The ShoulderFlex Massager, used for in home neck and back massage therapy, has caused at least one death and one near-strangulation in users. Due to the risk of serious injury, the FDA is warning users to immediately dispose of the unit and hints at a possible recall.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting ShoulderFlex Massager induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by ShoulderFlex Massager, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

SAFETY UPDATE: ShoulderFlex Manufacturer Is Not Complying with Recall

December 21, 2011 — The FDA is issuing a new safety announcement regarding ShoulderFlex Massager and the risk of strangulation and death. The shoulder-massaging device, which consists of rotating “massagers,” can become entangled in hair, clothing, and jewelry. There has been one report of a death.

The FDA is issuing this new announcement after finding that King International, the manufacturer of ShoulderFlex, has gone out of business and failed to complete their recall. The 800 number is no longer in service, many of the companies that sell the device were not informed of the recall, and customers who bought the product were not informed of the danger.

The FDA is concerned that people may still be using the ShoulderFlex Massager because they are unaware of the dangers. Additionally, it is still being sold in some stores, online, and in catalogues.

ShoulderFlex Massager should not be used. It should be thrown away. The FDA recommends disassembling the device so it cannot be used — the massage fingers should be separated from the device and thrown away separately, and the power supply should also be thrown away separately.

ShoulderFlex Massager: An Overview

August 26, 2011 — Since Oct. 18, 2003, King International has manufactured 11,934 ShoulderFlex massagers. The machine is an at-home massaging device that provides deep tissue massage to the neck, shoulders and back.

Yet, the FDA has announced that this machine — intended for relaxation — is actually causing serious harm to users.

In a Safety Alert and Notice, the FDA stated it was aware of reports to the Consumer Product Safety Commission that the ShoulderFlex Massager has caused at least one death and one near-strangulation because various objects, including necklaces and clothing, become caught in the device, which rotates during use. Additionally, the FDA said they have received at least two other reports of clothing and hair getting caught in the machine.

Because of the serious risks associated with the ShoulderFlex Massager, the FDA is encouraging consumers to dispose of the machine. The FDA is also currently evaluating the need for a ShoulderFlex Massager recall.

Due to the severity of these permanent side effects, ShoulderFlex Massager users may want to contact a ShoulderFlex lawyer at The Schmidt Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation to discuss the potential for a ShoulderFlex lawsuit.

FDA Alert and Recommendation

Because of reports of serious injury or even death, the FDA is encouraging consumers to follow these precautions:

• Do NOT use the ShoulderFlex massager.
• Dispose of the device components separately so that the massager cannot be reassembled and used:
• Dispose of the power supply separately.
• Remove the massage fingers and dispose of them separately.

How the ShoulderFlex Massager Works

The ShoulderFlex Massager unit sits beneath the neck, while the user lies on his or her back. It comes with a handheld controller, memory foam pillow and a machine-washable sleeve. A rotating bar contains removable “fingers,” which can be adjusted by the user in order to customize the massage area and depth.

The ShoulderFlex Massager has been sold online and at stores in the United States. Currently, they are still for sale.

Potential ShoulderFlex Recall

In the FDA safety notice, they stated they would review King International’s plans to recall the product.

While a recall has not yet been announced, the FDA may take further action against King International, depending on its on-going evaluation of the product.

Do I Have a ShoulderFlex Massager Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting ShoulderFlex Massager induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by ShoulderFlex Massager, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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