Question 1

Why was ELIX created?

Accepted Answer

TheraV was inspired after an encounter with an amputee suffering from phantom limb pain. Our first product, the ELIX, is designed to be worn on the residual limb. The unique innovative design of the ELIX makes it adaptable to all limbs. Meaning almost ANYONE can use it!

Question 2

What is phantom limb pain?

Accepted Answer

About 80% of these individuals will experience a sensation called, “phantom limb pain” . This neuropathic pain is caused by pain receptors misfiring from peripheral (sensory) nerves stemming from the amputation site because they are no longer receiving input from the limb that used be there. There are many theories as to why the nerves misfire, but regardless it is a very real problem that impacts the quality of life of individuals who experience it.

Question 3

Can vibration therapy and the ELIX be used for more than just phantom limb pain?

Accepted Answer

Although our product was first designed for people suffering from phantom limb pain, research have proven vibration therapy to be beneficial for other types of chronic nerve pain conditions including, but not limited to, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and other neuropathic pain.

Question 4

Why does vibration therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Vibration therapy can be explained by the gate control" theory, which states that small nerve fibers that are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain can be inhibited by exciting larger nerve fibers through mechanical stimulations like vibration. Large nerve fibers send non-painful signals to the brain, and small nerve fibers receive pain signals. When both, large nerve fibers and the small nerve fibers, are stimulated at the same time, the larger nerve fibers dominate. Introducing a non-painful stimulus like vibration can override a person’s pain sensation by stimulating the large nerve fibers.
Basically, nonpainful input (vibration) can close the “gate” to painful input (pain signals), inhibiting pain signals from reaching the central nervous system.

Question 5

Are there any side effects to vibration therapy?

Accepted Answer

Localized vibration therapy has no known severe lasting side effects that have been reported.

Question 6

How long do I need to use the ELIX per session?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown vibration therapy provides the maximal duration of pain relief when applied for 45 minutes. Some people reported experiencing benefits within 10 minutes of using the TheraV ELIX.

Question 7

Is the ELIX a TENS unit?

Accepted Answer

The Elix is not a TENS unit. Elix uses non-invasive vibrations, while TENS unit uses electrical stimulus (electrical current). Furthermore, unlike the TENS unit, which is not recommended for the people with pacemakers, vibration does not interfere with electric devices, making it is safe to use for people with pacemakers.

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