Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I got the PureRelief Neck & Shoulder Heating Pad because I don't have a lot of patience with back massage devices but I have trouble with anxiety and tend to carry a lot of tension in my body when I am stressed. I also have a tendency to get "hurts-all-over" sore when I'm hungover, sleep-deprived, or sick. I hoped this heating pad would help relax my mental and physical tension, and boy does it ever. I've always enjoyed using an old-fashioned hot water bottle for the same purpose, but even though I appreciate its old world charm, a water bottle is a lot putzier to get ready, and it's harder to apply the correct temperature to the correct area. So let's discuss why this heating pad is such a game-changer. 1. What are the pros and cons of this particular heating pad? >> Feel << The heating pad is 14" x 22" which is large enough to curl soothingly around your neck and shoulders, without being so large as to become heavy and bulky. It has weighted magnetized edges to encourage it to stay in place and I find the weight adds to the comforting feeling. I haven't had any problems with it sliding around, in the context of sitting at a desk working or on a couch relaxing. It is flexible enough to contour to your body, in fact, once you've used it a few times, the weights tend to settle in a way that accommodates your body and how it needs to hang for you. The first time I used it, I wasn't overwhelmed by how well it fit me, but after taking the time to make sure I had it positioned right, and using it that way a few times, it became more and more comfortable. Don't forget that even though it's designed to hang around your shoulders, you can just as easily drape it across your lap like a blanket. It's really got a lot more functionality than just shoulder stress. The fabric is very soft, and although it is two-tone for extra style, the same nice fabric is used top and bottom. >> Functionality << There is a simple control switch that hangs at the perfect length so you can grab it easily, but it isn't hanging against your body being a nuisance. Basically at arm's reach. It has 4 settings - from warm to high. I find that medium is about as high as I want it, and low is often a good temperature, but high might be more appropriate if you like a lot of heat intensity or are wearing more clothes. It reaches its goal temperature within a handful of seconds and turns off automatically after 2 hours. It can also be used for moist heat therapy, which is even more effective because it provides deeper penetration of the tissue and elicits a stronger response from temperature receptors. It also has a more rapid effect on the tissue. You can do moist heat therapy simply by dampening one side of the heating pad (e.g. misting it with a spray bottle, or patting it with a damp cloth.) Amazingly (to me, anyway), this pad is fully machine washable on the gentle cycle, and can even be put in the dryer on low. Technology is amazing. It also comes with a storage bag, and it has a super small profile once it's all rolled up and packed away, so you don't have to worry about it taking up valuable space in your cupboard (as though you're ever going to put this baby away...) 2. Why Heat Therapy? It's obvious that heat therapy has an immediate psycho-physiological soothing, comforting effect. Even grasping a hot mug of tea helps me feel less anxious and physically "tensed," but I was uncertain what "science says" about the effectiveness of heating pad devices. So here's the skinny for fellow-noobs. The kinds of pain that are most likely to benefit from heat are: 1. soreness from over-exertion 2. osteoarthritis, muscle knots, and cramping 3. "hurts-all-over" pain, caused by various medical conditions, drug side-effects, vitamin D deficiency, and sleep deprivation It's most effective to use heating pads for 20 minutes, with a 20 minute break, rinse and repeat 3-4 times. It's NOT good to use heat therapy on an injury with inflammation... that's when you use ice. 3. In Summary. We live in a stressful world. You should have as many tricks up your sleeve as possible to deal with it. This is a great one.