Before I begin, I want to mention two things which always come up when I talk to people about my experience.
First, nothing is going to help you if you do not modify part of the behavior which caused you to get into "carpal tunnel trouble" in the first place. For instance, I messed myself up by typing for twelve years on the standard "straight" keyboard shipped with most new computers, instead of a curved "split" keyboard now sold by many companies including Microsoft. Of course, it wasn't entirely my fault. Split keyboards weren't widely available until the mid-1990s. As part of my cure, I purchased the original version of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard. Later, I bought the updated model of Microsoft's split keyboard which was much lighter and therefore put less strain on my wrists when I picked it up. This was step number one.
Step number two was typing on my lap. That's right. I don't put the keyboard on a table or a desk. I put it on my lap so that the angle is completely relaxed to my arms and wrists. This habit began by accident, and partly out of necessity, because I use three computers to do my various tasks. And each of them has its own keyboard. Yes, I know there are other solutions which involve one keyboard and a bunch of wires, but I prefer to change from split keyboard to split keyboard as I go through my routine. And the only practical way to deal with the situation (and the fact I have 19 inch monitors from which I must sit at least two feet away to see them comfortably) is to type on my lap. And it works! No more strain.
So the point is that a combination of the M BRACE RCA units (one for each wrist), lightweight split keyboards, and a natural typing position all contribute to my ability to keep the carpal tunnel demons away.
My name is David Beadle. I have been typing since I was six years old. I started by using the hunt and peck method so beloved of newspaper and wire service writers back in the 1950s. My understanding is that they never developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on their "Loyal Royals" because at the end of each line, they had to take a break and pull on the return level to get to the next one.
With the advent of electric typewriters, I became faster. I got into trouble when I began doing two jobs at the same time, where I had to write about 5000 words a week on a straight computer keyboard.
Eventually, I noticed that my right wrist and hand were going to sleep. Then the same thing happened to my left hand. I began to rub the spot right where the wrist connects to the hand, but it didn't help. Finally, I rubbed the hair right off.
I knew I was in deep trouble because if I could not type, I would not be able to make money to support my family. So, I went down to the local pharmacy, and bought a bulky latex/foam wrist brace with a plastic stabilizer to support my palm. But nothing happened, except that I got a rash from the material. I then put a block of wood against my keyboard to change the angle. I raised my computer monitor. I lowered my computer monitor. I raised my chair. I lowered my chair. I tried a chair with arms. A chair without arms. Nothing was working.
I was getting desperate. I called a medical supply store. Then another. On my third try, I heard about a chiropractor in Shrewsbury MA who had apparently invented a device to help with my problem. The supplier didn't carry it because it didn't look "medical" enough. It wasn't big and fancy and expensive. But it might work.
I got the number and called the same afternoon. I spoke with a receptionist and she said I could buy this "M BRACE RCA" but I would have to wait a week if they shipped it to me. I said I didn't have a week. I wanted to come and get them in person. Within an hour, I was in the office. I asked her how and why they worked. She said she didn't have the faintest idea. And she said it didn't matter how. They just did! I placed my $42 on the counter, and strapped them on. Within a day, the pain and numbness began to go away.
I then recognized my keyboard was adding to the problem. So, I called PC Zone in Seattle and they sent me the Microsoft Natural Keyboard which had just come out a short time earlier.
With my M BRACE RCA units and my keyboard, I was back in business. No numbness, no pain. The hair grew back on the tops of my wrists. I actually increased my typing workload and was still fully functional. It was like magic.
One evening, while taking off my braces to go to bed, I looked down at them lying on the nightstand, and I realized that this incredible invention needed to become public knowledge. So, the next day, I called inventor Dr. Mark Davini and his wife Linda on the phone, and they welcomed my enthusiasm. It took two years for them to get everything in place, but I was finally able to put up my web site in February 1998 and I was off and running to tell everyone on the Internet about this incredible patented wrist-pain solution.
Up until recently, you had to see a chiropractor who knew about the M BRACE RCA to become the proud owner of these devices. Now, you can obtain two of them for less than the price of an office visit.
I can tell you unequivocally that if it were not for my M BRACES, I would be a basket case. But because I wear them every day (from the minute I get up to brush my teeth to the moment I go to bed), I am pain free. And when I take them off, I can feel a "tingle" in my right wrist which reminds me that they will probably be with me until the end of my life or until I stop typing, whichever comes first. And because I love my job, I think they will bury me with them on!
Obviously, everyone is different. But I'm living testimony that the M BRACE RCA works, and I want to make sure everyone gets the same opportunity I had to continue gainful employment in my chosen career field.
M BRACE RCA units are not just for typing. They are used by factory workers involved in performing repetitive motions, musicians, toll collectors and others in occupations where wrist strain can become a problem.
If you are as enthusiastic as I am about the product after you've tried it, drop me a line and I'll post your letter on this site. Click here to read one of the more interesting recent responses. As they said in the original "Blues Brothers" movie, I'm on a mission. Thanks for visiting!