{"id":2540,"date":"2014-01-28T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2014-01-28T14:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/elbowglitter.com\/blog\/?p=2540"},"modified":"2016-04-06T10:17:59","modified_gmt":"2016-04-06T14:17:59","slug":"product-review-homedics-rapid-relief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elbowglitter.com\/blog\/2014\/01\/28\/product-review-homedics-rapid-relief\/","title":{"rendered":"Product Review – HoMedics Rapid Relief"},"content":{"rendered":"

4\/6\/16 – See end of post for an update.<\/em><\/p>\n

A few months ago, I was sent the HoMedics Rapid Relief Electronic Pain Relief Pads for review. \u00a0I received the set for Arms and Legs and the set for Lower Back.<\/p>\n

What is an Electronic Pain Relief Pad?<\/p>\n

It’s a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device for at home use.<\/p>\n

Still confused? \u00a0I was too. \u00a0So I did some research. \u00a0TENS is essentially electrical nerve stimulation that can reduce pain. \u00a0The claims are that it blocks the pain signal from the nerves, though studies aren’t clear on whether or not it actually works. \u00a0Some studies have shown that it’s not better than placebo. \u00a0But hey, the placebo effect is a real thing, so I figured I would try it out!<\/p>\n

\"homedics1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The devices came packaged in handy carrying cases to keep the sticky side clean.<\/p>\n

\"homedics2\"<\/a>(This is the sticky side)<\/p>\n

So how does it work? \u00a0I stuck it to my calf and pressed the on button. \u00a0I heard the sound indicating that it was on, but couldn’t feel anything. \u00a0So I increased the intensity. \u00a0There are a total of 15 settings.<\/p>\n

Around level ten, I really started to feel it. \u00a0It was an interesting pattern of about ten seconds of “buzzing” and then ten seconds of “blips.” \u00a0For fun, I increased the intensity even more and could see my calf muscle start to twitch. \u00a0Definitely an electrical current going on there. \u00a0It automatically shuts off after 20 minutes.<\/p>\n

So, did it work?<\/p>\n

I… think so? \u00a0My calf seemed less sore afterwards, though I didn’t have any “good” injuries to test it on. The back version had a different pattern of electrical pulses and I really wanted to try it out on a pulled lower back, but oh darn, I have yet to pull my back. \u00a0I guess I’ve gotten good about proper lifting and movement. \u00a0(Typically, I pull it while putting up or taking down holiday decorations, but not this holiday!)<\/p>\n

So for an athlete’s normal muscle soreness, I’m not sure this helps all that much. \u00a0It was fun to watch my leg twitch, so if nothing else, it was distracting. \u00a0If you’ve got some severe post race soreness or a pulled muscle, however, it’s worth a shot. \u00a0Especially for someone who has thrown out their back. \u00a0When that happens, you’re willing to try anything, and this is a great non-medical remedy to add to the mix.<\/p>\n

4\/6\/16 Update<\/strong><\/p>\n

Okay guys, this thing is officially awesome.\u00a0 I end up with tightness in my shoulders and my lower back and popping the HoMedics Rapid Relief Electronic Pain Relief Pad onto my back definitely helped.\u00a0 It’s now a very valued piece of my health kit. I’m still a fan of heat, but I’ve added this into the mix and am very pleased with the results.\u00a0 Definitely worth it if you tend towards muscle strains.<\/p>\n