Q-Flex Acupressure Back and Body Massage Tool

Great bit of kit.

This device is very interesting! I saw it advertised on "Shark Tank," a TV show that features people who've come up with a unique product they want to sell. If one of the investors likes the product and thinks the person is capable of selling it globally, they'll sponsor them, giving them funding in exchange for a percentage of their company. Needless to say, this product won a sponsor. But what is it, exactly? It's tool that allows you to apply pressure to spots on your back or neck, without contorting yourself in an effort to reach them. Aha! Genius. Pure genius! I have both fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome, along with other medical conditions. As a result, I often get pinched nerves from spasming muscles. It's a painful condition that's treated with heat and massage, along with applying steady pressure to the tight muscles, which tricks them into relaxing. Since the pinched nerves usually occur between my spine and shoulder blades, it's very hard to reach them on my own. But it's hard for my husband to massage the spots for me, since he doesn't know exactly where to apply pressure, or how hard to press. The best trick I've found is actually two tennis balls in a knotted sock. I lean against the wall, sandwiching the tennis balls between the wall and my back. Then I bend my knees, moving up and down, rolling the balls along my back until they reach the spot I need to apply pressure to. And if that sounds awkward . . . well, yes, it is! It's hard to maneuver the tennis balls to the right spot and then keep them there. I've also tried a massage chair, which has hard, round bumps that rotate and move up and down to "massage" your neck and back. But the amount of pressure it applies is too much for me---It helps, yes, but I find it quite painful. For years, I've longed for a better solution. And I think I've found it with the Q-Flex. Basically, this tool is a question mark-shaped stick, with a foam grip to hold onto, and a hard ball-point on the other end. You angle the curved section over your shoulder, or under your arm, applying pressure to your back or neck with the ball-point. It allows you to reach virtually any part of your neck, upper back, lower back, etc. If you're interested in official acupressure techniques, it comes with a little booklet that shows you where to apply pressure for certain results. If you're more interested in stopping pinched nerves, muscle spasms, or knotted muscles, it can do that, too. Just place the ball-point anywhere you need it, then angle the handle and pull. You control how much pressure you apply, so you can make sure it doesn't get painful. It may take a little practice to figure out exactly where to place the tip and what angle to use, but you'll figure it out quickly. I love this product, but I'm a bit confused by the fact that it claims to be a "Back and Body Massage Tool." If there's a way to use it to massage your own back, I haven't figured it out. Seems like it would be painful to rub your back with the hard ball-point. Not to mention awkward. But if you want to apply steady, direct pressure to a specific spot to relieve muscle tension and spasms, it's truly excellent! I'll give the Q-Flex four stars and recommend it to anyone who suffers from muscle spasms or pinched nerves in your neck or back. You might check with your doctor to ask about the safest way to use this device, just to be sure you aren't doing more harm than good. I'm very pleased with the Q-Flex and intend to share it with friends and family members. (But they'll have to order their own, if they like it!) * Edited to Add (10/12/15): I figured out how to use the Q-Flex for massage! You just slide it up and down your back. I thought it would be awkward, but if you're wearing a t-shirt, it slides back and forth easily. Now, it's not as good as an actual massage from a person, obviously, but it does what it claims. Therefore, I'm adjusting my rating up to 5 stars. Great product!

It is ok and does the job, but had to add some tape to the nub on the end to stop it from sliding all over. Somewhat small to others I’ve seen.

This tool really helps to dig into spots on my back I am unable to reach. Doesn’t require any batteries, is remarkably sturdy and durable. It curves really nicely around areas of the body to target specific muscles. Able to use it in multiple areas of a home, travel with it in a suitcase, etc.

I tried to return this product, because it is really flimsy!! For the money, it is absolutely not worth it. Worst of all, they do not do returns.