Can this gadget help with injuries and pain relief? I put the Kineon MOVE+ Pro through its paces to find out.
Pain and injuries are an unavoidable part of life, and they’re even more common for fitness enthusiasts. Whether it’s the strain from intense training sessions or lingering aches from recurring injuries, recovery tools that work – like the best foam rollers – are a must-have, but not always easy to find.
That’s where the Kineon MOVE+ Pro comes in. This high-tech red light therapy device promises to deliver relief from joint pain and enhance muscle recovery through some pretty cutting-edge tech. The MOVE+ Pro works by using a combination of red light and infrared lasers to penetrate deep into tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. It’s been designed to be lightweight, portable and easy to use, and is aimed at those who need something they can use every day either at home or on the go.
Why you can trust us
Every product you read about on mensfitness.co.uk has been rigorously tested by our experts – whether freelance reviewers or the core MF team. Over the past few weeks, consumer tech expert Lee Bell put the MOVE+ Pro to the test, incorporating it into his recovery routine to see if it truly lives up to its claims. He assessed its performance, ease of use, and overall effectiveness to find out whether this innovative recovery tool is really worth the investment.
Men’s Fitness verdict
Sleek, portable design with modular pods for red and infrared therapy. Effective for pain relief, but battery life could be improved and it would benefit from a companion app.- Helps to reduce pain and inflammation with consistent use
- Versatile: can be used on multiple body parts
- Generally easy to use
- Strap set-up is confusing
- No companion app
- Batter life could be improved
Setting up the Kineon MOVE+ Pro
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of how the Kineon MOVE+ Pro performs, let’s talk about what it’s like to get it up and running. The device arrives in a compact and protective travel case, which has a built-in charging dock for three modular pods (more about these later) and a zipped storage section for an included charging cable and adjustable straps.
Working out how to set up the gadget was pretty straightforward, apart from how the multi-sectioned strap fit together around the pods. There are no guidelines in the included instruction booklet explaining how this should go, and I personally found it very confusing to work out. I managed to cobble it together somehow, but I’m still not sure whether it’s attached in the intended way!
Design and first impressions
At first glance, the MOVE+ Pro might seem like something from a sci-fi film. It’s sleek, modern design is easy on the eye, although I can imagine it seeming a little daunting if you’re usually a bit of a technophobe.
The device consists of three modular pods that house the red light and infrared lasers, which clip into the aforementioned adjustable strap system. This modularity allows for targeted treatment on various body parts, including the knees, shoulders or elbows. The device is quite lightweight, which means that it doesn’t feel cumbersome, even during long periods of use.
The materials used feel of high quality and durable, which makes me think it’ll stand the test of time. The adjustable straps follow suit, being made from a soft, flexible fabric that secures the pods firmly in place without feeling uncomfortable. This also means the gadget stays put whether you’re sitting, walking around or even performing light exercises.
However, the standout design feature on the MOVE+ Pro is how portable it is. As mentioned earlier, it comes with a compact hard carry case that neatly holds the pods, straps and charging dock and I imagine this will protect it from any hard knocks or drops. The case also means it’s easy to transport the device from A to B, making it perfect for those who travel frequently or need a portable recovery solution. I particularly liked how the charging port is on the outside of the case, covered by a removable dust cap, meaning you don’t need to take the dock or pods out to re-juice them. This dock also recharges all three pods simultaneously, which is a nice touch.
The device’s interface is straightforward, with a single button on each pod to control the power and set the treatment duration. While this is pretty simple, I was quite disappointed that there’s no companion app to help users set up the device or give suggestions for how it can be used, etc. This is usually a given with gadgets these days, especially ones priced as highly as the MOVE+ Pro. Nevertheless, the device did make a strong first impression thanks to its thoughtful design, quality materials and ease of use. And its futuristic look and practical features make it a standout in the crowded market of recovery tools.
Performance and features
Using the MOVE+ Pro is pretty easy. Each pod has a single button to power it on and set the treatment duration, with options for 5, 10, or 15 minutes. That means even those less familiar with tech gadgets can use the device without much hassle. The modular design allows you to position the pods precisely where you need them, whether it’s on your knee, shoulder or back, making it versatile for various types of pain and injuries.
What’s unique about the MOVE+ Pro, however, is that it makes use of a combination of red light and infrared lasers, both known for their therapeutic benefits. The red light, typically at 660nm, works on the skin’s surface, promoting collagen production and accelerating wound healing. Meanwhile, the infrared light, penetrating deeper tissues, targets inflammation and boosts blood circulation, aiding in the repair of muscles and joints. (For a more in-depth understanding of how it works, read our article on the science of red light therapy.)
I have to say that while this is all well and good theoretically, it’s hard to say just how much this device is benefitting you in the way it promises. The first thing people ask me when they spot me using it is, ‘does it work?’ and it’s genuinely hard to say if it definitely does or not. Would my injury feel worse if I hadn’t used it? It’d hard to say. Or perhaps its effects are merely placebo. Either way, I do believe it works to some extent, especially if used every day as part of a recovery routine.
During my testing, I used the MOVE+ Pro mostly on my arm to treat my tennis elbow (which I’ve had a while now due to playing a little too much squash). The device was comfortable enough to wear during daily activities like watching TV or doing household chores. Over several weeks of consistent use, I noticed a significant reduction in pain and an increase in mobility. But like I said earlier, would this have reduced anyway? Maybe so, but I’d like to think not quite as quickly.
One final thing to mention when it comes to performance is the MOVE+ Pro pods’ battery life. While adequate, they do need regular charging, especially if you’re using the device multiple times a day. Each pod will last for about 20 or so 10-minute sessions between charges, which I found to be enough for moderate use, but could definitely be improved for those needing to use it multiple times a day.
How does it compare?
When comparing the MOVE+ to other red light therapy devices on the market, its standout feature is the inclusion of both LEDs and infrared lasers. This allows for deeper penetration and potentially more effective treatment. However, similar devices like the Mito Mobile FLEX offer comparable performance at a much lower price point (albeit with the lack of an infrared laser component).
On the higher end of the spectrum, professional-grade devices like the Thor laser systems promise better performance but, obviously, come at a much higher cost, making them impractical for most people – especially those wanting their own devices at home. In my opinion, the MOVE+ Pro strikes a balance between affordability and advanced tech, making it a great option for those serious about recovery.
What could be better?
While the MOVE+ Pro is an impressive device, there are areas for improvement. The straps, for one, could not only be easier to set up, but could be more versatile to better fit bigger body areas or smaller joints. A companion app – which guides users on set up and how to use the gadget – wouldn’t go amiss either,
I also think the MOVE+ Pro could benefit from a more robust battery to reduce the number of times it needs charging between uses, or at least be updated so it can be operated while charging.
Should you buy the Kineon MOVE+ Pro?
Deciding whether the MOVE+ Pro is worth the investment really depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, joint issues or simply looking for a reliable recovery tool, Kineon’s device is a solid choice. Its combination of red light and infrared therapy provides what seems to be effective pain relief and should lead to faster recovery times if used frequently.
However, there’s no way to quantify how well it works, so I cannot say for sure that if you splurge on one of these devices, you will definitely see the benefits. So, if you’re on a tight budget or require a device with more customisable settings, you might want to explore other options. If you ask me, the MOVE+ Pro is best suited for those who are willing to invest in a high-quality, versatile recovery tool and are committed to using it consistently for the best results.
