Repetitive Strain Injury: What Is It?

Repetitive strain injury is most commonly an occupational health hazard. The term repetitive strain injury (RSI) is used to describe a range of painful conditions of the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a condition where pain and other symptoms occur in an area of the body which has done repetitive tasks (often the arms or hands). It is usually related to an occupation and is one of the most common work injuries, but leisure activities can also be a cause. Unlike a normal strain following a sudden injury, symptoms of RSI can persist well beyond the time it would take symptoms of normal strain injuries to ease.

What Causes Repetitive Strain Injury?

• Poor posture while performing repetitive movements

• Excessive force while performing repetitive movements

• Not having enough breaks 

  Symptoms in the affected area can include:

• Pain

• Tightness

• Dull ache

• Throbbing

• Numbness

• Tingling

• Weakness

• Cramping

• Stiffness

The symptoms tend to develop gradually. At first the symptoms may only occur whilst you do the repetitive task, and ease off when you rest. In time the symptoms can be present all the time – but tend to be madeworse by doing the repetitive task. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

What Can Recovery Physio Do To Help You With RSI?

Early intervention is very important with RSI, and it is best to address these problems within 2 months of the first sign of symptoms.

• Muscle stretches

• Strengthening exercises

• Gentle joint manipulation to free the affected joints

• Electrotherapy and/or acupuncture to help relieve the pain