Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse. Repeated use of the same movements can cause inflammation and damage to soft tissue (muscles, nerves, tendons and tendon sheaths).
The condition mainly affects the upper body, such as the forearms and elbows, wrists and hands, and the neck and shoulders. Repetitive strain injuries include many localised injuries such as trigger finger, golfer’s and tennis elbow and carpal tunnel.
Burning, aching or shooting pain
Fatigue or lack of strength/weakness in the hands, forearms and/or grip strength
Difficulty with normal activities like opening doors, chopping vegetables, turning on a tap
Chronically cold hands, particularly the finger tips
Repetitive strain injury may be diagnosed when symptoms develop after a repetitive task and fade when the task is stopped.
If your symptoms suggest you have swollen an inflamed tissue, you may have an underlying condition; such as, bursitis, nerve entrapment, Dupuytren’s contracture, epicondylitis, rotator cuff syndrome and tendonitis.
For repetitive strain injuries, there are several different treatment methods that can be used:
Physiotherapy treatments
Avoiding the aggravating movements
Massage
Use a brace or support
Joint mobilisation techniques
Shockwave Therapy
Kinesiology tape
Strengthening exercises
Stretching exercises
Supportive taping and strapping
At Comfort Health we offer a range of treatments such as physiotherapy, shockwave therapy and sports massage, along with a variety of other services to help treat and prevent repetitive strains.
If you feel like you could benefit from a treatment from one of our practitioners – Click Here and book in today.