What is repetitive strain injury?
Repetitive strain injury, which is also known as R.S.I, is a condition caused by repeating the same physical movements over and over. If you think about it, if you carry out the same movements regularly you will put stress on the area of the body involved.
When you carry out the same movement repetitively you can damage muscles, ligaments, nerves and many other soft tissues found in that area of the body. Many people in a variety of occupations suffer with repetitive strain injury like food packers, computer users even musicians.
Repetitive strain injury normally affects the neck, shoulders, upper or lower back, wrists and hands as we use these parts of our body in most movements.
The affects of R.S.I generally wear of after a few days unless it is in a more aggressive form, but it is likely to reoccur if the person involved does not change the way they are carrying out the movement involved.
There are a lot of different symptoms you are likely to experience should you be suffering with repetitive strain injury, the symptoms you may experience include
Soreness and tightness
Loss of strength and coordination
Stiffness and lack of full movement
Aching pains
Sometimes sufferers may feel sharp, shooting pains in the affected area
Repetitive strain injury prevention
The main way of preventing repetitive strain injury is to take regular breaks and pay attention to the movements you are doing and what your body is telling you.
There are other factors that can be worked on to reduce the chances of getting repetitive strain injury.
If you want to put yourself in a less likely position then it is highly recommended that you take regular exercise, make sure you have enough sleep, stop smoking and drink the recommended amount of water each day. By following these recommendations you will increase the blood circulation around the body, which will improve the oxygen levels and strength of your muscles.
Treatments
If repetitive strain injury keeps occurring then there are methods of treatment and techniques to help prevent future injuries.
The first option is to speak to your employers. In some countries, like the United Kingdom, there are guidelines stating that all employees should have risk assessments carried out to identify any hazards that may cause potential harm in their job role. This means that employers need to offer alternative arrangements to prevent any hazards from occurring.
Simple anti-inflammatory medication and painkillers can help relieve the pain while your body adjusts and repairs the issue.
If the injury persists then massage therapy can help alleviate the issue. Massage therapy is not a normal massage as it works deep into the soft tissue to relieve built up tension.
Occupational therapy may be prescribed by a medical professional if the symptoms persist, an occupational therapist will assess the injured area and provide strength and flexibility exercises. These exercises can give relief to the sufferer and reduce the pain and stress to the area of the body suffering with repetitive strain injury.