As the name might suggest, repetitive strain injury (or RSI, as you may often hear it referred to), is caused by carrying out repetitive movements over a certain period of time, movements that then result in aches and pains in various parts of your body, typical affecting your hands, wrists, shoulders and arms.
Symptoms of RSI include pain such as an ache, throb or burning sensation, stiffness or weakness, muscle cramps, swelling, pins and needles and numbness.
Typically, these symptoms start off gradually and build up, so paying attention to how your body is feeling can help you identify any potential issues before they become too problematic.
Being aware of what can cause RSI can also help you prevent issues from manifesting before it’s too late.
If you do a lot of typing, decorating or hairdressing, for example, movements associated with these practices can lead to RSI. And for those of you who play a lot of sports, such as tennis or golf, the repetitive movements involved can also cause injuries.
Poor posture can also cause RSI, as can using handheld power tools on a regular basis, something else to take into account. Interestingly, your mental and emotional health and wellbeing can also potentially increase your risk of developing RSI, with research suggesting that an increase in muscle tension due to stress could be part of the problem.
There are ways you can manage your symptoms yourself, whether that’s by taking a break from what’s causing the problem or trying out cold and heat therapies in the affected areas. If your symptoms are work-related, you may want to consider talking to your manager about potential changes to prevent issues or stop your condition from getting worse.
Seeing a physio can also prove beneficial, as they’ll be able to carry out a physical exam and make suggestions to help you restore function and movement in the affected part of your body. If you’re looking for a physiotherapist in Maidenhead at the moment, get in touch with us today.
