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Desk jockeys with carpal tunnel syndrome: You should know about this heated hand massager

A hand and a white hand massage machine on an orange tabletop.
I use the Comfier Hand Massager to soothe my achy joints. Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider

Most of us work at a computer all day, but a cushy desk job doesn't come without health risks. Last year on Black Friday, around the sixth hour of nonstop scrolling for deals as part of my job as a style editor, my hand and wrist gave out on me.

My dad, caring guy that he is, heard me complaining about carpal tunnel strain. On Christmas morning, he presented me with the Comfier Wireless Hand Massager. This heated massager has since seen me through many work days, and saved my hand from going completely numb in the process.

Hand massager
Comfier Wireless Hand Massager with Heat

This massager helps relieve carpal tunnel symptoms with a heated five-finger chamber. The warmth relieves tension on your joints and the compression effect relaxes your palm.

Here's why I love it

It soothes my carpal tunnel symptoms. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when a specific nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing a painfully numb, tingling sensation. Inside, the device massages the back of my hand, knuckles, and palm by squeezing out any knots. It doesn't reach my wrist, but when I use it consistently, it's super effective at relieving tension in my hand and fingers.

Left: The author using a heated hand massager. Right: A graphic showing the effects of a heated hand massager's pressure point beads.
You can adjust the heat and intensity settings of this Amazon hand massager. Amazon, Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider

It warms your hand without making it sweat. This is not like reaching into the pain box from Dune. The warming effect is gentle, even on the highest setting. It's just enough heat to help the muscles and achy joints in my hand relax.

It's great for people with anemia. The heat feature stimulates blood circulation. I have long limbs, and my iron-deficient blood doesn't flow to my extremities particularly well. As it warms up, I can feel the blood returning to my hands.

It targets stiff joints with accurate compression. The hand massager has beads that compress around the pressure points in my palm. It also massages around the sides of my knuckles, which is an area I usually forget to tend to. After I take my hand out, I can flex my hands open and shut more easily.

It's portable and fits right onto my desktop. This therapeutic hand massager is light enough that I can walk around with it as I take screen breaks. It doesn't take up too much desk space, so I keep it nearby for whenever my symptoms flare up.

Other ergonomic office tools I recommend

Of course, a hand massager is one small tool to keep in your ergonomic desk setup. Here are our favorite useful desk accessories for a healthier work routine.

A vertical mouse to reduce wrist strain

The Logitech Lift for Mac Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Mouse.
Logitech Lift Wireless Ergonomic Mouse

We've been using the Mac version of the Lift since it was released, and it's one of the best ergonomic mice for those who want to lessen wrist pain. It's very precise, comfortable to use, and can be customized for Mac workflows.

What we like
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Eases wrist pain
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Bluetooth connection
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Soft rubber grip
What we don’t like
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Not designed for larger hands

A royal cushion for your throne

Purple	Portable Seat Cushion
Purple Portable Seat Cushion

These cushions can help soothe sore muscles and alleviate back strain. They're available in a variety of designs and thicknesses.

A wobble board for improving balance

wobbleboard
Fluidstance Plane Standing Desk Balance Board

This anti-slip wobble board keeps you in perpetual motion as your work from your standing desk. These micro-movements not only reduce fatigue on your joints, but subtly improve your balance.

A budget-friendly standing desk

Read more: the best standing desks

flexispot standing desk
Flexispot E2 Pro Standing Desk

The no-frills Flexispot Standing Desk moves quickly, smoothly, and quietly to reach your desired height. It's an affordable option for people who need a basic standing desk.

Our favorite ergonomic office chair

Branch Ergonomic Chair
Branch Ergonomic Chair

Thanks to all its adjustability, you can make the Branch Ergonomic Chair fit any workspace. It's a good height for taller desks or work tables and helps improve posture.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

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