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Hotels give 'CrackBerry' addicts a hand

Hyatt chain introduces

Mike Yamamoto Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Mike Yamamoto is an executive editor for CNET News.com.
Mike Yamamoto

"CrackBerry" addicts are getting much-needed help from, of all things, the hotel industry.

BlackBerry
RIM

A few months back, the Sheraton Chicago made headlines by offering afflicted guests a harsh but effective cold-turkey treatment that put their BlackBerries under lock and key. Now, Hyatt hotels are offering a special hand massage designed to counter the dreaded "BlackBerry Thumb" malady.

The therapy begins with heat treatment and uses a "BlackBerry Balm" that "focuses on counteracting tension on various hand and arm muscles, specifically in the thumbs and overworked wrists," Hyatt said, adding that a 30-minute appointment runs about $30. Rumor has it that Treo users have been seen sneaking into the sessions as well.