I’ve been testing the Bob and Brad ThermoRed 3-in-1 Back Belt for a month — here are 3 things I like and 1 thing I don’t
Almost perfect muscle therapy
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I’ve tried my fair share of pain relief methods for muscle pain and back pain in particular, but none have been as helpful as the Bob and Brad ThermoRed 3-in-1 Back Belt. I’ve tried a few different heat and vibration belts, as well as some of the best massage guns, but this one seems to be the most effective.
After using this pain relief method for a month, it’s quickly become my go-to. Whether it’s an ache from sitting in an awkward position for too long, overestimating my muscles at the gym, or not giving my body enough time to rest, I can rely on the belt to give me a helping hand.
And following all this testing, I came up with a list of everything I like and dislike about the belt. Keep reading to find out if this could be the right method to soothe your muscles too.
The Bob and Brad ThermoRed 3-in-1 Back Belt is an effective post-workout recovery tool. The combined heat, vibration and red light therapy soothes muscles and reduces pain. Customizable settings mean it can be used anywhere on the body, too. While charging is slow, the battery lasts several days. It's a great management option for people who regularly suffer from back pain.
What I like
Combines three types of therapy
The Bob and Brad ThermoRed 3-in-1 Back Belt combines three different types of therapy to soothe muscles. The heat helps draw blood to the area to promote faster healing, while the vibrations simulate contraction and relaxation to accelerate recovery.
The belt also uses red light to boost ATP production, and this reduces inflammation in the area. I have used similar devices, like the Hyperice Venom Back 2, without red light, and I think it takes fewer sessions with red light to feel results from similar pain.
Fast heating time
The belt heats up super fast. It takes just seconds to feel how effective heat is, and I can even feel the effects through a thin t-shirt.
I can also feel the changes between temperature settings happening quickly. I can tighten the belt at the back too, so I can be sure the heat is exactly where I want it. It helps to keep the belt totally secure.
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Comfortable
Moreover, the belt is incredibly comfortable, whichever way I wear it. Though its main function is for back pain relief, the belt can also be used across the body to ease shoulder pain, wrapped around legs, or even under the feet.
The belt is fully adjustable up to 45 inches, and there’s an extender included to increase the length to 52 inches. It’s comfortable enough to wear while getting on with other tasks and can be worn over or under clothes.
What I dislike
Long charge time
There’s a lot to love about the belt, and in truth, there’s not much to complain about. But when I’m feeling some muscular discomfort, I want relief as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are times when the belt can’t give that immediate relief.
And okay, it’s totally my fault if I forget to charge it, but four hours is an awfully long time to wait to use the belt. But this is a very minor con.
You can find out more about the device by reading the full Bob and Brad ThermoRed 3-in-1 Back Belt review.
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Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best. When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good fantasy novel or out hiking.
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