Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Also known as work-related upper limb disorder or non-specific upper limb pain, Repetitive Strain Disorder (RSI) is a painful condition. As the name suggests Repetitive Strain Injury is generally caused by the repetition of a particular task or activity over a period of time.

About Repetitive Strain Injury

What is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Also known as work-related upper limb disorder or non-specific upper limb pain, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a painful condition which afflicts up to 200,000 people in the UK.

Although RSI commonly affects the upper-limbs it can affect other parts of the body as well.

Recent figures from the Health & Safety Executive suggests that nearly 200,000 people in the UK are diagnosed as suffering from Repetitive Strain Injury every year although exact figures are difficult to pinpoint as information about the condition also includes other muscular-skeletal disorders. However it is estimated that approximately 2.6 million workdays were lost due to Upper Limb Disorders in 2017/2018.

What Causes Repetitive Strain Injury?

As the name suggests, the main cause of Repetitive Strain Injury is the repetition of a particular task or activity over a period of time. Other causes of Repetitive Strain Injury include vibration, mechanical compression or maintaining awkward or uncomfortable positions. Although RSI is usually associated with the workplace, leisure activities such as golf, tennis, gardening, playing a musical instrument and computer gaming can also be a cause.

Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury

Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury can vary but often include stiffness, pain, tingling or numbness and cramp.

Depending upon your symptoms you may be diagnosed as having either;

Type 1 RSI which occurs when there is a recognised medical condition which can be diagnosed from your symptoms. This type of RSI is usually characterised by muscular swelling or tension.

Type 2 RSI is diagnosed as being the result of no specific medical condition other than pain. This form of RSI is known as non-specific upper limb pain.

Why is Osteopathy Effective In Treating Repetitive Strain Injury?

The emphasis on the role of the musculoskeletal system in maintaining well-being means that osteopathy can be extremely effective in treating and minimising the effects of Repetitive Strain Injury.

Stresses and strains placed upon the body during manual handling, repetitive or forceful actions and unsuitable posture may all cause disorders of the muscles, tendons and joints.

As a trained osteopath with nearly thirty years experience, Helen is experienced helping treating Repetitive Strain Injury. Depending upon her diagnosis, a variety of osteopathic treatments such as shockwave therapy and massage may be employed to reduce swelling and discomfort and realign the body’s mechanical structure. Gentle exercise may also be prescribed in order to maintain the body’s well-being and advice upon correct posture and lifting techniques may also be given to assist in keeping the problem at bay.

Some of the types of RSI which are respond well to treatment at the How Osteopathic Clinic include:

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