Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
WHAT IS A REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY (RSI)?
Repetitive strain injury is a general term used to describe more than 20 disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and bursitis. RSI most commonly affects those involved in activities or work that involves frequent repetitive motion. This can be typing on a keyboard at work, texting on a smartphone, working out at the gym, or playing a sport. The risk of RSI increases when the repetitive motion is combined with bad posture or heavy weights.
If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, sharp pain, dull ache, weakness, loss of grip strength, or restricted mobility then you may be suffering from a repetitive strain injury. If an RSI goes untreated the pain can eventually interfere with everyday work and life.
A physiotherapist will treat a repetitive strain injury by correcting postural irregularities, facilitating ergonomic changes to working conditions, and by promoting proper stretching and exercise habits that reduce symptoms and promote recovery. A key component to an effective treatment plan is the identification, then alteration or elimination of the situations that caused to the repetitive strain injury.