Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

What is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?

RSI is a broad term and it may be applied to any part of the body. Muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments can all suffer a repetitive strain injury. Other terms used are upper limb disorders and less commonly, lower limb disorders. RSI can happen suddenly or over a long period of time. It normally happens with improper sustained posture such as when using a computer and a mouse. RSI can also be sustained while playing sports such as rugby or dancing. Doing the same routine in the gym can cause the same results so it’s important to vary your routine.

How we treat RSI at Richmond Osteopaths

RSI is a very common form of ill health that can be caused or made worse by work and or sports. A survey (HSE, 2000) showed that half a million people were suffering with an RSI in the year 2000 due to their current or past work. On average each sufferer took off 13 days in that year. At Richmond Osteopaths we look at your work posture, exercise routine and biomechanics. We analyse the alignment of the joints and muscles to work out why that particular muscle or joint can no longer cope with a particular activity. Treatment will focus on improving the ability of the muscles and joints to cope with daily stressors so that you can continue working and playing sports. Richmond Osteopaths also provides ergonomic assessments in your work-place.

Our advice

Figure out what is causing the strain. Is it the treadmill? Or the computer? Or hill running? Then alternate your activity with something else, I.E. use the computer standing up for parts of the day. Or break your hill running and treadmill sessions into smaller intervals. Always get treatment such as massage and stretching. RSI’s have the potential to become chronic if not dealt with promptly.