Read on Twitter
Had a few people express interest in hearing my opinion on this product, so I'm putting together a thread of my impressions. Please note this is solely based on my online research. https://twitter.com/ZainNaghmi/status/1343015469297639424
First impression: immediate skepticism about the help with "carpal tunnel" claims. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves increased pressure/decreased space within the carpal tunnel. Per a 2012 systematic review, there's limited evidence of effectiveness of massage to improve CTS.
I would VERY much like to see the research on the faster recovery after carpal tunnel surgery. I can definitely buy the pain relief with arthritis and a temporary increase in local circulation, although research shows that massage does not increase circulation in the long term.
I don't see any major issues with its design when it comes to addressing joint or muscle stiffness/soreness, although I'd be wary of the "wrist" massage mode. Putting pressure directly on the carpal tunnel for a sustained period isn't a great idea.
I don't have any inherent objection to the idea of a finger massager, although I do immediately object to the suggestion that massaging your fingers will "help with [...] brain activity and sense of touch".
(It won't.)
![I don't have any inherent objection to the idea of a finger massager, although I do immediately object to the suggestion that massaging your fingers will "help with [...] brain activity and sense of touch". (It won't.)](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqNlnkCXIAMadCI.png "I don't have any inherent objection to the idea of a finger massager, although I do immediately object to the suggestion that massaging your fingers will \"help with [...] brain activity and sense of touch\". (It won't.)")
(It won't.)
I reviewed the effectiveness/utility of massage in general here, and this seems a relevant time to plug it: https://www.1-hp.org/blog/healthy-movement/massage-for-injuries-does-massage-really-help-you-get-better/
Basically, massage feels nice but doesn't do much in the long term. It can complement other prevention/recovery techniques, but not replace them.
Basically, massage feels nice but doesn't do much in the long term. It can complement other prevention/recovery techniques, but not replace them.
tl;dr It's probably safe and *might* be helpful for hand and finger joint/muscle soreness but imo not worth $130. Don't use the wrist massage function because your carpal tunnel shouldn't be compressed. It's not going to fix carpal tunnel syndrome if you have it.
If you want something to massage your hands and forearms on a budget, get a tennis ball. Seriously.
But don't rely just on massage if you have pain. Massage treats a symptom, not a cause.
https://www.1-hp.org/blog/healthy-movement/anterior-forearm-massage/
https://www.1-hp.org/blog/healthy-movement/posterior-forearm-massage/ https://www.1-hp.org/blog/healthy-movement/hand-massage/
But don't rely just on massage if you have pain. Massage treats a symptom, not a cause.
https://www.1-hp.org/blog/healthy-movement/anterior-forearm-massage/
https://www.1-hp.org/blog/healthy-movement/posterior-forearm-massage/ https://www.1-hp.org/blog/healthy-movement/hand-massage/
