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Repetitive Strain Injury – Physio in Manchester

 

Repetitive strain injury refers to a wide variety of problems and are associated with repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, and sustained or awkward positions. Today, the main causes of repetitive strain Injuries are manual labor, office work, and the use of modern technological devices.

 

Facts on repetitive strain injuries

  • Modern technological devices have caused an upswing in RSIs.
  • Psychological stress and monotony can worsen the symptoms.
  • Improved workplace practices can help prevent it.
  • Repetitive motions in one part of the body can affect the muscles in another part.
  • Well known conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, postural problems, shoulder impingement are types of conditions that are linked to repetitive movement.
  • Nerves are also affected by RSI-like conditions as they can become compressed by the inflammation.

Common causes of repetitive strain injuries

  • Forceful activities
  • Holding the same posture for prolonged periods
  • Working in cold temperatures
  • Overuse of a particular muscle or group of muscles
  • Vibrating equipment
  • Poor posture or a non-ergonomically designed workspace
  • Direct pressure to particular areas
  • Carrying heavy loads
  • Stress has been proven to increase the incidence of repetitive strain injuries
  • Fatigue

 Common Symptoms of repetitive strain injuries

  • A throbbing or pulsating sensation in the affected area
  • Tingling, especially the hand or arm
  • Tenderness or pain in the affected muscle or joint
  • Loss of sensation, strength
  • Chronically cold hands, particularly the fingertips

Physiotherapy Treatment for repetitive strain injuries

RSI is usually very receptive to treatment in its early stages, so it’s vital that you get medical help early, as it is difficult to cure chronic RSI. Physiotherapy will focus on strengthening exercises and stretches for the specific muscle groups involved in RSI complaints, general cardiovascular exercise programmes, taping, heat/cold therapy, mobilisation, electrotherapy– all of them to decrease your symptoms and return you back to doing the things that you want to.

 

RSI Prevention

  1. Set up your workstation(keyboard, mouse, monitor)
  2. Take regular breaks and avoid prolonged sitting
  3. Sit up straight- make sure your chair supports your spine in an upright position
  4. Practice proper technique
  5. Get plenty of regular, vigorous exercise and stretch regularly
  6. Reduce time at the computer if you are experiencing pain, fatigue or soreness

 

Get In Touch

If you are suffering from repetitive strain injury, and would like to make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists, then call us on 0161 8333008. We are located in the city centre in the Royal Exchange building just off St Ann’s Square.