QuadraBloc™

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About QuadraBloc™ Therapeutic Magnets

The use of magnets for the management of pain and discomfort is not a new concept. Because this product is been used in 40 countries around the world for ten years Gradient Medical LLC has encountered a variety of questions may of which we answer below.

How does the QuadraBloc technology work?
The mechanism of action for QuadraBloc™ is complex and not totally understood. The QuadraBloc technology is based on significant research that identifies the steep field gradient as the mechanism which blocks sodium and potassium ions and thus returns C-fiber and A-Delta neurons to a latency. Please view the QuadraBloc.com website for a more detailed explanation of the mechanism of action and the use of QuadraBlocs.

When I wear QuadraBlocs are there times when I need to be extra careful?
QuadraBloc™ Therapeutic Magnets must not be used near sensitive medical equipment or implants such as pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, infusion pumps, aneurysm clips, or implanted neurostimulator devices. Because these magnets will adhere to metal you should be sensitive when placing them in contact with metal cookware or utensils. Avoid use of QuadraBlocs near sensitive mechanical or electrical equipment.

Can I use my computer while wearing QuadraBlocs?
Avoid direct or close contact with the magnetized components and associated parts of your computer system including hard drives floppy disks, separate storage components, etc. The QuadraBloc products will not affect your mouse or your keyboard.

Can I wear QuadraBlocs when I'm pregnant?
QuadraBloc Therapeutic Magnets have not been tested on women who are pregnant. As a result we do not recommend that the devices be used during the term of pregnancy.

Will QuadraBloc™ products work on all kinds of pain?
No, QuadraBloc Therapeutic Magnets are not a substitute for therapy or for prescriptions prescribed by a doctor nor are they intended to cure underlying medical conditions. The products are only for pain relief. Always follow your doctor's orders and seek medical advice if you think you have a medical condition underlying your pain.

How quickly do QuadraBloc Therapeutic Magnets work?
Both laboratory tests and patient treatments have demonstrated that QuadraBloc works in as little as two minutes. However, for some people therapy takes longer. If you fail to feel relief in five to 10 minutes you should move the QuadraBloc device slightly to better target the problem so that you achieve maximum benefit.

I've noticed that there are a multitude of magnetic products in the therapy marketplace. What makes QuadraBloc™ different?
QuadraBloc ™is comprised of four individual magnets arrayed in a patented, geometrical form such that it produces a very steep field gradient. By using very powerful magnets in this specific configuration QuadraBloc places the most therapeutic flux on the point of affliction. No other device in the market place uses this configuration.

Are the QuadraBloc™ products guaranteed?
QuadraBloc™ is covered by a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. In addition the product is warranted against defects.

What is a neodymium magnet?
A neodymium magnet composed of ferrite; neodymium is a rare earth metal. The QuadraBloc has a half-life of 50 years. Care must be exercised to avoid dropping the devices.

Is there a limit on the number of QuadraBlocs that I can use at one time?
No; you must be careful to place the QuadraBlocs a finger width a part so that the fields of any two device fields do not overlap.

Can QuadraBlocs be washed?
The devices should not be placed in a washing machine. The casing can be cleaned with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

Can I use QuadraBlocs to relieve chronic pain?
QuadraBloc™, with proper placement, can relieve chronic discomfort. However, you should see a physician to determine the cause of and the recommended treatment for any chronic painful condition.

Can QuadraBloc™ be used to treat thrombosis, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, ulcers, or other serious medical disorder that requires a physician’s evaluation or management?
No; QuadraBloc™ products are intended to relieve discomfort but not to treat serious medical disorders. Your physician should manage these conditions.

If I had either hip or knee replacement surgery can I use QuadraBlocs?
This use depends on the material used to manufacture your implants. If the material is not magnetic you should be able use QuadraBlocs. However you should ask your doctor.

My pet suffers from chronic pain; can I use QuadraBloc™ Therapeutic Magnets to treat animals?
It is possible to magnets may help your pet, especially with arthritis. Questions regarding treatment of your pet should be directed to your veterinarian.

