News Health & Medicine Mirrors can alleviate arthritis Swapped-hand illusion produces drop in pain ratings, preliminary study shows By Laura Sanders November 13, 2011 at 9:50 am - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to print (Opens in new window) Print WASHINGTON — Tricking people with severe arthritis into thinking their sore hand is healthy dampens their pain, a new study suggests. If confirmed, the preliminary results may offer a powerful and inexpensive way to fight persistent arthritis pain. “The results are really exciting,” said pain expert Candy McCabe of the University of Bath in England, who wasn’t involved in the study.