I have a genetic disorder that results in multiple joint dislocations a day called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. As you can imagine, this has resulted in joint instability, muscle problems, weakness, me using a wheelchair full time, and ultimately, a whole heck of a lot of pain. No painkiller touches my pain, even prescription ones, and I am very limited in my pain management techniques available to me due to severe allergies that are also linked to my conditions. I originally bought this heating pad because it was recommended by a friend who also has my condition. She said it was pricey, but worth it. I was skeptical as other traditional heating pads had burned me (and left permanent scars to boot) in the past, but not provided any relief for my chronic joint pain.

Upon receiving this heating pad, I placed it on my bed and sat on it so that my hips (the most affected part of my body) would receive the bulk of the heat. I was instantly surprised by a few things;

1.) the stones are hardly felt when sitting on top of the pad so they are not a nuisance.
2.) the stones also provided extra warm besides just the heat produced by the pad
3.) the pad covered a large part of my body, including my hips and lower back which meant that more muscles where helped to relax.
4.) I had the pad turned to the lowest setting and yet still found it to be warm enough

After a few hours of sitting on the pad, I turned it off and transferred to my wheelchair, as task that is usually very daunting as it results in more dislocations and pain. However, I was so happy to find that my pain had been brought down to a bearable level, and was almost unnoticeable! I have used the heating pad every day ever since! I visit a physical therapist every month who performs a sort of medical massage on my hips in an attempt to help my pain, and this heating pad helps my pain just as much (and sometimes more) than this costly and draining PT appointment. I am absolutely impressed by this heating pad and would recommend it to anybody suffering from joint hyper-mobility related pain, muscle spasms or tightness, and dislocations.

Shortly after buying this larger pad, I went out and bought the smallest size for my stomach, to help with the bloating and pain caused by my stomach disorder, Gastroparesis, and have been equally impressed with that. If I had the money, I would buy every size and shape pad this company offers. Well worth the price!

NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RETURN! I found the stones uncomfortable. They vary in thickness, so some press uncomfortably on my back. The unheated perimeter is excessively wide adding too much bulk and weight. The mesh that encases the stones is a bit rough and also adds to discomfort. This 'medium' size is too heavy/large for vertical therapy. If an item isn't eligible for a return , Amazon should clearly state this in the upper product description. The biggest negative aspect of online shopping is 'return handling' and to not take returns at all is disheartening. It seems some people are filing exception grievances to ask permission to return this item but this shouldn't be the answer. We expect more from Amazon and its business partners.

This only heated up for 2.5 months and stopped. I am trying to get a replacement or Refund.

Revised: 2nd controller dead in less than 8 mo. Would be an amazing resource if not for the obviously defective conteollers. PS they sell the controllers separetly but too expensive to replace every 4 months...

No matter what they say, this is not a FIR pad, it is not far infrared heat at all. It doesn't get any hotter than "warm". I have set the control up as high as 140 degrees, which should be blisteringly hot, and it's only as warm as a standard, drug store heating pad. The heating area is also small, it only heats the area where the stones are, which is 3-4" smaller than the pad on all sides. It's a very heavy pad, because of the stones, and a downside is that it recommends you only lay it ON you, and says you shouldn't lie on the pad, which makes it difficult to use for your back. This was a big disappointment, and I wish I had returned it. If you're considering this, look for a genuine FIR pad instead.