A Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a term used to describe injuries to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that are caused by repetitive motion on certain parts of the body that can lead to inflammation and strain of the corresponding tissues. It can be caused by any repetitive task, such as forceful physical exertion, vibration, using the computer keyboard and mouse, twisting or sustaining awkward positions. The main thing to remember is repetition, and can also be caused rapid movement, overuse, static loading, excessive strain, and constrained or constricted positions.
Common conditions that fall into this category are: tendonitis, trigger finger, tenosynovitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, epicondylitis, bursitis, rotator cuff strain, tension neck syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, radial nerve entrapment.
A few symptoms include: numbness, tingling and burning sensations, pain that increases with activity, constant dull ache, weakness or loss of control of fine motor skills, swelling around the wrist and hand, wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb, aches and pains which may be strongest at night. Pain may radiate to other parts of the limb or even manifest as a headache if the RSI is in the neck area. Pain from the wrist can radiate to the forearm and the shoulder joint. If anyone has any one of these symptoms, treated without delay and reported at work.
Example of a RSI is Tendonitis: inflammation of a tendon. Cause would be a constant overload causing microtearing to the tendon resulting in inflammation. There are four Grades of Severity:
1- Pain after activity.
2- Pain at the beginning of an activity, disappears during the activity and returns after the activity.
3- Pain beginning, during and after the activity; at times restricting motion during the activity.
4- Pain with activities of daily living, constantly getting worse.
Massage therapy is one of the most common prescribed treatments for RSI’s along with rest, stretching, exercise and appropriate hydrotherapy. Working on good posture is essential, don't be shy to ask for help. There are many professionals who are more than happy to educate you if your feeling lost.
If the condition is ignored, it can persist for years and has even been treated with surgery. Why wait for it to get to that extreme?
If the condition is ignored, it can persist for years and has even been treated with surgery. Why wait for it to get to that extreme?
