When I was given the opportunity to review one of the magnetic bracelets from the Magnet Jewelry Store, I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve had two sets of broken bones in my right hand and there’s some arthritis starting in the big knuckle that I can really feel when I’m opening jars and bottles.

According to the literature I reviewed, magnetic therapy is being used by more than 200 million people for a range of conditions from carpal tunnel syndrome to fibromyalgia, joint paint, muscle aches, and poor circulation.

When the bracelet arrived I examined it carefully and found the workmanship to be quite good. The interior is lined with copper, also reputed for its therapeutic properties, and there are six magnets on the under side, three on each end.

I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t have chosen the hearts pattern for myself, but free is free, right? And the idea here was product evaluation.

I’m unaccustomed to wearing a bracelet (or even a watch) on my right wrist, so I haven’t used the bracelet at the computer. (I think if I chose a style for myself, perhaps a link style, that wouldn’t be an issue.) I have, however, been wearing it in the evenings and at night for a couple of weeks.

The site is clear that the effect is not the same for every person who tries this therapy. At first, I didn’t notice any difference, but then we had some cold nights with the temperature in the teens. I noticed two things — my hand felt “warmer” and the fingers didn’t get stiff. The next night I removed the bracelet and my fingers were cold and didn’t move as easily. (All other conditions, including what I was wearing, were pretty much equal.)

I have been a proponent of alternative therapies for years. I can’t tell you exactly what’s going on with the magnets, but I do feel a difference with the “better” end of things occurring with the bracelet on. Given the affordable nature of the items at the Magnet Jewelry Store ($12 to $20 on the low end, $25 on the high end) this is one of those “worth a try” methods for people with hand and wrist-related issues.

My experience was on a whole, positive, with the exception that left to my own devices I’d have chosen a different style. More than enough to earn a thumbs up on the Eclectic review scale.