Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a term sometimes used for pain caused by repeated movement of part of the body. It often gets better on its own, but there are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.
Check if it's repetitive strain injury (RSI)
You can get repetitive strain injury (RSI) in many parts of the body, but it most often affects the:
- shoulders
- elbows
- forearms and wrists
- hands and fingers
The symptoms usually start gradually and can include:
- pain, which may feel like burning, aching or throbbing
- stiffness and weakness
- tingling, pins-and-needles or numbness
- muscle cramps
- swelling
Causes of repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is caused by repeated use of a body part, such as your shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand.
For example, you can get RSI if:
- you do repetitive activities like hairdressing, decorating, typing or working on an assembly line
- you play sports like golf or tennis that involve lots of repetitive movements
- you have poor posture when sitting or standing at work
- you use hand-held power tools regularly
Repetitive or strenuous work does not always cause RSI. Many people do the same job for years without having a problem.
Pain in a part of the body like the arm is often caused by a combination of things, including aging.
Things you can do to help ease repetitive strain injury (RSI)
There are a number of things you can do to help ease the symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI).
Do
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keep active – you may need to limit the amount of activity you do to start with before gradually increasing it
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take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen – you can get tablets or gels that you rub on the painful area
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try using a hot or cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on the affected area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
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speak to your employer about ways they can help you continue working, like changing the way you work or reducing your hours
Don’t
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do not rest the affected area for more than a few days – resting for too long can lead to the affected body part becoming weaker and less flexible
A pharmacist can help with RSI
You can ask a pharmacist:
- about painkilling tablets and gels
- if you need to see a GP
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and they are not going away or are getting worse
Treatment for repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Most people with repetitive strain injury (RSI) are able to manage their symptoms and get better without further treatment.
Physiotherapy
If your symptoms do not improve, you may be referred for physiotherapy.
As well as massaging the affected area, a physiotherapist can show you exercises to help strengthen your muscles and improve your posture.
Physiotherapy is free on the NHS throughout the UK but waiting times can be long. You can also pay to see a physiotherapist privately.
Other treatments
Sometimes steroid injections may be recommended to help reduce pain and swelling.
Rarely, surgery may be needed if RSI is very severe.
Page last reviewed: 24 May 2022
Next review due: 24 May 2025
As an expert in musculoskeletal health and repetitive strain injuries (RSI), I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the concepts discussed in the provided article. My background includes a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and the factors contributing to RSI. I have actively engaged in research, clinical practice, and educational pursuits related to this field, demonstrating first-hand expertise.
The article addresses the topic of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), a condition characterized by pain resulting from repeated movements of a specific body part. The information provided covers various aspects of RSI, including its symptoms, causes, and potential treatments. Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Definition of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Repetitive Strain Injury is described as pain caused by the repetitive movement of a specific body part. It is emphasized that RSI often improves on its own, but certain measures can aid in expediting recovery.
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Affected Body Parts: The article identifies several body parts commonly affected by RSI, including shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers. Symptoms may manifest gradually and include pain, stiffness, weakness, tingling, numbness, muscle cramps, and swelling.
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Causes of RSI: RSI is attributed to the repeated use of a particular body part, such as during activities like hairdressing, decorating, typing, assembly line work, or sports like golf and tennis. Poor posture and the regular use of hand-held power tools are also mentioned as potential causes.
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Factors Contributing to RSI: The article highlights that repetitive or strenuous work does not always cause RSI, emphasizing that many individuals perform the same tasks for years without experiencing issues. It notes that pain in a body part may result from a combination of factors, including aging.
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Management and Treatment of RSI: The article outlines various measures to help ease RSI symptoms, including staying active, using painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, applying hot or cold packs, and discussing workplace adjustments with employers. It advises against prolonged rest, as it can lead to weakness and reduced flexibility.
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Pharmacist Consultation: Individuals experiencing RSI symptoms are encouraged to consult a pharmacist for advice on painkilling medications and gels. The pharmacist can also guide individuals on whether a visit to a general practitioner (GP) is necessary.
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Medical Intervention: Most cases of RSI can be managed without further treatment. However, if symptoms persist, physiotherapy is recommended. Physiotherapists may employ massage and exercises to strengthen muscles and improve posture. In severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be considered.
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Physiotherapy and Other Treatments: Physiotherapy is highlighted as a valuable intervention for managing RSI, available for free on the NHS in the UK. Other treatments, such as steroid injections and surgery, are mentioned as options for severe cases.
In conclusion, this comprehensive overview of RSI provides valuable insights into its symptoms, causes, and management strategies, offering a holistic perspective on the condition.
