Can some people be more susceptible to placebos?

My physio uses Polar Frost gel and I swear by it. It also comes in a roll on form which is very handy for popping in your handbag-also prevents your fingers from freezing!!

Sorry anya I didn't think hand cream could cure a disease. But you do see folk claiming all kinds of things for the placebo effect e.g. cancer cures

In answer to the question of this theme in the manner of the Churchill dog 'Oh Yes'. In my early student nurse years we were allowed to give an injection of sterile water for pain if it was thought by the doctors the patient needed to be weaned off - worked every time. Not allowed to do anything like that now its unethical and probably illegal. I do it to DH though - not with jabs but with other subtle ways. He's such a hypochondriac!!

I develop an apparent allergy to Aspirin when in my thirties. All I can relate it to was that these swelling only occured after taking Aspirin. First half my tongue swelled up. Another couple of months later when I had another aspirin all my tongue swelled up and after the third one, the whole of my face ballooned up. A big jab of antihistamine sorted it , but it was unpleasant.
I did have some allergy tests but it was suggested that Aspirin was a likely cause and since I stopped taking it I have never had a recurrence. The problem is I can't take NSAIDS either so no voltarol type rubs allowed. I havent yet found any heat rub type product without any salicilates in.

I don't care if something is a placebo as long as it works on pain.

I think that Placebo's and the benefits of a caregiver with a "positive bedside manner" have been known for many centuries of medical practice. It probably reduces stress which gives the physiological benefits of relaxation less muscle tension etc.

A "kiss it better" method known to work by most parents.

Galen That is interesting about aspirin. I am sitting here with mine dissolving in my glass. I take it for my heart condition but for some time now I have been complaining of breathlessness and wheezing and have recently been prescribed a ventolin inhaler. A visit back to the quack maybe?

I have ordered a sisal bath scrub on an extended handle to whack myself on the back to help ease this breathlessness, thinking it could be the rubbish on my lungs from smoking, gave up nearly 21 weeks ago. I do feel like it needs pounding like in cystic fibrosis to loosen the catarrh but noone to do it for me so I'll try my bath brush when it comes and let you all know how it goes.

I think rubylady if you are still breathless and you are using the Ventolin according to the instructions you should go back to the doctor. Well done for giving up smoking