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RSI

Repetitive Strain Injury is an umbrella term for different diseases related to employment. RSI mostly is caused by repetitive movements or awkward postures.

Muscles constantly strain to compensate that poor posture resulting in pain in the back, shoulders or neck.

RSI is caused by work-related activities such as:

  • Repetitive movements
  • Forceful exertions
  • Poor posture
  • Lack of movement
  • Stress
  • Work-related pressure

RSI is difficult to understand because of its complexity. If you want tot combat RSI you first have to focus on the cause of the problem. In recent years H&C have gained a lot of experience in treatment and rehabilitation of RSI patients.

Classification in stages The Symptons of RSI can be classified into three different stages: Stage I, Stage II and Stage III

Stage 1

  • Pain occurs at the end of a workday and usually disappears the following day
  • Sensitivity of the muscles
  • Sensitivity of the tendons
  • Local fatigue
  • Uncomfortable, tense feeling

Stage 2

  • Complaints spread out
  • Work performance decreases
  • Irritation
  • Pain (static muscle strain)
  • Swelling
  • Tingling
  • Slackness or sudden loss of power grab
  • Numbness
  • Sometimes colour fading

Stage 3

  • Continuous pain also without repetitive movements
  • Persistent pain, blocking every movement of the muscle group involved
  • Swelling, locally or spread out
  • Changes in skin colour and temperature
  • Dead or tingling sensation

Only the symptoms from stage III are called RSI. The symptoms of stage I and II are RSI related symptoms.

Alternative method of treatment

The Back- and Rolastretcher are an alternative method of treatment that has proven very successful. It offers great potential to recover from the following complaints: repetitive stress injury, pain in your low back, stiff neck, tension headaches, radiation to the shoulders, stiff thoracic (chest) spine and excessive lordosis. A better posture is the beginning of rehabilitation. The Backstretcher offers you the chance to correct the alignment of your back. The principle is based on Shiatsu massage. Shiatsu Netherlands supports the use of the BackStretcher and Rolastretchers.

RSI - a major problem?

Screen work can cause symptoms. The longer and more intensive you work the greater the likelihood of complaints. The number of screen workers with RSI is still increasing. Out of the 6 million Dutch working people 55% is sitting two hours per day behind the screen. The percentage of complaints from screen workers is still increasing too. These complaints are often called “RSI” or “mousse arm”.

Individual differences

There are big differences between screen workers. One is working fast, the other slow. One is typing with 10 fingers, the other with two. One is working in an ergonomic working place, the other is working all day on the laptop.

Micro-breaks

It’s important to take (short) breaks while working on the screen – so-called micro breaks. An interruption of 30 seconds to 2 minutes should be enough to recover the muscles.

It’s even better to recover actively during the micro-break. Exercises will activate the muscle pomp. Tightening and relaxing the muscles will improve the blood flow.

Do you want more information about our RSI coaching? Please contact us.