Pain relief with Quell: Sponsored Post

I have been given this product as part of a product review through the Chronic Illness Bloggers network. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.

Chronic pain is a real issue for me, thanks to fibromyalgia. All kinds of pain, throbbing, stabbing, stinging, the pins and needley type…you name it. While over the years I’ve found ways of managing, there are times when all I can do is depend heavily on strong prescription painkillers and pray for the pain to subside.

When the opportunity came up for me to try the Quell pain relief device, I jumped at it. Admittedly, I am a sceptic. So I approach most products and services with an openness to try but a healthy dose of scepticism until proven otherwise.

What are the claims?

This little drug-free device is worn on the calf and used to stimulate sensory nerves that carry neural responses to our brain.  Neural pulses trigger a natural response that blocks pain signals, leading to widespread pain relief.  It is the only pain relief device cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for use while sleeping.

According to its makers Neurometrix, 81 percent of users reported an improvement in their chronic pain.

How does it work?

The device works with gel type electrodes that are snapped into an elastic band. The band is wrapped around the calf and switched on and off, managed by the click of a button. The phone app allows for customisation and tracking progress.

Trying out the device

The device has to be calibrated before use, and this was fairly straightforward to do. Once set up, I put it on my calf and gave it a go. It gives a tingly sensation, and I adjusted the intensity to my preferences. I used the device almost every day over a three month period, particularly when my pain levels were high or disruptive. I did have to adjust the intensity of the therapy ever so often, as at times it got uncomfortable, depending on the pain and soreness I was feeling on the day. But this was no trouble at all once adjusted. The phone app is great for customising the device, particularly during use when sleeping. I often went to sleep with the device on and found a marked improvement in my pain levels when I woke next morning. So I carried on with it.

Verdict

I was pleasantly surprised to find that my pain had been noticeably reduced so I got into the habit of running therapy sessions while asleep, as sometimes pain wakes me up. A few times I had questions about the device and contacted the company support through their website. The response was excellent, and I was also happy to find that the website has useful information and guidance, and is very easy to navigate. For me, a good functioning website and customer support always adds to my overall customer experience so I have to mention it.

It took some time getting used to wearing the device but it is comfortable to wear. The only downside in this regard for me, is when I wear tights or stockings I’m reluctant to put the device on under it (it has to make skin contact to work). So I haven’t used the device as I would like on days when wearing tights.

At around £195.00, it isn’t cheap but I’d say it is definitely an investment worth making. Over the time I started using Quell, I have seen an unexpected decline in my dependence on and use of pain killers.

The electrodes last up to two weeks then need changing. But again, I’d say if chronic pain is a nag for you, it is worth it.

There’s a 60-day money-back guarantee so you can change your mind. My favourite part of the user experience is perhaps the efficiency of the phone app, which allows me to manage and customise what I want the device to do. Excellent and nifty little product which I’ll keep using.

Have you tried Quell? what has your experience been?

Gentle hugs x