Bio-Freeze Review -- Update
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From: Jamie Dolan on 26 Jan 2006 00:30 RE: Bio-Freeze Review HI, This evening it marks the 4th time this week I have used the Bio-Freeze Gel Product. I have been applying this product to my full legs starting about 5 inches above the knee and moving down. Here are my current observations about this product: It is Cold when it comes out of the tube. It does not feel like it warms up when you hold it in your hand. While I understand the product is ment to produce a "freeze" / cooling effect, it is initally almost uncomfortably cold to put on. It does carry a fairly strong menthol type smell to it. While kind of tacy at first, within several minutes of rubbing it in, most of this tacky feeling goes away. Once it is applied and rubbed in, I find it has a continual cooling effect that is felt fairly continually for about 3 hours. It is debatlable how long it's affect may last after this, but it may have some power to relevie pain for up to about 5 hours in my opinion. In contrast to some other products I have tried (Joint Flex), this product deffinatly produces a much more noticable numbing feeling. The feeling causes you to feel as though the cooling effect penetrates fairly deeply. To me, it seems to releive a great deal of my pain in my knees, for a reasonable period of time. The way this is working right now, I feel as though I can use this in the evening with a lower of skip a dose of narcotics. And it seems to be effective for this pourpose, atleast while I am resting / active just around the house. So thus far, I recomend this product, esp if you have certin areas of your body that really ache or throb. As I always hate trying to tie on or hold on ice packs that are always too cold or not cold enough, this is a great solution. It also feels like it penertates much deeper than a ice pack could, without that "Half-Frost Bit Skin" feel. Pros: Works Well on specfic area of the body that are in pain. Lasts and works well for a reasonable period of time (Solid 3-4 Hours, perhaps a bit longer, none the less, about the same amount of time an adverage pain killer pill lasts), Does not feel uncomfortable once it is applied, Has a cool soothing feeling, Has a numbing feeling that is very distracting and helps you forget about pain that is still "showing Though" its cooling effect. Cons: Cost -- I am using the largest consumer size available 4 ounces in a tube, my doctors office put it on the bill, I don't know for sure if the insurance will cover it, but if insurance doesnt cover it, the cost is around $12 a tube. Size of Tube -- This tube looks like it will get 5 to 6 applications out of the entire tube. This is with using it on my knees and lower legs and a little bit on my hands and wrists. So cost maybe a big concern if this item does not get covered by insurance plans. Used a few times a day, you could eaisly use a tube ever other day. Gel -- To work well it really needs to be rubbed in quite well. Some people may not find this convient. Cold -- While the cooling sensation is a esesnsial part of it effect, it is almost uncomfortably cool to apply at first. Comments: There is a "spray" no touch version of this product that is made, I am going to try and get a bottle tommrow at PT. I am hoping that product may not only reslove the issue of having to massage in the Gel, but I hope it will reslove the issue of it feeling very cold at first also when you put a glob of gel on your skin. If it does, my only Con with this product will be price. Once I find a way to aquire a new tube of this product, I intent to try this pre and post exercise and see how it works. I will post an additional comment at that time on how it worked. I know I made some comments on this product a couple nights ago, but I promised this more detailed review to some posters then per there request. I hope this review answers your questions. Regards; Jamie Below are a couple questions answered about bio-freeze that I found on the web, incause your intrested (I read though all the FAQ's online and put the most intresting / important ones here): Q: What's the difference between the gel tube ,roll-on and spray bottles? A: The formula is the same in all the sizes. It just depends on the application you intend to use it for. The roll-on is similar to a deodorant roll-on and is convenient for applications to the neck and back area or hard to reach areas. It is also useful for those who do not want to get Biofreeze on their hands. There is no waste since you are not washing it off your hands. It is especially useful for traveling or activities like tennis (you don't have to wash your hands after applying) and the elderly, who may sometimes forget to wash their hands. It prevents them from getting it near their eyes or other areas not suitable for Biofreeze. The squeeze tube is similar to a toothpaste tube and is more economical for application to the hands or other areas that require larger coverage or extra massaging into sore muscles and stiff joints. The spray application is the newest way to create a no touch method of application for Biofreeze. Even though Biofreeze through any of the applications methods is beneficial for acute pain, the spray is particularly beneficial for acute