How do I find the right placement of QuadraBloc™ for my problem?
Place a QuadraBloc ™directly over the area which hurts. Some types of pain require the use of more than one QuadraBloc; review the website for specific placement instructions for various maladies.

Do QuadraBloc™ Therapeutic Magnets stop all sensation?
No; QuadraBloc™ magnets work on specific nerve pathways and do not interrupt all sensations. Your skin will not feel numb. For instance, if you bump yourself while wearing QuadraBlocs, you will feel the sensation.

If QuadraBlocs stop working what does this mean?
Due to its long half-life your QuadraBloc ™should work indefinitely, if the placement of these devices is correct and if sufficient care is taken not to damage the devices. If your discomfort returns while you're using QuadraBlocs repositioning them is step one. If this is not effective see your physician.

If I use QuadraBloc™ products all the time will I become dependent on them?
QuadraBloc ™products are devices and not a drug so that the devices are not addictive. Magnets will not cause any sort of dependency. You may remove them at any time; however if the pain returns simply reapply your QuadraBlocs or see your physician.

What is a placebo affect?
The placebo effect describes the perceived benefit that in individual experiences when he or she is treated with a product that has no biological or therapeutic activity. A placebo effect may occur with any treatment. It is noted in the literature that morphine may have a 43% placebo effect.

Can I wear QuadraBlocs when I piloted an airplane?
Yes. You should not use these devices when piloting or sitting in the cockpit. Persons who fly as passengers use these devices in place every day. However, please remember that magnets stored in luggage may be prohibited on some airlines. Check with your particular airline concerning its rules related to magnets and your luggage.

I'm allergic to metals; can I still wear QuadraBloc™ therapeutic magnets?
Yes, with caution. Magnets are never directly in contact with the skin.

I seem to have more discomfort when I use QuadraBloc™ magnets; what does that mean?
If your problem seems to be more severe when you wear a QuadraBloc™ device simply stop using it. This accentuated pain may be indicative of a serious underlying condition such that you should see you should see a doctor for this condition.

I've read the magnetic energy generated by high tension wires is dangerous. Are these magnets eventually dangerous?
QuadraBloc is a static magnetic field generator. It does not create alternating or pulsating electromagnetic energy like high tension wires. Years of research on static magnetic fields have shown that static magnetic fields are safe with no known harmful effects.

My skin is very sensitive. The tape seems to cause problems. What can I do?
You might try using towelettes before and after wearing your QuadraBlocs. They are formulated to improve the performance of the double sided adhesives and help prevent skin irritation such as drying, cracking, itching or redness. Pure vitamin E is a great treatment for skin irritation. Apply to your skin when you're not using QuadraBloc therapeutic magnets.

Sometimes QuadraBlocs do not stick to my skin. What should I do?
Make sure your skin is cool, clean, and dry before applying the double sided adhesive pads.

Why do I occasionally feel a warming sensation when I first apply QuadraBloc therapeutic magnets to my skin?
Exposure to these static magnetic fields may cause the dilation of the small peripheral blood vessels at the location of placement. This increased blood flow can account for the warming sensation.

What is the best way for a person to care for QuadraBloc™ Therapeutic Magnets?
Avoid high temperatures from such locations as inside a hot car or in a clothes dryer. Avoid dropping or hitting your QuadraBloc™ Therapeutic Magnets on any hard surface.

What is a QuadraBloc™ Therapeutic Magnet? How does it work?
Gradient Medical LLC owns six patents on the design and use of the QuadraBloc.™ The basic elements of the design patent include an octapolar array, which means four magnets, arranged in a specific quadrilateral shape, magnets placed in alternating polarity, with the steep field gradient accentuated by a flux ring directing 40% more energy toward the point of affliction. While the mechanism of action is not completely understood, it is clear from laboratory work that the neurons contained in C- fiber and A delta fibers are returned to a state of latency as the result of blockading the sodium, potassium, and calcium channels at the point of affliction. Secondary benefits are derived from the enhanced circulation in soft tissue; it is known that this particular static magnetic field shortens the bone healing process in fractures by approximately 35% on average.