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Valedo: A wearable treatment device for back pain

Here's a new idea for those of you who suffer from back pain--meet Valedo!  This product is an electronic device which has been FDA approved.  The device is manufactured by Hocoma, who also manufactures products for people who are rehabilitating from other conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and stroke.





I never heard of this device... until I read a post on an independent tech news website.  The author of the post, Katherine Boehret, suffers from back pain and and decided to give this product a try. In her report, she says that the device basically consists of two wireless sensors that are attached to the lower back and chest with special stickers that come with the product.  These sensors are to be worn while playing a specially designed video game on Android or iOs devices (which is connected to the sensors via blue tooth). The game actually tricks the user into exercise movements that help to strengthen the muscles in the back!  The developer says that the user will notice improvement after using the device for a couple of weeks' use-- 15 to 20 minutes of use four to five times per week.


After trying the product, Ms. Boehret reported that after using the product as recommended,  she actually experienced some improvement after using it!  As a caveat, she says that it was really too early to tell about long term benefits. As I read her story, I couldn't help but think of a couple of things:

1)Some of us do need to be "tricked" into exercise because the thought of it seems so daunting.  If       this product is a good fit for you, give it a try!

2)This is a great distraction technique on two levels--
   When playing the corresponding game, it's easy to forget that you are exercising!
   When playing any game it helps to distract from pain.

One other thing you should know...this device does not appear to be available just anywhere. You can purchase it at the Valedo website for $359.00 US.

So, in summary, I can't guarantee that this product will work or not work for any given individual. My job is to present alternatives to pain management, especially those which are drug free.  To coin a phrase--I report: you decide!


Sources: re-code.com; creative commons.org;wikimedia;valdedotherapy.com
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