What is Repetitive Strain Injury?
A repetitive strain injury (RSI), also called cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD), is any of a loose group of conditions resulting from overuse of a tool, eg. computer, guitar, knife, etc. or other activity that requires repeated movements. It is a syndrome that affects muscles, tendons and nerves in the hands, arms and upper back. The medically accepted condition in which it occurs is when muscles in these areas are kept tense for very long periods of time, due to poor posture and/or repetitive motions.
Warning signs
RSI conditions have many varied symptoms. The following may indicate the onset of an RSI.
Who suffer?
Assembly line workers
Cashiers
Computer Operator
Computer Programmers
Construction Workers
Dentist
Dental Technicians
Vehicle Operators
Golfers
Hairdressers
Hospital Workers
Homemakers
Meat Packers
Postal Workers
Poultry Processors
Nurses
Tennis and Racquet Sports Players
Triathletes
Weight Lifters
To name a few... |
*Recurring pain (myalgia) or soreness in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands.
*Tingling, numbness, coldness or loss of sensation.
*Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance, weakness.
*Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and wiry when palpated.
*Pain or numbness while lying in bed. Often early stage RSI sufferers mistakenly think they are lying on their arms in an awkward position cutting off circulation.
*Symptoms may be caused by apparently unrelated areas — for example hand numbness may be caused by a nerve being pinched near the shoulder. In the initial stages of RSI, an area may be in quite bad condition but not feel painful unless it is massaged, or feel weak unless a long endurance exercise is performed. Therefore all areas of the upper body are considered when evaluating an RSI condition.
How Prevalent is RSI?
Repetitive Strain injuries account for over 67% of all occupational injuries. Statistics show that the number of patients suffering from RSI has now surpassed those suffering from back pain. Repetitive strain injuries appear in all walks of life, in all types of occupations, and in all types of sports and physical activities.
RSI is particularly prevalent in activities where repetitive, high force action n is required. Nealy two-thirds of all reported occupation illnesses are caused by the exposure of the upper body to repeated traumas.
Individuals who are at high risk for RSI include those who have occupations that:
* Combine force and repetition of the same motion, for long periods of time, especially in the fingers and hands.
* Require work in awkward or unnatural positions.
* Involve static work positions, while using the hands, arms, and shoulders, or where the torso and neck are held in awkward positions.
* Combine continous, precise muscular movements with the above listed factors.
How Therapeutic Massage helps?
Massage is used to help relax and lengthen tight, restrictive muscles, break down scar tissue in injured muscles, reduce adhesions on affected tendons at their point of attachment to the muscle or to the bone, remove toxins from muscles and increase overall circulation and nutrient delivery to the associated tissues.
Reference: Dr. Brian Abelson, DC Kamali Abelson, BSc
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