The Quell Wearable Offers Chronic Pain Relief
Vasiliki Marapas — January 8, 2015 — Lifestyle
References: neurometrix & engadget
NeuroMetrix Inc. introduced the 'Quell,' a consumer-friendly wearable that manages chronic pain relief, at CES 2015.
The wearable attaches to the user's upper-calf and uses electrode-driven technology to stimulate the nerves, providing "prescription-free" relief of pain (ranging from arthritis to lower back pain) in just 15 minutes. Of course, the amount and duration of the relief depends on each person and their particular ailment.
The Quell's electric pulses first stimulate the nerves in the calf, and then send neural pulses to the brain, awakening the body's natural pain response. The brain then releases a surge of endogenous opioids throughout the wearer's body, reducing the feeling of pain and discomfort. The device is also able to use Bluetooth to connect to other iOS devices, tracking progress and sleep patterns.
The wearable attaches to the user's upper-calf and uses electrode-driven technology to stimulate the nerves, providing "prescription-free" relief of pain (ranging from arthritis to lower back pain) in just 15 minutes. Of course, the amount and duration of the relief depends on each person and their particular ailment.
The Quell's electric pulses first stimulate the nerves in the calf, and then send neural pulses to the brain, awakening the body's natural pain response. The brain then releases a surge of endogenous opioids throughout the wearer's body, reducing the feeling of pain and discomfort. The device is also able to use Bluetooth to connect to other iOS devices, tracking progress and sleep patterns.
Trend Themes
1. Wearable Pain Relief - The Quell device demonstrates an opportunity to create new wearable pain relief products.
2. Consumer-friendly Pain Management - The Quell's user-friendly design shows potential for innovation in consumer pain management technology.
3. Drug-free Pain Relief - The Quell's drug-free pain relief innovation could lead to new developments in prescription-free chronic pain management.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The Quell's technology highlights a potential disruptive innovation for the medical device industry to focus on patient-centric pain management.
2. Wearable Technology - The Quell wearable demonstrates opportunities for innovation in the wearable technology industry by exploring new applications for electrode-driven wearable technology.
3. Digital Health - The Quell's Bluetooth connectivity and data tracking capabilities suggest a potential digital health innovation in pain management technology through the analysis of patient data outside of medical settings.
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