Has anyone tried a hand massaging machine? I found something called an iPalm that you put your hand in and it uses acupressure techniques combined with heat to massage one hand.

If you haven't used a machine like this does going to a massage place help your joint pain?

My biggest complaints with my Lupus (SLE) is fatigue & joint pain. My hands are the worst, but it also hits my elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, & feet. Nsaids don't touch the inflammation. Pain pills & steroids help, but that's not a long term solution, and frankly I don't feel I get enough relief to put up with the side effects.

On a regular day I wake up with my hands stiff in claws. After I use them a bit the pain and stiffness lessens, on these days I could see benefiting from a massage however I can not afford a personal masseuse, nor to go to a massage parlor daily. On the horrible days any touch is excruciating even and especially massage, so the machine would never work on those days, but perhaps it would lessen the amount of horrible days with daily use?

Does anyone use a tens unit on their hands? Would it be better to buy a $30 tens unit rather than a $130 hand massager?

Thanks for reading

Have you tried a warm epsom salts soak?

When we ask what works for others, I get that, and I've done it myself. But all that really matters is what works for you, and the only way I know of determining that is trying these different things for yourself.

The iPalm unit has a lot (12 pages) of reviews on Amazon, and it's sold in a lot of malls, pharmacies, and big-box stores, so I would think one of those venues would have one (or more models/types) set up so you could try them (keeping in mind that conditions will differ from using them at home first thing in the morning).

Do you know anyone with a TENS unit you could try?

One that you didn't mention is a vibrating massager, which are the oldest type (been around almost as long as electricity) and come in the widest variety of models/configurations.

Something else to look for (and worth paying a few extra dollars for, IMO) is a liberal return policy that will allow you to try a unit for a few days, but return it if it doesn't work for you.

I spoze you could try dating a massage therapist, and if that works out, marry them, but that may be a bit extreme...

Doc

Dear Doc,

I just love your sense of humor. You always seem to bring a smile to my face and a little chuckle if not an outright belly laugh.

Thanks for not only sharing your wisdom but your wit, too.

Hopeless

Doc,
I chuckled out loud... I have a good partner... Accountant, not massage expertise lol and I think they'd be a bit mad if I up and start collecting sister-wives...

I don't tend to trust reviews on the sellers sites as I've seen the ads looking for "reviewers" and all they have to do is post the pre-written review and then get paid. I did read through them and a few people said it helps with their arthritis pain. But most everything made for arthritis sufferers doesn't seem to help me. In my head I envision the arthritis tricks may work, but the lupus attacks harder when it gets better, leaving me in the same amount of pain. I have no idea if this is how it really works, I just know I get no relief. So I was hoping a review or advice from someone that suffers from an autoimmune might be a bit more trustworthy. I do know we all react to treatments differently, and even have different expressions of symptoms. I just didn't want to shell out the $125.00 if there was an overwhelming negative response from a community from which I belong.

Personal and cheaper massagers don't seem to help. The vibration seems to cancel out any positive effects. Though manual massage can provide relief when my pain isn't to bad. So I figured this model being created specifically for hands might be more effective? Another reason why I ask out in the community... If I've already had bad luck with the regular massage type devices, it makes me a bit more hesitant to spend money I don't have without an unbiased testimonial - if that makes sense...

I will check out the return policy and/or trial period. I think one site even listed a store name. It's about an hour away, but it may be worth it to try it out in the store.but then you're right the relief efforts may be different later in the afternoon versus before bed or in early morning... Something to think on! Thanks!

The expertise can be acquired, if your partner is willing. A few years back we went (we usually go to each others' appointments) to a certified myofascial trigger point therapist on the recommendation of my then pain management doctor. She was excellent and helped me a lot. I needed to return a couple of times, and the third time she said (words to effect) it was silly for us to keep paying her for the same treatment; she could teach my wife how to do it. She did just that, and my DW has been helping me calm down the arthritis in my neck (I can't take NSAIDs) and stave off headaches/migraines several times a week ever since.

I doubt trigger point massage would work for lupus—it's too intense; my point is that there may be some type of Lupus-appropriate massage that your partner could learn in order to help you.

I hear what you're saying about reviews, but I kinda doubt Amazon does that considering the number & scope of negative reviews they get (e.g. "Save your money", "Not what I expected", "Don't bother-a waste of time", "too much pressure, not enough heat", "OUCH!" ...)

Another thought that just occurred to me (so I haven't checked it out)... Surgical supply stores. They may have/know of units, they usually allow trials of some sort, and it may even be something reimbursible if it's therapeutic and your doctor (another source to ask) orders/prescribes it.

,

Doc

From what I've read, my intuition is that the Breo iPalm is, at best, over-hyped. At worst, as this device hasn't been reviewed or approved by the FDA, it could end up hurting, instead of helping.

How about the full monty - getting a high end Massage Chair with every bell & whistle available? I was THIS CLOSE - to pulling the trigger on one of the best ones made and rated two years ago but don't ask me what stopped me from doing so! I often ask myself how much it would be used and all the other questions one asks to talk yourself out of something! LOL.

However, when i ever see one at a mall, or a friends house you can never pry me out of the damn thing! Those are the times when I wish I had gotten my own. Hmm, I wonder which brand and model is on top of the ratings list these days?? Maybe I will start that search after my dishwasher one going on right now! hahahah.