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Device to reduce arthritis pain

Shared by Ana Duarte on 2016-02-17 11:00

About the solution

“It has a wooden base and sits flat on a table with four real violin strings elevated off the base. It exercises specific joints affected by arthritis,” Betts explanation of her invention, named for the violin practice and exercise.

Sarah’s condition results in painfully swollen hands, ankles and toes. The teen had the idea for the device because she plays the violin.

"I started to notice that my left hand was a lot less swollen and less painful than my right hand, so I wondered why", Sarah explained. So she tried to figure why one hand was feeling better than the other. And she did. "I realized that it could be due to the fact that my left hand moves and exercises by pushing the violin strings down while playing the violin”, the violinist observed.

Her right hand wasn't benefiting as much as the other one, because it just holds the bow, Sarah developed ViEx, so that she could exercise both hands using strings.

According to the inventor, the device is easy to use: "It takes about 10 minutes. It's pretty easy to do, so you could do it in front of the TV," she assured.
The doctors that heard about Sarah’s idea are now recommending it to other patients, and Sarah is trying to patent the ViEx.

The device is already helping other people. "One lady, she could barely open her hand. Now, she's been using it for about a year and a half, and I mean, she can move her hand".

ViEx costs 3 USD, but the violinist believes she can develop it for less.

Adapted from: http://bit.ly/2cNd0Ds

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This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written by someone who is not the author of the solution, therefore please be advised that, although it was written with the utmost respect for the innovation and the innovator, there can be some incorrect statements. If you find any errors please contact the patient Innovation team via info@patient-innovation.com

About the author

Sarah Betts, born in USA, in 2001, is a violinist teenager who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was ten years old. She created ViEx, a device to help her exercise both hands using strings.

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