Who is in pain? If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you are. Nearly 77 million Americans over 20 years old reported frequent pain that lasted more than 24 hours at a time, according to the AAPM. And 20 percent of adults said that pain interrupted their sleep a few nights a week or more.
Quell creators must have been aware of those numbers when they set out to produce this wearable for pain relief, which is completely drug-free. I know what you’re thinking, it sounds too good to be true. But the company sent us one to try, and I think it’s worth a shot. I was waking up almost daily with lower back pain from an old figure skating injury, and a recent car accident didn’t help. But after wearing my Quell regularly for the last couple of weeks, I can already feel an improvement. I wake up in less pain and do not feel it as frequently while skating. Amen.
However, it’s important to note that the results will vary from person to person.
How it works
Wrap this wearable, which comes with electrodes, around your upper calf and it stimulates sensory nerves that carry neural pulses to your brain. According to the company, the neural pulses activate a natural response that blocks pain signals, which leads to widespread pain relief. The device uses patented neurotechnology, specifically called OptiTherapy technology, the company’s website says.
Quell says that approximately 67 percent of users reported taking less pain medication as a result of this wearable. Now that’s where this really gets interesting, especially given the high amount of overdoses and addictions that result from the use of painkillers. According to the CDC, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids in 2014. And currently, over 1,000 people are treated in an emergency room for the misuse of prescription opioids every day. The worst stat I found: more than 15,000 people die each year from prescription opioid overdoses.
This wearable could really make some waves.
The app
It’s vital to download the app to use as a companion with the Quell. The app allows you to enter your specific pain points so it knows which areas to target, then you can start, stop and customize therapy with it. The app also gives you the option to increase or decrease the intensity of your therapy in order for a user to find the right strength.
Wearing it
The Quell comes with electrodes, a black band and the actual device. First, place the Quell into the band and then snap the electrode into place. Wrap the band around your calf and click the button on the front. Use the app to control your therapy and track it. The ideal time for therapy is one hour on, and one hour off, the company says.
Get it
Can you really put a price on pain relief? I don’t think so, but if you’d like to know, a Quell sells for about $250. It comes with a pair of electrodes, but those need to be replaced every couple of weeks. I’ve seen various prices for them online, they normally come in packs of two and run between $35 and $90 per pair. If you’re nervous about spending the extra cash, the company offers a 60-day money back guarantee for those interested in trying it out.
Now watch me show you how to wear it:
Head over to quellrelief.com if you want more info on this! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @techfesca!
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