What is RSI?

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is a soft-tissue injury in which muscles, nerves, or tendons become irritated or inflamed. RSI is caused by repetitive motions, excessive force, and extremes of motion. Over time, these motions can strain the soft tissues, reducing circulation. These stresses create tiny tears in the muscles and tendons, which become inflamed. In extreme cases, it can cause permanent tissue damage and disability.

What causes RSI?

RSI is caused by making the same movement over and over again. Among other situations and occupations that could cause RSI, a perfect example of an RSI sufferer in today's society would be computer users. RSI can result from poorly designed workstations with keyboards too high, ill-fitting chairs, stressful conditions, extended hours of typing, and using a mouse. Some of the most serious injuries that Dr. Emil Pascarelli (a specialist in RSI treatment) has seen have come from mouse use. The mouse strains the hand by forcing repetitive use of one finger, and is awkward to hold. Users tend to grip mice too hard, often with the wrist cocked.

Arthritis and poor posture can also be contributing factors in RSI. Unlike workers in yesterday's typewriter-equipped offices, today's users work at a keyboard for hours at time, never varying their activity. "Twenty years ago, people did many tasks; they went to the copy machine, got something out of the filing cabinet, or hit the carriage return ... Now you can do everything from your computer."

What are the symptoms of RSI?

The problem commonly starts in the dominant wrist, hand, or arm (although the neck and shoulders can also be involved). Initial signs of RSI may be fatigue, numbness, and general aching of the affected part of the body. At first, symptoms occur only after prolonged activity and cease when the activity stops. But as damage progresses, the pain does not go away even after rest. The area becomes more sensitive and easily damaged, and unrelated activities may cause pain. In extreme cases, the pain can become severe and debilitating.

Repeating the same motion over and over for a long period of time without alternating the motion or taking a break, may lead to RSI and other similar painful and debilitating conditions.

Applying Therapeutic Massage techniques to problem areas in conjunction with postural and lifestyle adjustments, including stretching, can help alleviate the pain associated with RSI. Using various massage techniques on isolated areas will help increase the blood flow to the injured area, flush out toxins, help restore lubrication to joint capsules, and help prevent scaring and restore range of motion. Manipulating these contracted muscles into a more relaxed state will also release entrapped nerves and relieve numbness and tingling in the extremities. Massage therapy and work on releasing trigger points can really help; trigger points are small areas of hardened tissue within muscles that produce pain when pressure is put on them. This treatment can have an amazing effect on some people.