conditions involving severe muscle spasms of the lower back or acute spasms of the upper back or neck. The application can be applied pre-treatment to acute areas of muscle spasms to allow for a faster relaxation of muscle involvement and better treatment response. The spray is also a convenient application for the patient at home to continue care for these acute conditions. As a spray it also affords the office staff a very hygienic delivery system for applying Biofreeze to the patients. Q: Why is Biofreeze so expensive? A: Compared to most topical applications, you will use LESS Biofreeze and the pain relief period generally lasts 30% longer than conventional gels. Additionally, because Biofreeze is not sold in stores, it gives your healthcare office a great opportunity to earn passive revenue. When you think about it, Biofreeze costs you nothing because it will generate revenue by providing your patients with the tubes and roll-ons. Q: Can we apply Biofreeze to patients before aquatic exercise? A: Yes, Biofreeze can be used to loosen tight muscles and stiff joints. The best thing to do is apply a small amount approximately 10-15 minutes prior to entering the water. Post application should be after a "cooling down" shower to minimize next day aches, pains, and stiffness. Q: Is Biofreeze sold in pharmacies or retail stores? A: No, Biofreeze is not a retail product, only used, carried and sold through the hands on Health Care Professional. Q: Do you offer a money-back guarantee to a doctor's patients? A: Yes, if a consumer calls and is unhappy with their product and wants a refund, find out whom they purchased it from. If they purchased it from us, we simply give them a full refund. If they purchased it from a Healthcare Professional, find out the Healthcare Professionals name. We will then contact the HCP and ask them to give the consumer a full refund. We will send the HCP a free replacement and make sure to see if they need a PE, PED, or window cling. If the HCP does not want to give the consumer a refund, find out the price the consumer paid and we will give the consumer a refund. We do not ask for the product back. Q: Where can I buy Biofreeze? A: The best place to purchase Biofreeze is through a licensed healthcare professional in your area. "Check local yellow pages" o Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Athletic Trainers, Occupational, Massage or Physical Therapists. Q: Do I need a prescription to get Biofreeze? A: No. You do not need a prescription, nor do you need to be a patient of the HCP in your area to purchase Biofreeze from them. Biofreeze is not a retail product and is not available through a pharmacy or any retail environment. Q: What sizes of Biofreeze are available to purchase by a consumer? A: Biofreeze is available in a 4 oz tube, 4 oz spray, 3 oz roll-on, or 5 gm trial packets. The formula is the same in all sizes. o The 3 oz roll-on is a hands-free application. Most consumers prefer the roll-on for hard to reach areas, such as for the back and the neck area o The 4 oz spray is a convenient application for the patient at home and is particularly beneficial for acute conditions involving severe muscle spasms of the lower back or acute spasms of the upper back or neck o The 4 oz gel squeeze tube is perfect for massaging into easy to reach areas and perfect for knees, elbows and ankles. o The 5 gm packets are available in boxes of 100 and are most commonly used for traveling purposes, when it is inconvenient to carry one of the larger sizes. Q: Can I buy the larger bottle sizes of the Biofreeze? A: The larger sizes of Biofreeze are only sold to Hands-on Therapists for clinical use in their practice. They are not labeled for patient use and are not available to consumers. Patient sizes are available through us for the consumer that finds it difficult to locate in their area. ******NOTE FROM ME:::: THE LARGER SIZES CAN BE OBTAINED ON EBAY. A GALLON OF THE PRODUCT SEEMS TO SELL FOR AROUND $100. THE SMALL TUBES AT 4 OUNCES AT $12 COST ABOUT $3 A OUNCE. THE GALLON, EVEN AFTER SHIPPING WOULD COST WELL LESS THAN $1 PER OUNCE. I WILL DEFFINATLY OPT TO BUY A GALLON WHEN I HAVE MONEY IF THE INSURANCE DOES NOT PAY FOR THE SMALL TUBES******** Q: Is Biofreeze available in stores or through the Internet? A: No. Biofreeze is not a retail product and is not available through a retail environment. It is only sold through Hand-on Health Care Professionals. No. Our Internet site is only set up for informational purposes. We do not offer any on-line ordering. We are not affiliated with, nor do we endorse any product sold on the Internet. The best value for a consumer to purchase Biofreeze is through a hands-on health care professional in their area. Q: Do you have any studies about long-term use of Biofreeze? A: Biofreeze is an over the counter topical analgesic pain relieving gel. It is labeled according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations regarding topical analgesics. All ingredients, product use and product warnings are listed on the label. Please remember that Biofreeze is a topical pain reliever, not a cure to an underlying condition. It provides temporary relief of pain. If you have any questions regarding the product or use of it , please consult your Health Care Professional.
