See a Chiropractor for Repetitive Strain Injury

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Repeated motion causes damage to your body


A seamstress repeatedly grips a small needle. A graphic designer repeatedly clicks the computer mouse. A golfer repeatedly makes the same swing. These motions by themselves are not problematic to our health, but they become an issue when they are done again and again. This repeated stress on the same part of your body can cause an overuse injury.

Repetitive strain injuries are broad. Some of the most common types include:
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Tennis Elbow

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Rotator Cuff Injury

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Trigger Finger

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Tendonitis

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Bursitis

What causes repetitive strain injury?


A repetitive strain injury (RSI), sometimes known as repetitive stress syndrome or disorder, is an overuse or repetitive motion injury. A leading cause of workplace injuries, RSI is experienced by people performing repeated motions in their normal work or daily activities.

Repetitive movement or unnatural and awkward motions can all contribute to a repetitive strain injury.
 
  • Twisting the arm or wrist
  • Overexertion
  • Incorrect posture

This injury commonly affects the hand and wrist, arms, neck, shoulders, and back. Pain can be felt in the lower body if the injury affects the lower back.

RSI symptoms


It is important to seek treatment for an RSI to avoid long term damage. Over time, repetitive motion injuries cause temporary or permanent damage to the soft tissues in your body such as the nerves, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. An RSI compresses your nerves or tissues and causes pain.

Symptoms of repetitive stress injuries include:
 
  • Pain in the affected area
  • Stiffness or cramping
  • Tingling or numbness
  • Swelling or redness
  • Loss of flexibility or strength
  • Sensitivity to cold or heat
  • Popping or clicking

Symptoms can become more severe if the condition is left untreated. This can result in chronic pain, headaches, and even sleep disruption.
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Chiropractic treatment
for an RSI


A doctor of chiropractic will complete a physical examination and medical history in order to individualize your RSI treatment. Our office may utilize multiple chiropractic treatments depending on the severity of your injury and other factors like your health and lifestyle.
 
  • Chiropractic adjustment
  • Rehabilitative exercises
  • Ice/heat therapy
  • Body mechanics and posture coaching
  • And more

Chiropractic care takes a conservative treatment approach to remove joint dysfunction and improve function. It is a natural, non-invasive alternative to over-the-counter pain medications frequently used to treat pain from repetitive strain injuries.
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Who is affected by
repetitive stress injury?

Any activity that places stress on the same part of your body can cause repetitive strain injury if it is repeated over time. Most activities would not cause pain or injury on their own. It is the repetition for days, weeks, months, and years that causes harm to your body. This is why something as simple as poor posture can become an RSI.

Those who commonly experience RSIs because of their repetitive tasks from work or hobbies include:
 
  • Athletes
  • Musicians
  • Gamers
  • Assembly line workers
  • Sewers, seamstresses, and knitters
  • Data entry clerks
  • Carpenters
  • Gardeners

Treating a repetitive stress injury


The most effective treatment for a repetitive stress injury is to stop the action that is contributing to it. Unfortunately, you often cannot quit your job or do not want to give up a hobby you love.

Professional gamers have used wrist braces and physical therapy to get back to the activity that caused their RSI (Source). Many employers are required to facilitate workspaces and procedures designed to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Treatment for repetitive strain injury can involve one or more of the following:
 
  • Take frequent breaks
  • Stretching
  • Use ice packs
  • Use over-the-counter medications
  • Wear a splint

Additionally, routine care from physical therapists or a doctor of chiropractic can relieve soreness. If your RSI is severe or persists after taking conservative treatment measures, you should consult a medical doctor to check for an underlying condition.

Avoid a repetitive strain injury
at work

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure your work area is suitable and comfortable and that the pace of your work does not encourage an RSI. You can make adjustments to your posture and environment at work to relieve stress on your body and prevent injury.
 
  • Maintain good posture
  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
  • Take breaks from repetitive tasks
  • Remember smaller, frequent breaks are better than a single, long lunch break
  • Use keyboard shortcuts instead of repeatedly clicking the mouse
  • Use a wrist rest or adjust your keyboard for typing
  • Position your chair and desk so your feet rest flat on the floor
  • Choose an appropriate chair if you are sitting for extended periods
  • Use a headset for extended phone usage
  • Use padding or gloves to reduce the effects of vibrating power tools
  • Use less force when carrying out tasks

Avoid repetitive strain injury
from sports and hobbies

If you want to continue to enjoy your favorite sports and hobbies, you need to be sure you are doing everything you can to take care of your body. A repeated strain injury could not only keep you from enjoying your favorite things but also from completing everyday tasks.
 
  • Complete warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after your sport or activity
  • Choose better equipment, like a tennis racket with a fitted grip and flexible strings
  • Improve or change your technique to minimize strain
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive motion during hobbies like knitting or woodworking
  • When possible, avoid activities that cause pain
  • Use splints or sports taping to reduce strain during physical activity

Don't wait until your pain is severe

If you move in the same way every day, it's a good idea to seek routine chiropractic care before a repetitive motion injury presents itself. A chiropractor's expert attention on your spine and joints can prevent repetitive tasks from harming your body over time.
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