The rise of computer use is calling attention to an increasing occurrence of repetitive strain injuries or RSI's. Often attributed to long hours of desk work , RSI's can develop from repeated movements during any activity at work or leisure, resulting in pain, loss of work, and decreased enjoyment of everyday life.
| What is Repetitive strain injury? | A repetitive strain injury (RSI), also called cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD), is any of a loose group of conditions resulting from overuse of a tool, eg. computer, guitar, knife, etc. or other activity that requires repeated movements. It is a syndrome that affects muscles, tendons and nerves in the hands, arms and upper back. The medically accepted condition in which it occurs is when muscles in these areas are kept tense for very long periods of time, due to poor posture and/or repetitive motions.
| The cycle of pain and dysfunction | The body has difficulty healing from repetitive strain injuries. First, muscles tighten around the injury, reducing the normal circulation necessary for healing. In addition, scar tissue begins to build in a an attempt to repair tears in muscles and tendons. But scar tissue tends to be weaker and more rigid then healthy
tissue, and can restrict the normal action of the muscles and tendons. When repetitive movements are continued, this tissue is likely to re-tear, causing more inflammation and swelling.
A cycle of pain and injury can begin, leading to decreased range of motion and further reduction in circulation. Muscles weaken because they are painful to use and other 'compensatory' muscles attempt to pick up the workload, often becoming overused themselves. To make matters worse, swelling from inflammation and scar tissue may also press on nerves, causing additional pain and dysfunction. Help is often needed to stop the cycle.
RSI conditions have many varied symptoms. The following may indicate the onset of an RSI.
- Recurring pain (myalgia) or soreness in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands.
- Tingling, numbness, coldness or loss of sensation.
- Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance, weakness.
- Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and wiry when palpated.
- Pain or numbness while lying in bed. Often early stage RSI sufferers mistakenly think they are lying on their arms in an awkward position cutting off circulation.
Symptoms may be caused by apparently unrelated areas — for example hand numbness may be caused by a nerve being pinched near the shoulder. In the initial stages of RSI, an area may be in quite bad condition but not feel painful unless it is massaged, or feel weak unless a long endurance exercise is performed. Therefore all areas of the upper body are considered when evaluating an RSI condition.
Our therapies can decrease pain and enhance healing in a number of ways, by reducing trigger points and increasing pliability of scar tissue in the tendons and other soft tissues, making movement easier and re-tearing less likely.
Massage improves blood and lymph circulation, reduces painful swelling, aids in the elimination of accumulated toxins, and speeds oxygen and healing nutrients to the tissues.
We can help relax tight muscles and improve range of motion as shortened tissues are gently stretched and lengthened. We may also improve posture and joint alignment, reducing stress to your affected area and decreasing the possibility of re-injury.
Our therapies can also be used a a preventative measure releasing tension and reducing inflammation receptive a repetitive strain injury develops.
Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User's Guide; Emil Pascarelli and Deborah Quilter
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