Repetitive Strain Injury "RSI"
Conditions and Responses HomeRepetitive strain injury (RSI) is a term that is used to refer to various kinds of injuries to muscles, tendons or nerves. These injuries are caused by repetitive movement. RSI can also be referred to as upper limb disorder (ULD). This is because the condition often involves the upper part of the body - the forearm, elbow, wrist, hands, and neck.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) are a category of injuries involving
damage to muscles, tendons and nerves caused by overuse or misuse. They
most commonly affect the hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, back,
or neck. Unlike strains and sprains, which usually result from a single
incident (called acute trauma), repetitive strain injuries develop
slowly over time; thus, they are also called Cumulative Trauma Disorders
(CTDs). Other names for these injuries include Repetitive Stress Injury,
Repetitive Motion Syndrome and Occupational Overuse Syndrome.
To understand the various repetitive strain injuries you need a basic
understanding of how your body works.
Body movements are produced by contracting and relaxing muscles. The
muscles are attached to bones by tendons. Tendons are smooth and in some
parts of your body glide back and forth inside tubes called synovial
sheaths. The sheath produces a lubricant called synovial fluid to help
the tendons glide easily.
For example, the muscles in your forearm are used to move your fingers.
They are attached to the finger bones by tendons in sheaths that travel
through your wrist. The type of injury resulting from keying or using
the mouse
at a computer depends on whether the muscle, tendon, tendon sheath, or
nerve tissue have been irritated or damaged. CTS results when the median
nerve is compressed, either from the swelling of tendons and sheaths or
from repeated bending of the wrist.
Any combination of the following factors can lead to the overuse of some
part of your body.
Repetitive tasks: Small, rapid movements and/or tasks that are repeated
over and over
Awkward or fixed postures: Working in an awkward position or holding the
same position for a long time
Forceful movements: Using force or moving heavy loads to complete tasks
Insufficient rest time: No time to relax during the above activities
Some specific kinds of RSI are:
Tendonitis - the inflammation of tendons that occurs when muscles and
tendons are repeatedly tensed. Symptoms may include pain and swelling.
Eventually, the tendon becomes bumpy and fibres may fray. Or the tendon
may thicken, making movement of the fingers, hands or arms difficult.
Without sufficient time to heal, the tendon may be permanently weakened.
Tenosynovitis - the inflammation of the synovial sheath caused by
repetitive motion. It usually occurs in the hands and wrists (although
it can also occur in the legs, elbows and shoulders). This injury can be
quite painful and tendon movement may become restricted due to the
swelling of the sheath. If the sheath or tendon becomes scarred,
tenosynovitis can cause permanent damage.
Ganglionic Cysts - another tendon sheath condition. The sheath swells up
with synovial fluid and causes a bump under the skin, often on the
wrist. Ganglionic cysts may be a symptom of tenosynovitis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) - one of the most potentially disabling
RSI. Nine tendons for flexing your fingers, along with the median nerve,
pass from the forearm to the hand through a passage in your wrist called
the carpal tunnel. The tunnel is made up of bone and ligament (flexor
retinaculum).
Other repetitive strain injuries to the upper body include De Quervian's
Disease, Trigger Finger, Epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome.
Bowen Therapy and the Treatment of IBS
The Bowen Technique is a gentle soothing therapy to receive. It is
useful in circumstances of emotional stress
as well as physical stress. The muscles and nerve pathways involved in the
tension and pain of RSI will all be involved in the treatment.
Treatment may also include trying to immobilise or rest the painful limb or joint to allow full benefit
of the effects of the healing process.