From: fran on 26 Jan 2006 09:35 Jamie, could you tell me if this contains 18% Menthol. because if it does, it's sold inexpensively at Walgreens under the store label. I have found that product to be fairly helpful, but not 100% and not for more than a few hours. That was an excellent review of the product and I appreciated it. --fran
From: DeeDee on 26 Jan 2006 10:48 fran, It contains 3.5% menthol and .2% camphor as active ingredients. Also many in-active ingredients. I have used Bio-Freeze for almost 10 years. Absolutely love it. I have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to most everything. I have no problem with Bio-Freeze. DD
From: saavik on 26 Jan 2006 11:11 You mention massaging the product into the skin when you apply it. Could it be the massage that is actually of more benefit than the product itself? I find massage therapy helps my pain the most, so that's why I'm asking. Margo Jamie Dolan wrote: > RE: Bio-Freeze Review > > HI, > > This evening it marks the 4th time this week I have used the Bio-Freeze Gel > Product. I have been applying this product to my full legs starting about 5 > inches above the knee and moving down. Here are my current observations > about this product: > > It is Cold when it comes out of the tube. It does not feel like it warms up > when you hold it in your hand. While I understand the product is ment to > produce a "freeze" / cooling effect, it is initally almost uncomfortably > cold to put on. > > It does carry a fairly strong menthol type smell to it. > > While kind of tacy at first, within several minutes of rubbing it in, most > of this tacky feeling goes away. > > Once it is applied and rubbed in, I find it has a continual cooling effect > that is felt fairly continually for about 3 hours. It is debatlable how > long it's affect may last after this, but it may have some power to relevie > pain for up to about 5 hours in my opinion. > > In contrast to some other products I have tried (Joint Flex), this product > deffinatly produces a much more noticable numbing feeling. The feeling > causes you to feel as though the cooling effect penetrates fairly deeply. > > To me, it seems to releive a great deal of my pain in my knees, for a > reasonable period of time. The way this is working right now, I feel as > though I can use this in the evening with a lower of skip a dose of > narcotics. And it seems to be effective for this pourpose, atleast while I > am resting / active just around the house. > > So thus far, I recomend this product, esp if you have certin areas of your > body that really ache or throb. As I always hate trying to tie on or hold > on ice packs that are always too cold or not cold enough, this is a great > solution. It also feels like it penertates much deeper than a ice pack > could, without that "Half-Frost Bit Skin" feel. > > Pros: > Works Well on specfic area of the body that are in pain. > Lasts and works well for a reasonable period of time (Solid 3-4 Hours, > perhaps a bit longer, none the less, about the same amount of time an > adverage pain killer pill lasts), > Does not feel uncomfortable once it is applied, > Has a cool soothing feeling, > Has a numbing feeling that is very distracting and helps you forget about > pain that is still "showing Though" its cooling effect. > > Cons: > Cost -- I am using the largest consumer size available 4 ounces in a tube, > my doctors office put it on the bill, I don't know for sure if the insurance > will cover it, but if insurance doesnt cover it, the cost is around $12 a > tube. > Size of Tube -- This tube looks like it will get 5 to 6 applications out of > the entire tube. This is with using it on my knees and lower legs and a > little bit on my hands and wrists. So cost maybe a big concern if this item > does not get covered by insurance plans. Used a few times a day, you could > eaisly use a tube ever other day. > Gel -- To work well it really needs to be rubbed in quite well. Some people > may not find this convient. > Cold -- While the cooling sensation is a esesnsial part of it effect, it is > almost uncomfortably cool to apply at first. > > Comments: There is a "spray" no touch version of this product that is made, > I am going to try and get a bottle tommrow at PT. I am hoping that product > may not only reslove the issue of having to massage in the Gel, but I hope > it will reslove the issue of it feeling very cold at first also when you put > a glob