[Three Nine]

http://www.crimpoil.com/en/story/

From Shauna C's blog. Thoughts?

[andy_e]

I'm also intrigued. I might invest but at the same time it seems a bit gimmicky and placebotic. (That's now a word by the way.) I'd also be worried that it'd make my already perma-greasy fingers greasier.

[Stu Littlefair]

I was intrigued too, so did a bit of reading.

It's main ingredient (Helichrysum Italicum) has some decent evidence for an anti-inflammatory effect (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11902802).

Wintergreen is the same stuff you find in tiger balm - inside the body it metabolises to make anti-inflammatory chemicals, but for topical applications the biggest effect is probably pain-relief, probably caused by counter-irritation (http://www.bmj.com/content/328/7446/995)

I couldn't find any evidence for peppermint doing anything effective, though it's in that nice 'cool gel' that the physios use with ultrasound. Same with lineolic acid - lots of effects in the body but using it topically is like pouring petrol on your car bonnet.

Sounds like it smells nice. I've bought some.

[masonwoods101]

You can already buy ibuprofen topical gel.... (Ibuleve). Won't it have the same pain relief, soothing and anti inflammatory properties. It's cheaper as well I think so.....

[Three Nine]

Stu - did you get it from that site, or is there somewhere in the uk that stocks it?

[Bonjoy]

Does it contain serpentoleum? I hear it's the bollox

[Nigel]

Thoughts?

So, instructions for use are to massage it into your fingers after climbing; for injuries, then massage and rest? In that case, it sounds like it would work. But so would vitamin E oil / olive oil.

As for pre climbing, I expect for the pain relief aspect you would be better off with ibuprofen combined with paracetomol.

I already do the above, but well done to someone for getting till of people for the same idea wrapped up in climbing terminology.

[hobblingfool]

Through desperation I bought some a few months ago and have to say I am happy that I did. It may in part be a placebo effect and the main benefit may simply be the act of massaging tired sore tendons but pain quickly goes so I’m sold. Like others have said it smells good too, a bit like citronella so may keep the midges away.

[Stu Littlefair]

Totally agree that if you have inflammation, then topical brufen gel is probably more effective. And cheaper.

But then that won't smell all lovely.

[masonwoods101]

Ibuprofen gel and wash you're hands every now and again... The fact it smells better isn't an advantage really I don't think....

[Paul B]

Totally agree that if you have inflammation, then topical brufen gel is probably more effective. And cheaper.

But then that won't smell all lovely.

Wasn't there some discussion on here a while back that suggested topical gels were less effective (or certainly less proven) than oral NSAIDS? Stu - Peppermint is also another ingredient of tiger balm (incidentally there are two version, white and red).

I'm inclined to side with Nige and Bonjoy thus far.

Has anyone else noticed that endorsements by climbers of various products, health snacks/dietary products (and maybe I'd lump the sale of training advice in here too) are becoming more and more common?

[masonwoods101]

Climbers sponsored by snack bars is popular at the moment....

[slackline]

Wasn't there some discussion on here a while back that suggested topical gels were less effective (or certainly less proven) than oral NSAIDS?

Makes perfect biological sense, the stomach lining has evolved for absorption, the skin has evolved as a barrier to the external environment.

[metal arms]

Wasn't there some discussion on here a while back that suggested topical gels were less effective (or certainly less proven) than oral NSAIDS? Stu - Peppermint is also another ingredient of tiger balm (incidentally there are two version, white and red).

I'm inclined to side with Nige and Bonjoy thus far.

The medics that I know have all told me that Ibuleve Gel and the such like are all just gimmicks and not as effective as tablets.  Although I just took their word for it so have no links for reading or proof in any form.

I am also a sceptic though.  Although massage is meant to help isn't it, so I guess if you follow the instructions it is 'technically' going to help you.  Just at a greater price than doing the same without buying the nicely marketed snake crimp oil.

[masonwoods101]

Reckon DMSO would help transport the oil across the skin barrier more effectively?

[slackline]

DMSO ==

Acronyms are only useful/work when you know your audience/people you're talking to understands them.

[andy_e]

Yeah masonwoods, RTFM or GTFO.

[tesla]

Maybe I'm just a skeptic but this sounds really snake oily to me...

Still, I know plenty of climbers who delude themselves about how quickly they're going to recover from finger injury, and would likely try anything to speed recovery time, and thus I'm sure this is going to be wildly popular.

"I’ve finally met an awesome osteopath who taught me how to use essential oils and totally cured my fingers. She gave me a little bottle with a synergy of essential oils in it I would carry everywhere in my climbing bag."

What next? Guppy Grease? Homeopathic Hangboards?=)

[andy_e]

Guppy Grease?

Alternatively named cusp capsules or mould medicine.

[Paul B]

Don't be stupid, why would you want to grease a guppy? Guppy glue perhaps. 100% horse free (Tescos style).

I was thinking Pulley Grease, it comes in 5g tubes so we really could rip people off for a 'luxury item' such as this.

[T_B]

Nevermind Crimp Oil, I rate Altivit for those highballs!

http://www.altivit.com/

[andy_e]

Reminds me of that advert in OTE a while back for "high altitude viagra".

[rich d]

What about Tendon Recovery Chalk? Crush some paracetamol and ibruprofen up and mix it with some chalk - think we should start a UKB climbing aids company and split the profits to buy us all 3 wolves howling at the moon climbing vests.   

[Stu Littlefair]

I've heard the same about topical anti-inflammatories; a bit of a waste of time.

This is almost certainly a nicer smelling, less effective, version of ibulieve. However, never underestimate the placebo effect of a potent smelling cream you rub on. I've become quite open to the idea of intentionally deceiving myself that something will work, in the hope of getting maximum placebo effect. One of the best things about tiger balm is the feeling that anything that makes your eyes water HAS to work...

[masonwoods101]

  solvent that is very effective at transferring other chemicals across the skin... Used in drug delivery... So it would actually get NSAIDs across the barrier to the inflamed area directly...