sticky?
Not at all. The transdermal base is fast-absorbing and residue-free.
What conditions is this used for?
Common uses include:
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Arthritis & Joint Pain
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Back Pain
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Sports & Overuse Injuries
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Foot & Heel Pain
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Muscle Spasms & Strains
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Nerve Pain (Neuropathic)
What if I've already tried other creams or pills?
That's when Twinge is often most helpful. If other treatments haven't worked or caused side effects, a custom prescription might be the missing piece.
What if I'm unsure if it'll work for me?
Start a free consult. You'll only be charged if a physician approves treatment and writes a prescription.
What if I have allergies or sensitivities?
Mention them during your consult. Your formula will be adjusted to avoid any allergens or irritants.
Can I use it before or after a workout?
Yes! Many users apply it before activity to prevent stiffness or after to calm inflammation.
What if I have sensitive skin?
That's one reason we compound — to avoid irritants. Our transdermal pain base is hypoallergenic. Your doctor can modify the base and exclude certain ingredients.
Can I use it with other medications or therapies?
Yes, for the most part you should be able to. You can ask your care team.
Why not just use IcyHot or Biofreeze?
Those work for mild pain. Twinge is prescription-grade, multi-ingredient, and tailored for chronic or stubborn conditions.
How does this compare to lidocaine patches or cortisone shots?
Patches and gels offer one active ingredient. Twinge combines multiple. Cortisone shots are invasive and can't be used often — our cream offers daily, repeatable relief.
What about CBD creams?
CBD isn't prescription-grade. Twinge uses FDA-approved medications with decades of clinical backing.
Why not just ask my regular doctor?
Most primary care providers prescribe generic oral meds over compounded creams. A potential reason is the complexity of actually getting patients a compounded cream quickly. We specialize in topical pain relief and offer a faster, all-in-one online experience.
What if I forget to apply it regularly?
Consistency is best, but even occasional use can help during flare-ups. Many people keep a tube at their desk or bedside.
Can I still take Advil or Tylenol with this?
Often yes — but your doctor will confirm. Many patients reduce or eliminate oral meds once using the cream.
Will it burn or feel icy like Tiger Balm?
Nope. The texture is more like lotion. No burning, no stickiness, no strong scent.
How effective is it?
Clinical studies show up to 70–80% of users report meaningful pain relief from compounded topical creams — especially for arthritis, tendonitis, and nerve pain.
Is this good for chronic pain?
Yes. Most of our users have long-term conditions (6+ months) and use the cream daily.
Can I return it if it doesn't work?
Because it's a prescription, we can't accept returns. But we'll work with you to adjust your formula or cancel future shipments.
What does the scientific literature say?
Check out our about the science page to learn more!