Restless legs and Therapulse

[markland]

Hello

Has anyone tried Therapulse for restless legs. This is a little strap on device emitting a particular frequency as far as I can see. Just wondering if anyone has any feedback.

[Hidden]

Hello,

Sorry that I've never heard of this before and consequently have no experience of it.

Intrigued however, and being unable to sleep, I have looked it up.

There seem to be several devices with that name, but only apparently one that straps on.

The others appear to be massagers, TENS machines or a magnetic blanket

I also only found one mention of the strap on device which is the website of the company selling it.

Some key points from the web site which may help people generally when trying to decide whether to invest in any medical device or not.

Scientific evidence :

The advert claims that there is scientific "backup" for it and mentions clinical trials reporting high rates of relief of symptoms. This is good recommendation for the device.

BUT there is no reference to any scholarly article or actual research report and I can't find any independently. It's not possible to verify the claims then.

Further, as can be typical of claims about such devices, it may be that there is evidence of devices which operate in a similar way successfully treating "symptoms", but the symptoms aren't usually RLS. Often it's pain.

Since I cannot verify there's any evidence, this device fails the evidence test.

How the device works.

It's good if the description of how the device works fits in with known theories.

In the advert this is identified as "counter-stimulation". Which is a known theory. The description of the effects of this device is simplistic, e.g. it "scrambles" sensory nerve impulses, but does fit the theory.

The theory is known as the "Gate control theory". Which is about how PAIN impulses can be blocked.

There is no description of how the device affects motor nerves, only sensory nerves, so it's not clear how it can bring about muscle relaxation.

I'm afraid it doesn't clearly pass the operation test

Consistency

At one point the advert identifies the device as producing high frequency vibrations. Which suggest it's a massager, like a pulse gun vibrator. I found no mention of exactly what frequency they are.

At another point it describes waves passing into the leg, but doesn't mention what kind of waves. This could be sound waves, making the device an ultra sound device. However this is inconsistent. In addition I'm not sure that mechanical vibrations pass through flesh in waves like ripples in water.

Another apparent inconsistency is that one device fits one leg, or one arm. What if there are symptoms in both? The device is not consistent with RLS

As regards the consistency test, this advert is dubious.

Reviews

I always shudder when reading reviews.

The view I have is that if something is genuine then reviews aren't necessary.

If the reviews on this site are genuine, i.e. not bot generated then you cannot doubt people's experience. Based on the reviews here it seems that the device does relieve symptoms.

However, it's not clear what the symptoms are. Some reviewers use the device in the morning.

The reviews appear consistent with pain relief.

Price

The price does appear reasonable in respect of what it is claimed to do and the apparent technology involved.

Other therapulse devices are significantly more expensive.

This device passes the reasonable price test!

Overall, my opinion is that this device may be useful for relieving pain in the same way as other "counter-irritants" work, e.g. TENS machines or Tiger Balm.

My personal opinion is that for RLS symptoms this device is rubbish, it won't work.

I am sometimes described as a "naysayer" and as trying to prevent people from trying something that might work.

That is not my intention. I am naturally a sceptic. I also don't like the idea of people wasting their money or being disappointed when a device doesn't do as apparently claimed.

Plus, what else can I do at 5am?

It's your choice,

I'm glad you posted about this. I am thinking of getting one for pain relief.

[Catlady4921]

I tried it but I found it unhelpful and since it only worked on my lower legs and I was unable to sit for more than a few seconds as my whole self was and is affected it was a waste of money for me . I think I still have it somewhere if anyone would like it !

[Catlady4921 in reply to Catlady4921]

Sorry all I will have to withdraw the offer as part of the cable is missing .

[Hidden in reply to Catlady4921]

Interesting.

Can you feel anything?

Cables can be replaced. As long as no internal parts are missing.

[Catlady4921 in reply to Hidden]

Yes , you can feel each one tightening rhythmically against the calf but since I need to walk about and fidget it does nothing for me . I will take pick and upload…if I can

[Catlady4921 in reply to Catlady4921]

First pic

1st pic

[Catlady4921 in reply to Catlady4921]

It shows each piece for each calf , both adjustable . The cable end is all I could find but if you are interested I will have a look for the second piece , I’m sure I have it somewhere .

[Hidden in reply to Catlady4921]

Thanks.

There are a few devices named "therapulse". It's a wonder the various companies aren't in legal battles about the name.

I believe the one referred to by markland is the one identified on this site

therapulse.co.uk/

The others I've come across are :-

A magnetic blanket for horses.

farmvet.com/Centurion-Thera...

A TENS machine

therapulse.com/

A hand held digital LCD massager(whatever that means)

amazon.co.uk/Therapulse-Dig...

and a hospital bed mattress for preventing pressure sores

medicalexpo.com/prod/arjo/p...

If not for the price, I'd go for the horse blanket!

Your device is yet another and appears to be compressive.

PS do horses get restless legs?- managed to resist the obvious answer.

[Catlady4921]

Yes there are a lot out there , it is hit or miss which one works for the individual sufferers.