February 28th , 2013 is the 14th annual International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day!
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a general term for muscle, joint, tendon and nerve damage caused by overuse. It includes specific conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and “blackberry thumb”. Also known as “occupational overuse syndrome”, RSIs are the most common type of workplace injury. One in ten Canadian adults suffer from decreased quality of life due to their RSI.
What is it?
Repetitive Strain Injuries cause inflammation which leads to pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. The most commonly affected areas are shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, thumbs and the lower back.
What causes it?
Repetitive Strain Injuries are usually caused by sustained position or movement over a long period time.
For example:
- working on an assembly line
- repeated thumb movements on a game controller or a cell phone
- unnatural wrist positioning when using a computer mouse
- repetitive movements during sports (ie golf or tennis)
When these movements continue without adequate time to let the tissue rest and heal, injury occurs.
What can you do to help?
Treating a RSI promptly can help ensure that permanent damage is not done. In addition to getting ergonomic education from your workplace, proper stretching and strengthening of the affected area can help reduce symptoms and future injury. Low-level laser therapy is also extremely effective at reducing inflammation, increasing circulation, decreasing pain and improving recovery time. Chiropractic treatment is also important for RSI recovery because it helps resolve underlying joint restrictions and nerve entrapments.
For more information or to make an appointment, please contact us at 905-420-7231.
We also offer FREE phone consultations with the doctor to address your health concerns.
