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Theraworx Relief

Theraworx Relief

Overall Rating

4.0

42 Customer Reviews

Summary

Theraworx Relief is a topical muscle cramp solution that claims to provide relief from cramps and spasms without any side effects using a gentle formulation.

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Theraworx Relief Review - Does It Work and Is It Safe?

By Anthony Dugarte, M.D., C.S.C.S

Updated on: Jan 6, 2020

Theraworx Relief promises to prevent cramps with their non-prescription, fast-absorbing foam.

Leg cramps are involuntary and painful muscle contractions, most commonly occurring at night. Occuring in 50-60% of adults, they typically target your calf muscles, though anywhere from the thigh to foot can be affected.

The exact mechanism is unknown, but many variables are thought to be at play. Most cases are idiopathic - simply arising spontaneously without warning. Other causes may be related to nerve dysfunction, intense exercise, lack of exercise, pregnancy, electrolyte imbalance, vascular disease, and medications.

The possible sources of cramping are numerous, thus this condition affects a wide array of populations; from high level athletes to the elderly. Treatment options are also many, though finding relief can be challenging when the cause is unknown.

In this article, we review the scientific support for the safety and efficacy of this product.

How to Use Theraworx

In 3 easy steps, Theraworx is said to offer relief within the first 2-weeks with twice daily use:

  1. Shake bottle and apply 2 pumps of foam to the muscles where you get cramps
  2. Rub the foam into the muscle until it is completely absorbed
  3. Repeat and let dry

Theraworx Active Ingredient: Does It Work?

Theraworx believes relief is possible through the action of their active ingredient: Magnesium Sulfate (Magnesia sulphurica) 6X 0.05% HPUS (Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States - this indicates that this product is FDA-recognized and follows the HPUS rules)

Magnesium is involved in countless reactions in your body. As deficiency is thought to be associated with muscle cramping, treatment with magnesium is available in various forms.

While support for leg cramp relief through orally administered magnesium is mixed, Theraworx offers a topical formula.

Theraworx is thought to address a potential and important limitation of oral magnesium supplementation - many previous studies administered oral magnesium to those not deficient, resulting in the kidney likely removing the excess. If the excess magnesium is removed before its concentration is increased in cramping leg muscles, it is rendered useless.

Theraworx was found to decrease the severity and frequency of nighttime leg cramps over the course of 4-weeks when compared to placebo. A possible mechanism for these findings is that topical magnesium may pass through muscle tissue before absorption and excretion by the kidneys.

As the primary function of the skin is to serve as a protective barrier, its capacity to absorb is limited, however. Getting through water-tight layers of your skin requires special formulations of supplements and medications.

The Israeli army found that magnesium was not absorbed through the skin when soldiers administered a magnesium containing protective lotion. These findings were corroborated a few years later; there were no differences in magnesium levels for those using a magnesium rich lotion or placebo lotion.

A study supporting the possibility of magnesium absorption through the skin found elevated levels in 16 of 19 subjects that bathed in magnesium solutions for 12 minutes daily over 1-week.

The Takeaway:

Scientific support for oral administration of magnesium for leg cramps is mixed, though likely most promising in pregnant women. Shortcoming of this method of administration are thought to result from excess magnesium being removed by the kidneys before it can act on muscle.

Theraworx claims to get around this issue by applying topical magnesium for absorption directly into the muscle. Relief for your cramps with this method proved promising when compared to placebo. Evidence supporting the skin’s ability to absorb magnesium is just as mixed as that for oral formulations, however.

Though topical magnesium may be a more effective way to relieve muscle cramps, most studies, including the Therwarox trial, state that much more work is needed to fully characterize the role for this method of delivery.

With such limited support and difficulty identifying concentrations of magnesium used in older studies to compare to the contents of Theroworx, it is challenging to support claims that this product is effective in treating leg cramps.

Safety

The Theraworx trial claims that there are no known side effects, though their site states mild skin reactions are possible. This is likely because topical formulations bypass your gastrointestinal tract.

Three times daily application of 10ml magnesium-rich lotion was not associated with serious side effects, nor were toxic levels of magnesium found in either the treatment or placebo groups.

Similarly, there are no known medications that would interact dangerously with this topical application, though effectiveness may be reduced if used in conjunction with other creams as they can serve as a barrier.

