Early in 2023, after spending two and half days holding a 40lb chipping hammer to remove stones from a wall, I became endowed with the wondrous gift of tendonitis and arthritis. It happened quickly. Then I did a paver job, re-leveling about 8×100′ of heavy pieces. It would then be 4 months before I could squeeze a sponge with my right hand. The discomfort was ambidextrous, but a bit worse in the right arm and hand. From the elbow to the fingers, I now had less than half my normal functionality. God had given elephants wings and laxatives.
I was declining a lot of work. A friend who I sometimes work for, after I expressed reluctance to do a job, recommended a product, telling me that I’d know within a few days if it would have an effect or not. She gave me the remainder of a bottle which lasted about one week. It definitely had an effect — probably the most drastic effect I’ve ever experienced from an over-the-counter product. Within a few days, my hands were working again. One of the primary ingredients was hyaluronic acid, a substance that helps with synovial fluid, or joint lubrication. Having finished all of the magic tablets, I purchased hyaluronic acid. It continued to help, tremendously, but not entirely.
In my efforts to find a solution, I encountered a website which put a lot in perspective for me. The website is https://www.tendonitisexpert.com/. It seemed a bit spammy. I expected to be lured through various rabbit holes embellished with myriad advertisements and digital dingleberries, but I read onward — and to my relief. I found it a highly relevant read. The primary concepts were 1) it’s probably a reversible condition and 2) it takes active effort. The tendons must be retrained through wholesome, targeted abuse.
In my youth, I graduated massage therapy school, but never pursued the practice. I did, however, learn a lot as well as observe through experience, the great efficacy of such therapy, notably the neuromuscular variety. I also observed the economy of the trade, which isn’t cheap.
I began thinking of a way to self administer some form of massage that might be significantly better than nothing and a bit better than working all day simply to pay a therapist so that I could keep working and keep paying them the majority of my earnings. I can’t say I was terribly successful, but I can say the Tendonitis Acupressure Wiggly Jig has been very much worth my efforts.
When all you have is wood…
The image above is a scrap of ipe decking, two shaped chunks of cherry with dowels inserted, and a 5.5lb soft weight ball. Prepared for use, it resembles that below:
The two dowels secure the shaped wood which is used for cross-fiber friction and acupressure. Various shapes can provide different pressures. In active use, it is as seen directly below, with the shaped wood just forward of the elbow:
The weight is held in the palm while moving the arm with the point of pain as the axis point on the shaped wood. The arm can be placed farther forward as far as the wrist, at the expense of lost weight. The ipe board is sturdy and heavy which adds stability. I usually use it in bed, but the floor works too. There’s almost certainly a more intelligent design out there, but as this has very much helped me, perhaps it can help you too.
Build you a Wiggly Jig today and keep tendonitis at bay.