Repetitive Strain Injury - RSI

Repetitive strain injury, repetitive stress injury, or RSI is a term that most people have heard of. It is also known as Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, non-specific arm pain or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD).

RSI is a term used to describe a range of painful conditions of the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. It is usually related to a job or occupation, but leisure activities can also be a cause.

RSI is related to overuse of muscles in your hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, back, or neck, e.g., typing, using a computer mouse a lot, etc. Other factors may contribute, such as poor posture whilst completing the task.

However, the precise reason why RSI develops is not clear. In many cases there is no swelling, inflammation or other obvious problems which develop in the muscles or tendons, and yet symptoms develop.

In most cases the symptoms develop in an arm, wrist or hand, as these body parts most commonly do repetitive tasks. In recent years it is computer operators, typists, musicians and people doing repetitive tasks in factories who most commonly develop RSI.

The symptoms of an injury could be one or more of the following:

Pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness or tingling in your muscle or joints. Discomfort which is brought on by carrying out a particular task, which then improves when you have finished the task and resting. A throbbing sensation in the affected area.. Loss of strength or sensation in your hand.

There are no tests to confirm a diagnosis of RSI. It is often diagnosed based on the fact that symptoms develop following a repetitive task, and tend to fade once the task is stopped.

RSI is very treatable in the early stages, but even a short delay in seeking rest and treatment can put back recovery by weeks, months or even years.

Treatment for RSI usually aims to help with your pain, and to enable your strength and mobility to return.

Fitness techniques and therapy are recommended to help with RSI:

Massages to help relax the body and muscles Acupuncture Swimming Yoga Tai Chi

The following suggestions will help prevent the development of RSI:

If you work at a computer all day make sure the keyboard, mouse etc.. are positioned so they cause you the least amount of strain to your fingers, wrist and back. Sit at your desk with good posture. If you do a repetitive task at work take plenty of breaks to stretch out.

In some cases you can claim compensation for RSI.