I have chronic pain. It's mostly arthritic thumbs, but after 14 surgeries in 4 years everything takes a turn.
I bought this to see how it might help those thumbs will require surgery.
WOW! It's only temporary, but it provides substantial, though temporary, relief for the base of my thumbs. I had to experiment with the settings and found that the slowest cycle is best. I also want to press down into the rotating balls but find the benefit lasts longer if I rest them on the balls.
This mimics the sensation of a person kneading than any of the other gizmos I've tried.
I've used it on my lower back a few times. When I can get to the right spot, it really helps. I have not read the directions about how to use the strap to hold it in place on back. It's not intuitive , but I bought for my thumbs and not my back, so..
One of my surgeries involved a calf and there is an area that is perpetually tight. I've only used this a few times there, but again the early results are good.
There are a few minor quibbles, but are nothing compared to the benefits:
1) on the slow cycle, the rotating wheels squeak.
2) The heat cycle is more of "a little bit warmer: cycle. I notice it, but it's not like a heating pad.
3) The charging chord is very short. I don't know if the company does want not this used while recharging (really should re-read the directions). You can buy a longer chord.
I don't know how long it takes to charge, I leave it plugged in overnight. Each charge lasts 6-7 sessions. Each session is about 10 minutes. The instructions say don't do 2 sessions in a row (see I did read the directions once!) but man, I've been tempted.
I do wonder how long this will last, since it's a new product, and I've been using it several times a day since I got. When I get done with this review I am going to look into buying another one.
I don't recall ever being as satisfied with a small purchase as I have been with this thing. It has been amazing!
I have to go now, I think it's charged back up.