HealthyLineFar Infrared Gemstone Heating Pad for Back Pain and Stomach Cramps Relief - Crushed Amethyst Crystal Mat - Flexible Medium Inframat Pro - 36" x 18"

I have only really ever read about red light therapy-- never tried it myself.So, first of all, read the instructions thoroughly. That is so important so you know how long to use this for, where, what to do, etc.I have never used this before so I was a bit nervous. However, I have a lot of pain in my knee (torn meniscus/ACL) and I am willing to "try" anything at this point to help alleviate it.This is heavier-- almost like an anxiety-weighted blanket. Well made and really seems to work.I know this says for back pain and stomach cramps but I used it on my knee. It honestly helped alleviate some of the pain (not all as I need surgery but this will help in the meantime). And, it heats up well-- there are little "crystals" along it so it almost feels like acupuncture but it actually feels good and doesn't hurt.There is a control button, too, so you can choose intensity level and such.I highly recommend it and will be using it to help!

Compared to other heating pads, this is nice. But it is still basically just a heating pad. The amethyst does hold in the heat well, but I think the larger discs of jade and tourmaline actually do a better job than the amethyst chips.It is definitely a high quality and sturdy pad. It will stay where you put it, and it will probably hold up over time. Unlike many heating pads, this one says you can lie on it without damaging the coils because they are well protected. And it comes in a nice carrying case.The ridiculously named "photon lights" (all lights are photon lights) provide basic red-light therapy at 660 nm, without the common 850 nm that most red-light therapy devices have. This also doesn't have the features of most red-light devices (modes, intensity levels). Moreover, you are supposed to use the device with a cloth cover (to protect the amethyst, I think?), which you generally don't want with red-light therapy. The barrier will reduce or even prevent any effects.The PEMF setting does rattle the metal ball in the plastic case, but I have seen no benefit from using it, and it makes an unsettling noise that gives me a headache after a while. (I am autistic and highly sensitive to noise, so this probably will not bother most people.)Overall, this is a very nice heating pad, but it is really no more than a nice heating pad.

I love the way this feel when you immediately lay on it. Love the way the rocks crumble under your spin as you get settled in. Great feeling and makes your whole body feel smooth and relaxed.

According to the "Disclaimer" in the back the User Guide: "This information is not intended to cure, diagnose, advise, or treat any medical condition, nor is reading this a substitute for reading the User Guide." (Remember this is written in the User Guide!) "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information with regard to our products does not reflect or represent product claims." It goes on to state that HealthLine assumes no liability for the use of their products. So this is a company that seemingly does not really stand behind their products. But then again, they also state that you can return your product within 90 days for a full refund.When I opened the box and looked over the full-color User Guide and Product Catalog, it was clear that the company did not skimp in making or promoting this product. The grounded cord and remote are quite well made. Because of the weight of the gemstones, this mat is heavy for its size. This adds to the overall impression that this is a quality, well made product that is going to do what it claims it will do (or maybe it doesn't really claim to do anything?).I believe that a heating pad can aid in healing some injuries and may help in alleviating pain in certain instances. So using this device could be helpful, and to a degree, it will do some of what it is supposed to accomplish. I do have a bit more faith in the benefit of red-light therapy. However, this product only uses visible red light that is at a wavelength of 660 nm. This is much less effective as compared to higher wavelengths that are not visible but have more power to penetrate through the skin and into muscles. There are quite a few studies available that demonstrate some benefits to the use of higher wavelength red light therapy.I have been using this heating pad for back pain and I'm unconvinced that there are any therapeutic benefits to using this product beyond the benefit of a simple heating pad.