of gel on your skin. If it does, my only Con with this product will > be price. Once I find a way to aquire a new tube of this product, I intent > to try this pre and post exercise and see how it works. I will post an > additional comment at that time on how it worked. > > I know I made some comments on this product a couple nights ago, but I > promised this more detailed review to some posters then per there request. > I hope this review answers your questions. > > Regards; > > Jamie > > Below are a couple questions answered about bio-freeze that I found on the > web, incause your intrested (I read though all the FAQ's online and put the > most intresting / important ones here): > > Q: What's the difference between the gel tube ,roll-on and spray bottles? > > A: The formula is the same in all the sizes. It just depends on the > application you intend to use it for. > > The roll-on is similar to a deodorant roll-on and is convenient for > applications to the neck and back area or hard to reach areas. It is also > useful for those who do not want to get Biofreeze on their hands. There is > no waste since you are not washing it off your hands. It is especially > useful for traveling or activities like tennis (you don't have to wash your > hands after applying) and the elderly, who may sometimes forget to wash > their hands. It prevents them from getting it near their eyes or other areas > not suitable for Biofreeze. > > The squeeze tube is similar to a toothpaste tube and is more economical for > application to the hands or other areas that require larger coverage or > extra massaging into sore muscles and stiff joints. > > The spray application is the newest way to create a no touch method of > application for Biofreeze. Even though Biofreeze through any of the > applications methods is beneficial for acute pain, the spray is particularly > beneficial for acute conditions involving severe muscle spasms of the lower > back or acute spasms of the upper back or neck. The application can be > applied pre-treatment to acute areas of muscle spasms to allow for a faster > relaxation of muscle involvement and better treatment response. The spray is > also a convenient application for the patient at home to continue care for > these acute conditions. As a spray it also affords the office staff a very > hygienic delivery system for applying Biofreeze to the patients. > > Q: Why is Biofreeze so expensive? > > A: Compared to most topical applications, you will use LESS Biofreeze and > the pain relief period generally lasts 30% longer than conventional gels. > Additionally, because Biofreeze is not sold in stores, it gives your > healthcare office a great opportunity to earn passive revenue. When you > think about it, Biofreeze costs you nothing because it will generate revenue > by providing your patients with the tubes and roll-ons. > > Q: Can we apply Biofreeze to patients before aquatic exercise? > > A: Yes, Biofreeze can be used to loosen tight muscles and stiff joints. The > best thing to do is apply a small amount approximately 10-15 minutes prior > to entering the water. Post application should be after a "cooling down" > shower to minimize next day aches, pains, and stiffness. > > Q: Is Biofreeze sold in pharmacies or retail stores? > > A: No, Biofreeze is not a retail product, only used, carried and sold > through the hands on Health Care Professional. > > Q: Do you offer a money-back guarantee to a doctor's patients? > > A: Yes, if a consumer calls and is unhappy with their product and wants a > refund, find out whom they purchased it from. If they purchased it from us, > we simply give them a full refund. If they purchased it from a Healthcare > Professional, find out the Healthcare Professionals name. We will then > contact the HCP and ask them to give the consumer a full refund. We will > send the HCP a free replacement and make sure to see if they need a PE, PED, > or window cling. If the HCP does not want to give the consumer a refund, > find out the price the consumer paid and we will give the consumer a refund. > We do not ask for the product back. > > Q: Where can I buy Biofreeze? > > A: The best place to purchase Biofreeze is through a licensed healthcare > professional in your area. "Check local yellow pages" > o Chiropractors, Podiatrists, Athletic Trainers, Occupational, Massage or > Physical Therapists. > > Q: Do I need a prescription to get Biofreeze? > > A: