regarding your friends carpal tunnel, I had it severly in both of my hands in 1991 that the doctors were going to operate, I was very hesitant as I have heard that the outcome is not always positive. I used a TENS machine electronic nerve stimulation and it has cured me. I swear by it. It would be available at drug stores that provide or rent such equipment. If you need more info please send me an email and I will try to help. kumpir38@hotmail.com