All About Repetitive Strain Injury

by Jeff Foster - Date: 2006-12-14 - Word Count: 540

Repetitive strain injury is an all too common problem that many people are actually quite unfamiliar with.

Also referred to as repetitive stress injury, this type of affliction is a result of the overuse of certain body parts while undergoing some type of constant much activity. As an example, someone who plays a musical instrument may begin to develop RSI.

With repetitive strain injuries, the muscles and the tendons that are located in the arms and the back are aggravated due to prolonged overuse. This particular disorder is associated with many different names, but the bottom line is that the pain can become chronic and if not treated and corrected can be difficult to cure.

Another common type of activity or occupational related activity where repetitive stress injury if frequently found is with assembly line workers. Because of the nature of the repetitiveness of their job, these people tend to be affected the most by this disorder.

Companies can adjust work environments and take measures to eliminate repetitive strain injuries with their employees by encouraging and educating their workforce on the use of proper posture, along with ensuring that stressful movements only occur for short times with regular breaks.

For those who are already afflicted with a case of RSI, stretching and strengthening the area of the body affected can go a long way toward the elimination of the pain.

There are many different types of repetitive stress injuries. Probably the most familiar being that of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Repetitive stress injury is a grouping type of condition that also includes Tendonitis, DeQuervain's syndrome, as well as many other different individualized afflictions.

If you think that you may be experiencing some form of repetitive stress injury, it's important for you to speak with your doctor.

Symptoms include recurring pain in a localized area of your body that you commonly use. Tingling or numbness in an area of your body that you regularly use may also be a warning sign that you should sooner rather than later.

Also, the muscles of the affected area may feel fatigued, and you may also find that you have a lack of strength present. It's also important to note that these types symptoms in and of themselves don't necessarily mean that the problem lies in the area where you are experiencing pain or numbness. As a case in point, a numbness of the hand may be the result of pinched nerves in your shoulder.

Since there are many different types of RSI, there are many different treatments used to relieve the specific symptoms. Options include physical therapy that directed at helping you to strengthen the area that is afflicted.

Immediate and temporary relief from RSI can usually be accomplished with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is used to reduce swelling which can reduce pain.

Keeping your body strengthened and flexible is a big key in both prevention and treatment.
Ultimately avoiding prolonged activity of repetitive stressful movements is your best defense against RSI. At the very least you should be vigilant in taking shorter more frequent breaks if your occupation requires this type of activity.

Healing a case of RSI will take patience and persistence on your part in order to make a full recovery, so be sure to put forth your best efforts.