No. You do not need a prescription, nor do you need to be a patient of > the HCP in your area to purchase Biofreeze from them. Biofreeze is not a > retail product and is not available through a pharmacy or any retail > environment. > > Q: What sizes of Biofreeze are available to purchase by a consumer? > > A: Biofreeze is available in a 4 oz tube, 4 oz spray, 3 oz roll-on, or 5 gm > trial packets. The formula is the same in all sizes. > > o The 3 oz roll-on is a hands-free application. Most consumers prefer the > roll-on for hard to reach areas, such as for the back and the neck area > > o The 4 oz spray is a convenient application for the patient at home and is > particularly beneficial for acute conditions involving severe muscle spasms > of the lower back or acute spasms of the upper back or neck > > o The 4 oz gel squeeze tube is perfect for massaging into easy to reach > areas and perfect for knees, elbows and ankles. > > o The 5 gm packets are available in boxes of 100 and are most commonly used > for traveling purposes, when it is inconvenient to carry one of the larger > sizes. > > Q: Can I buy the larger bottle sizes of the Biofreeze? > > A: The larger sizes of Biofreeze are only sold to Hands-on Therapists for > clinical use in their practice. They are not labeled for patient use and are > not available to consumers. Patient sizes are available through us for the > consumer that finds it difficult to locate in their area. > > ******NOTE FROM ME:::: THE LARGER SIZES CAN BE OBTAINED ON EBAY. A GALLON > OF THE PRODUCT SEEMS TO SELL FOR AROUND $100. THE SMALL TUBES AT 4 OUNCES > AT $12 COST ABOUT $3 A OUNCE. THE GALLON, EVEN AFTER SHIPPING WOULD COST > WELL LESS THAN $1 PER OUNCE. I WILL DEFFINATLY OPT TO BUY A GALLON WHEN I > HAVE MONEY IF THE INSURANCE DOES NOT PAY FOR THE SMALL TUBES******** > > Q: Is Biofreeze available in stores or through the Internet? > > A: No. Biofreeze is not a retail product and is not available through a > retail environment. It is only sold through Hand-on Health Care > Professionals. > > No. Our Internet site is only set up for informational purposes. We do not > offer any on-line ordering. We are not affiliated with, nor do we endorse > any product sold on the Internet. The best value for a consumer to purchase > Biofreeze is through a hands-on health care professional in their area. > > Q: Do you have any studies about long-term use of Biofreeze? > > A: Biofreeze is an over the counter topical analgesic pain relieving gel. It > is labeled according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations > regarding topical analgesics. All ingredients, product use and product > warnings are listed on the label. > > Please remember that Biofreeze is a topical pain reliever, not a cure to an > underlying condition. It provides temporary relief of pain. If you have any > questions regarding the product or use of it , please consult your Health > Care Professional.
From: Sunshine&Lollipops on 26 Jan 2006 11:29
fran wrote: > Jamie, could you tell me if this contains 18% Menthol. because if it > does, it's sold inexpensively at Walgreens under the store label. I > have found that product to be fairly helpful, but not 100% and not for > more than a few hours. That was an excellent review of the product > and I appreciated it. --fran Fran, he is right, the stuff is cold as all hell when you put it on. It does last 3-4 hours. It's expensive! Most Chiropractors give away samples (hint) or you can buy it on Ebay. I get it from work and have a gallon jug of it but only use it on my knees and back when I'm in real bad pain because I find it to be too cold when first applied. The other plus I find is it's not greasy! I hate greasy stuff like Bengay or Lidocaine USP. It does work better than most of the other OTC stuff out there. WARNING! DO NOT USE IT AFTER A SHOWER! It burns more. http://www.biofreeze.com/ http://www.biofreeze.com/faqs_consumer.php Q: Can you send me a sample of Biofreeze? A: Of course, we would be glad to send you a sample packet for Biofreeze. Included will be a brochure on the product itself, "2" of the 5 gm trial packets for you to try and also an ordering form for future reference in case you ever find it difficult to locate the product in your area. Ebay is probably your best bet because the markup on the stuff is incredible. http://search.ebay.com//search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=biofreeze SnL |