Repetitive Strain Injuries – Why they Occur, and How they are Treated

With a rise in hours spent behind the computer, computer-related repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are becoming more common. Whether you work from home or the office, it is important to pay attention to posture and body mechanics to limit your chances of experiencing chronic RSI. When identified early, physiotherapy can be effective at managing and treating your injury. 

However, if you fail to make any changes, you run the risk of experiencing pain which may limit your motion or cause weakness in the affected area, in turn restricting your ability to perform everyday activities. In this blog post, Orthosports Physiotherapy will be sharing some insight into common overuse injuries and how they are treated by our experienced physiotherapists. 

Why do RSI Injuries Occur?

Overuse injuries occur when repeated stress is placed on your body, without allowing yourself sufficient time to recover, repair and adapt. RSI injuries are not only seen in athletes and keen sportspeople, they are also common amongst office workers who spend long periods of time behind a computer screen and keyboard. 

Any repetitive, sustained action can cause soft tissue to inflame. If you allow sufficient time to heal, your body will adapt to the change in load and your muscles will become stronger. If you try to do too much, too soon, you place yourself at risk of injury. 

Symptoms of RSI

In the early stages, you may notice soreness, a tingling sensation or discomfort in the affected area. This will usually be felt most acutely during repetitive activities, and symptoms should begin to subside after a period of rest. Whilst symptoms are typically minor in the early stages, failure to make positive changes can result in chronic injury.

Common Overuse Injuries

Some of the most common overuse injuries seen by physiotherapists include:

• Tendinitis

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles’s tendinopathy

• Tennis and Golfers Elbow

• Shoulder bursitis

Tips for Avoiding RSI 

The best way to avoid injury is to ease yourself into any new exercise or activity, take regular breaks and build up your strength over time. This will limit the stress placed on your muscles, tendon and bones and allow them sufficient time to heal and adapt to new load demands. 

Treatment of RSI

Physiotherapists regularly treat professionals and sportspeople suffering from RSI. When identified early, assessment and treatment is straightforward and successful in almost all cases. In seeking treatment early, you will give yourself the best chance of avoiding chronic RSI. 

Treatment typically involves the following:

• Advice on posture and positioning

• Stretches and exercises designed to strengthen or relax muscles

• Addressing any environmental factors which may contribute to RSI (e.g., poorly configured workstations)

• Soft tissues release

Book an Appointment with Orthosports Physio Today

The team at Orthosports Physio have a wealth of experiencing in diagnosing and treating overuse injuries. Early intervention is key to a fast and successful recovery, so please call today on 9744 2201 to book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.