Arthritis: Copper Bracelets, Magnetic Wrist Straps | Arthritis Information

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Arthritis: Copper Bracelets, Magnetic Wrist Straps Useless? Trial Raises Doubts Over Alternative Pain Therapy

ScienceDaily (Oct. 17, 2009) — Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are ineffective in relieving arthritis pain, according to a new study led by a University of York academic.

Researchers conducted the first randomised placebo-controlled trial on the use of both copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps for pain management in osteoarthritis – the most common form of the condition.

The devices are used worldwide for helping to manage pain associated with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The results of this trial conflict with those from previous studies, by showing that both magnetic and copper bracelets were ineffective for managing pain, stiffness and physical function in osteoarthritis. The research is published in the latest issue of the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

The trial was led by Stewart Richmond, a Research Fellow in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York, who said: “This is the first randomised controlled trial to indicate that copper bracelets are ineffective for relieving arthritis pain.”

“It appears that any perceived benefit obtained from wearing a magnetic or copper bracelet can be attributed to psychological placebo effects. People tend to buy them when they are in a lot of pain, then when the pain eases off over time they attribute this to the device. However, our findings suggest that such devices have no real advantage over placebo wrist straps that are not magnetic and do not contain copper.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091016094037.htmI have no relief from one of these but my friend who has OA swears by hers.I think it provides psychological relief myself.[QUOTE=babs10]I think it provides psychological relief myself.[/QUOTE]
 
I think you're right about that Babs and the study seems to back it up that theory
 

“It appears that any perceived benefit obtained from wearing a magnetic or copper bracelet can be attributed to psychological placebo effects. People tend to buy them when they are in a lot of pain, then when the pain eases off over time they attribute this to the device. However, our findings suggest that such devices have no real advantage over placebo wrist straps that are not magnetic and do not contain copper.

 
 
Lynn492009-10-21 06:52:33Magnetic therapy has worked for many people who suffer from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, inflammation and swelling, chronic pain, migraines, etc... However, it is not a panacea to every condition. Like any other therapy, magnets will work for some and not for others. Ultimately, I think it's important to be open-minded when searching for therapies that will help reduce your level of pain. Just because a therapy didn't work for someone else doesn't mean that it won't work for you either.

I would also like to add there are well over 500 scientific and medical literature that document the effects of permanent magnets on human health. Research studies and clinical trials have shown magnetic therapy to be effective in the treatment of arthritis pain, fibromyalgia, inflammation and fracture healing among other conditions.

The article you listed leaves out key factors which may explain why certain magnetic products have no discernible effect. For instance, not all magnets are created equal. Using a strong magnet versus a weak magnet will have different effects. There are also many other factors which determine the effectiveness of magnets; however, it would be too length to explain here and would require another post to do so. My sis and I use the Trion Z bracelet. We both swear by it its going on 2 years and I know it help. Bought everyone one for XmasIf you really, really, really believe something will work, doggone it, it more than likely will.
 
The mind is a powerful thing.
the placebo effect is really something.
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