RSIs and what to do about them

Repetitive Strain Injury - the diagnosis or suspicion that you may have this condition can strike fear into us. RSIs are frequently associated with office workers working long hours doing repetitive computer work with poor workstation positioning (and since the pandemic working in even more unsuitable home-based situations). They often occur in the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the hand, wrist, forearm, shoulders and neck. They can also affect anyone who routinely does repetitive actions over a prolonged period; musicians, tradespeople, hairdressers and even massage therapists can be physically afflicted by what they do for a living and are often not given adequate support and advice.
​

Do I have an RSI?

 The first symptom of RSI is pain with specific movements associated with the repetitive activity. If we continue to work through this, the pain starts to occur during and even after other activities, which can be quite disabling, and there may also be tingling, numbness, hypersensitivity and clumsiness. Another feature may be referred pain in areas well away from the injury. A common pattern is pain in arm or hand coming from muscle tightness in the neck caused by trigger points.

What can I do?

Firstly STOP what you are doing and see if you can find a way to reduce the impact of the repetitive actions of your body! You cannot fight your way through this one, and the more you try the worse the impact will be longer term. 

• don't panic - this is fixable
• take mini-breaks where you move your body in different ways eg if you are working at a computer get up and walk around, shake out your arms
• get your workstation or enviroment assessed - by a professional if possible, but working it out with a friend who can photograph or video you at work can be helpful
• and of course GET A MASSAGE. A massage therapist can also show you helpful stretches and do a postural assessment with you so you can improve the way you  use your body in necessary work tasks that adversely impact your body.

 As a Massage Therapist who has both suffered from and successfully treated many RSIs, I can own up to a particular interest in this condition. A free online consultation appointment on my booking calendar is available if you think you have the condition and would like to discuss a possible treatment plan.