The Takeaway:

Topical magnesium acts at the site of your symptoms and is unlikely to have whole-body effects or dangerous interactions as it is not ingested. It’s still a good idea to discuss use with a doctor first.

The Cost & Where To Buy

You can order Thereworx Relief directly from their site and expect to receive your order in 3-6 business days. Your 7.1oz bottle is $20.49 + shipping and handling. Theraworx is also available for purchase via phone or through Amazon. They do not offer automated shipping services.

Though this product may be obtained in-person elsewhere; Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. Keep in mind that their 30-day money-back guarantee is only supported through the website, phone, or Amazon purchases.

Are There Any Alternatives?

There are other magnesium sulfate-based topical ointments on the market. Kirkman offers similar products, though you get about half the amount for the same price when compared to Theraworx.

Cryoderm offers a cream that is said to calm muscles and nerves though magnesium harvested from the Dead Sea. This product differs in that magnesium chloride is the active ingredient, and that it costs more than double for a similar amount when compared to Theraworx.

Lastly, there are a number of oral magnesium supplements offered by various retailers. Available in tablet and capsule form, these products are also said to provide relief for muscle cramps.

Keep in mind that while topical creams and foams act locally, and are therefore much less likely to affect you systemically, the effects of ingestible supplements may not be contained to the cramping muscles.

Seek medical opinion before use of these products.

What Are Users Saying?

Here on HighYa, 38 users rated the product at 4.1 out of 5 stars. Users seem to be generally satisfied with Theraworx.

Happy customers report fast and effective relief with Theraworx.

One negative reviewer describes his cramps returning after discontinuing the use of Theraworx. Another describes effectiveness at other painful sites, though it does not seem to work on the pain associated with his total knee replacement.

The Bottom Line: Is Theraworx Worth It?

Both oral and topical magnesium supplements have mixed support regarding efficacy. While topical magnesium was most effective in reducing the severity and frequency of leg cramps in pregnant women, report in other populations is lacking.

Topical magnesium works at the site of application and is not associated with whole-body effects or drug interactions that may be possible with oral magnesium.

Despite mixed research results regarding effectiveness, Theraworx may be a reasonable option for those that battle leg cramps because of its favorable safety profile. The upside would be pain relief and avoiding medical treatment.

The downside would be continued pain and the need to find relief elsewhere. Speaking with your doctor before use is still your best bet.

Customer Reviews

4.0 Stars out of 42 Reviews
5 Star:61% 4 Star:11% 3 Star:4% 2 Star:4% 1 Star:16%
81% Recommend This Company
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Posted on Nov 7, 2017

Thereworx works

By Chris Reubelt, Midlothian, IL, Verified Reviewer

I have suffered leg cramps from a variety of causes my entire life. These disrupted my sleep, and now the cramping will happen in the daytime if I sit at my desk too long.

I have tried pretty much every remedy there is, and nothing has worked. Until now. I can tell you Theraworx is the first product I've ever found that really works. Relief is immediate and lasts for about 24 hours. I can actually sleep the entire night without cramping waking me.

As a professional Purchasing Manager by trade, I am not in the habit of posting reviews (this is, in fact, the first one I have done). The only thing I would point out as a minor criticism is that the product has a peculiar smell, but it seems to dissipate once it evaporates after applying.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 58 People Have Voted

Posted on Dec 21, 2017

Unexpected relief

By Dr. Monica Diedrich, California, Verified Reviewer

I have had this product for over a month now, so I am pretty confident in my review. I have suffered from night leg cramps for the past 10 years and went to all kinds of doctors and tried at least 12 different medications. One doctor even prescribed one medication for Parkinson. Nothing worked. So when I saw an advertisement for this cream, I was wary but willing to give it a try.

I did, and after a couple of days, I thought that it couldn't be. Now, after a month of using it nightly, I can tell it really does work. Most nights I do not have any cramps, and on the nights I do have one, it is minor without lasting pain. Incredible! I used to have 10 cramps or more, and I would count them too. Now I sleep good at night and I am confident the reason is because of this cream. Thank you, thank you!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 35 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 13, 2018

Great product

By Reg Hearn, Washington, Verified Reviewer

I have experienced toe cramps almost every night for a long period of time. In the past year, it got so bad that I was losing a lot of sleep.

I have tried all of the usual solutions; keeping hydrated, stretching, keeping my legs and feet warm, calcium supplements, magnesium supplements, potassium supplements, the whole works.

