The recent study by York University* on the effectiveness of copper bangles and magnetic wrist straps to give pain relief to people with arthritis, concluded that based on a well-accepted pain measurement scores,(Womac/Mcgill/ PRI) any improvement could be attributed to the placebo effect of these items.
People with arthritis not only experience pain but also mobility/activity difficulties, which were not measured by the study. In this instance, we are referring to walking, knitting, sewing, climbing stairs, gardening, and even doing up shirt buttons.
Against this background it would be interesting to determine whether the placebo effect findings on humans would be replicated on animals (cats and dogs) with the same arthritic conditions.
Although pain scoring measurements can not be reported by animals, measures of activity certainly could:- eg climbing stairs, speed of walking jumping etc. This would involve giving one sample of pets magnetic collars, and another non magnetic ones.
Pet owners in this country extensively use magnetic pet collars to improve mobility in their cats and dogs with impressive results.
The following testimonials are from owners who have bought magnetic pet collars.
Sue Stephens from Worcester has a 14yr old cat who was suffering with joint pain
“We have a new cat. She has become playful and lively just like a kitten again. Benefits were noticeable after 14 days and we are delighted.”
Maria Lavelle from Bournemouth’s dog had arthritic front legs and shoulder.
“He has completely undergone a transformation”
Caroline Edwards from Dorset bought one to help with her cat’s Dolly’s mobility as it suffered from joint pain in her front leg.
“Dolly’s movement has become a lot easier. She is less stiff and much happier whereas before she didn’t want to get our of bed because this was obviously painful to her to start up walking again.”
York University, Veterinary Colleges or similar organisations should be asked to consider studies of this kind.
One cannot help ask, if our pets know something about pain relief that is lost on us humans.
*Richmond SJ et al. Therapeutic effects of magnetic and copper bracelets in osteoarthritis: A randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial. Complement Ther Med(2009), doi:10.1016/j.ctim. 2009.07.002
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