What is it? A waterproof plastic bracelet with a magnet in it.
How much does it cost? I tried the Trion:Z Duo-Loop wristband, which is £19.99.
What does it promise? Magnetic therapy is said to increase blood flow and oxygen throughout your body and increase the number of anti-inflammatory white blood cells, which are supposed to help aid mobility, flexibility and the treatment of joint and muscular pain.
What’s it actually like? I’ve recently started to suffer from a minor carpal tunnel complaint sustained from giving my wife too many foot rubs, because I am a hero. I thought this magic magnetic bracelet might help. It involves wearing the bracelet for a couple of weeks while you try to figure out if it’s actually doing you any good. There’s all kind of differing advice about whether they work – sportsmen such as cricketer Jimmy Anderson swear by them, and the Trion:Z is classified as a Class 1 medical device in the UK (the lowest level). Then again, doubters claim the bracelets contain a uselessly small amount of magnetism, and that rubber gloves are also classified as Class 1 medical devices and they’re not exactly a miracle cure for anything. After a fortnight, all I have to go on is the fact that my hand still hurts. That’s probably not a good thing, is it?
Best and worst bit On the plus side, the bracelet was comfortable, and not entirely embarrassing to be seen in. On the downside, I’m pretty sure I could have tied some toilet paper around my wrist for all the good it bloody did.
Is it worth it? Not really.