I tried the Theraworx out of a sense of desperation. I purchased it at a local Rite Aid (which is out, today!). I have been using it for a month. In that month I have experienced some toe cramps twice, which were relieved by an additional application of Theraworx.

Two incidents in a month is a big improvement over every night.

A full night's sleep is a pretty big blessing.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 24 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 19, 2018

It seems to be working

By Lynn Crowe, Paramus, NJ, Verified Reviewer

I take a diuretic every other day. Even though I take extra potassium, the days that I do take the diuretic, I get leg cramps that often woke me up and were very painful. I had to walk around for a while before I could get back into bed. I've been using the foamy Theraworx for a couple of weeks, and while my calves are a bit tingly. I have not woken up with the severe pain I had before I started using it. Also, I don't seem to have any side effects.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 21 People Have Voted

Posted on Feb 24, 2018

Definitely no scam

By Michael Huffman, North Carolina, Verified Reviewer

I've been a quadriplegic now for 26 years, I take 3 different meds to control my muscle spasms, but when I have to stay in bed for more than a day, my hamstrings and calves start cramping badly. I saw the television commercial, and I like Dr. Drew so here I am a week after ordering it to give my testimony of this miracle foam. I had my caregiver rub it in really well (as recommend) and it is almost an instant relief.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 20 People Have Voted

Posted on Nov 5, 2018

Theraworx doesn't work

By Elaine J., Illinois, Verified Reviewer

I was so hoping that this product would work. After suffering with leg cramps for 40 years, as we all know the FDA cares nothing about us and viciously and maliciously pulled the quinine sulfate off. It was the only thing that worked, and they pulled it off the market, leaving us with nothing. Anyway, Theraworx doesn't work. Tonight, for example, I applied it according to directions three different times and I'm continuing to cramp and cramp, so they need to go back to the drawing board. Sorry, it doesn't work for such a debilitating condition.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 17 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 18, 2018

My difficulties dispensing

By Liberata P. Ritz, Clinton Township, MI, Verified Reviewer

I bought this product some time ago and didn't really use it because it was so hard for me to pump the container. I'm 82 years old without a lot of strength in my hands, and trying to pump it would very often actually set off hand pain and cramps. I finally pulled it out again and tried for two days and it did seem to help, except it was so difficult for me to pump. My son suggested removing the cap but then it was just clear liquid. I did try anyway and ended up spilling the liquid all over. If they would put their product in a lighter plastic that I could more readily pump, I would try again.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 16 People Have Voted

Posted on May 12, 2018

Cramps and joint pain

By Dawn Muniz, Florida, Verified Reviewer

I bought this because my aunt's and uncle's recommendation, they said it worked great. So I bought it and can't live without it. I use it every night before bed; it works amazing. I woke up one night with a Charlie horse in the top front thigh to the side. My husband rubbed this on me and within a minute it was like it never happened. I highly recommend you use this.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 16 People Have Voted

Posted on Nov 13, 2018

Amazing product

By Becky M., Gaffney, SC, Verified Reviewer

I have suffered from night leg and foot cramps for years. In recent months, I have had such severe cramps in my ankles that it often feels as if my bones will break if I try to stand. I tried Theraworx Relief last night when I woke up having one of those ankle cramps. I rubbed two pumps on my ankle, and the cramp instantly stopped. This is an amazing product.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 16 People Have Voted

Posted on Mar 30, 2018

Theraworx is a miracle!

By Mary A Henry, Ohio, Verified Reviewer

I have been suffering with night cramps in my feet, lower legs, and super intense in my inner thighs. The first time I tried Theraworx I called it a miracle! As soon as I applied it to the affected area(s) I received almost instant relief (in the lower legs and feet). The more intense area of my thighs took a bit longer (about 2-3 minutes).

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 14 People Have Voted

Posted on Jan 5, 2019

Amazing product

By Herb W., Laureldale, PA, Verified Reviewer

After my motorcycle accident in 2006 with two broken femurs and major scar tissue on left femur, the accident limited my ability a lot. My wife could rub my leg for 30 minutes just to get the lump back in two hours. I applied Theraworx and in 15 minutes I was almost back to pre accident condition. It has only been two days using this product but I will be running again, that's something I have not done in 12 years and three months. WOW, AMAZING! Where can I buy stock in this product?

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Helpful Review? 13 People Have Voted
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