Wrist and Relaxation
David A. Dodson, RMT

Having been a massage therapist in the field of injury rehab for the past ten years, I've seen my share of what Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Repetitive Stress Disorder can do to the wrists and hands. The treatment for both of these ranges from physically stripping the connective tissue in the forearm and wrist in the lightest cases to surgery in the worst ones; neither of these approaches are particularly pleasant nor cheap. Sadly, a great percentage of those afflicted have been online gamers. Even sadder is the fact that one hundred percent of these cases were totally preventable. The basic problem is that your hands simply weren't designed for hours of clicking and pounding on your typical mouse and keyboard. There just isn't enough wrist support, which over time leads to swelling, pinched nerves, finger pain, numbness and even tissue degradation. There are special ergonomic models that help, but priced well beyond what your average gamer is willing to invest. If only there was an inexpensive and effective form of support that didn't interfere with your ability to play. Well worry no more, because those magi of motion over at IMAK have you covered with their Smart Glove. The big idea: designed by an orthopedic surgeon, a Lycra glove sporting a semi-rigid wrist splint and a bead-filled stabilization pad hold the wrist in the perfect ergonomic position while leaving the fingers, palm and forearm free to type, click and move uninhibited.

Sounds great, but is it really comfortable and supportive enough for marathon gaming? Your brain will give out before your hands do. We tested the Smart Glove and were simply blown away at how well it performed. At first, it took a little getting use to, but after a few minutes the ergoBeads in the wrist-pad allowed my forearm and wrist to relax. I can't describe just how easy and natural it felt for my hands to be supported like that. I also had no idea how much work I was putting into simply holding my hands up without it. I was able to work and play for hours with little or no hand fatigue to speak of.

The Smart Glove's ergoBeads do a fantastic job of form fitting and providing a comfortable, yet structurally sound foundation for the wrist and lower arm, while the removable plastic splint in the backhand side of the glove prevents the wrist from hyper extending when typing. This ensures that nerves and connective tissue of the forearm, wrist and hand remain in perfect alignment. Not only does this protect the nerves, but it also increases blood circulation to the fingers. So while your opponent begs for a break, you'll still be as sharp and lethal as when you first logged on.

The Smart Glove is also reversible so that it fits on either hand. And since it's constructed from cotton Lycra, you can sweat in it all you want and simply wash the funk away.

IMAK also recognizes that some gamers require a little more stability in the thumb area. For them they have also designed a Smart Glove with an additional thumb support. Bringing with it all the advantages of a regular Smart Glove, the Smart Glove with Thumb Support also has two extra removable splints at the thumb area to provide that little bit of added support and relief from repetitive thumb joint manipulation. The Smart Glove with Thumb Support is also reversible and washable.

They also show love to the gamer on the go with their Mobile Wrist Rx. The Mobile Wrist Rx is a smaller, lighter version of the Smart Glove that utilizes powerful elastic rather than the plastic splint. The result is a glove that is ideal for portable gaming and laptop use. And like its big brothers, the Mobile Wrist Rx can be worn on either hand and is easy to wash and maintain.

Bottom line is if you tend to spend long stretches in front of a computer, then IMAK's Smart Glove, Smart Glove with Thumb Support or Mobile Wrist Rx has just what you need to keep your wrist out from under the knife. Both inexpensive and effective, they are a must have for online gamers. They also make the perfect gift for that special keyboard pounder in your life. For about twenty dollars, the Smart Glove is available in sizes small, medium and large. The Smart Glove with Thumb Support also comes in small, medium or large and runs about twenty-five dollars. The Mobile Wrist Rx is one size fits all and can be picked up for about fifteen dollars. Look for them almost anywhere computer equipment is sold or online at www.imakproducts.com.


David A. Dodson is a Registered Massage Therapist in the state of Texas. He has been in practice since 1996. If you have any questions for him you may e-mail him at david@viewonline.com.