TheraPearl's Sports Pack for aches and pains

What is it?
A reusable cold pack filled with tiny non-toxic 'pearls' that retain the cold after being stored in a fridge or freezer.

What's the PR blurb?
'TheraPearl's Sports Pack rescues men and women from post-workout and post-treatment aches, pains, swelling and redness. Compact and portable, the Doctor Designed Sports Pack is soft and pliable to adhere comfortably to your body. Drip and mess-free, it beats a melting ice pack or soggy bag of peas any day! It's hypoallergenic, non-toxic and, best of all, reusable. For durability, cost and effectiveness, disposables can't match TheraPearl's value. Chill it in the fridge or freezer for analgesic cold - the pack holds its therapeutic temperature for approximately 20 minutes so you get fast, soothing relief. It's perfect following any strenuous activity or accidental run-in with a table leg.'

What's my verdict?
I can see that TheraPearl's Sports Pack will become a staple treatment in our house for bumps, bruises and tension headaches. We left the pack in the fridge, but you can also leave it in the freezer for up to two hours.

After storing the pack in the door of our fridge for a few days, the first person to try it out was my son (age 11) for a painful knee following a session of basketball after school. He said that the pack was comfortable to leave on his knee while he watched TV, as it moulded to his shape (unlike other cold packs we have tried in the past). The pack eased his pain for 20 minutes (which is the time recommended by the manufacturer). Then the pack went back in the fridge for next time.

The following day, I tried out TheraPearl's Sports Pack to ease a throbbing headache caused by bad posture. I usually use cold forehead strips when I have a headache or migraine, but we had run out of these so TheraPearl's Sports Pack seemed like a possible alternative. I found that the TheraPearl pack contoured to my head perfectly as it was so soft and comfortable. It's a far more durable solution than the forehead strips, but I had to remain horizontal to keep it on my head and obtain any benefit!

I also tried the pack on my aching neck and shoulders for pain relief, but decided that heat would be far more effective for me in this instance. TheraPearl have recently launched a Hot & Cold Back Wrap, which can be placed in the microwave or freezer, but I haven't had a chance to try this out.

Where can you buy it?
TheraPearl's Sports Pack (£7.99) is available from Boots.

For more information, check out www.therapearl.co.uk.

PLEASE NOTE: I received the TheraPearl's Sports Pack free from the PR company in exchange for an honest review.