What
Is It?
A
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is common term used to describe
injuries induced by the daily wear and tear of a repetitive
motion. It usually refers to an upper extremity problem. RSI can
include several conditions involving the neck, shoulder girdle,
elbow, forearm, wrist, thumb, and hand.
RSI
is a soft tissue injury. Muscles, tendons and nerves subjected
to daily wear and tear result in symptoms such as pain,
numbness, tingling and swelling. |
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Other
Terms:
|
Specific
Medical Diagnosis Related to RSI: |
- Cumulative Trauma Disorder
(CTD)
- Cervico-brachial
Disorder
- Repetitive Motion Injury
- Overuse
Syndrome
- Soft
Tissue Disorder
- Regional
Musculo-squelettal
Disorder
|
- Tendonitis / Tenosynovitis
- Medial
/ Lateral Epicondylitis
- De
Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Carpal
Tunnel Syndrome
- Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome
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The
following symptoms can be experienced with a RSI. They are usually
localized to the tissue of the upper extremity being overused, but as
the injury becomes more severe the symptoms may radiate to other
areas. Also, the symptoms may be constant or intermittent.
- Pain
- Burning
- Muscle Stiffness
- Weakness
|
- Joint Soreness
- Tingling
- Numbness
|
|
X-Rays:
Nerve Conduction Studies: |
Usually
negative. Can demonstrate degenerative changes in the neck (normal
aging and/or post-injury)
Can highlight poor nervous transmission. Used to confirm a nerve
impingement. |
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|
RSI is the
tissue response arising from repetitive shoulder, arm or hand movements
related to activities of daily living. Below are some examples of
repetitive activities or task that may lead to a RSI:
-
Flexing (Keyboarding)
- Squeezing (carrying
briefcase)
- Twisting (using screwdriver)
- Non-ergonomic work
station |
-
Extending
(reaching for a
mouse)
- Pinching
- Poor posture including
chin poking, drooping
shoulders, raised shoulders |
|
- Rest
from painful activities.
- Icing
will help decrease the inflammation and the pain.
- Correct
your posture.
- Analyze
and correct your technique in sporting or occupational
activities.
|
- Develop
an ergonomic workstation.
- Stretch
carefully before activities.
- Anti-inflammatory
medication prescribed by your Physician may be beneficial
to decrease the inflammation associated with RSI
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| How
Can Physiotherapy Help Me? |
| A
physiotherapist will assess your condition and determine the origin of
your pain. Your treatment plan will address both the local symptoms
such as pain and inflammation as well as the cause of your pain (see
causes above).
If
you have developed this problem through a specific activity, your
physiotherapist can review your technique and make recommendations to
avoid injury.
You
will also be given an exercise program that will include proper
stretching and strengthening exercises, to maintain the flexibility
and strength of the wrist, elbow and shoulder muscles. With the help
of modalities,
physiotherapy will reduce your symptoms
and promote healing. |
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