Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Overview
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.
Symptoms
You can get repetitive strain injury (RSI) in many parts of the body, but it most often affects the: shoulderselbowsforearms and wristshands and fingers The symptoms usually start gradually and can include: pain, which may feel like burning, aching or throbbingstiffness and weaknesstingling, pins-and-needles or numbnessmuscle crampsswelling
Causes
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 lineyou play sports like golf or tennis that involve lots of repetitive movementsyou have poor posture when sitting or standing at workyou 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.
Treatment
Most people with repetitive strain injury (RSI) are able to manage their symptoms and get better without further treatment. If your symptoms do not improve, you may be referred forphysiotherapy. 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. Sometimes steroid injections may be recommended to help reduce pain and swelling. Rarely, surgery may be needed if RSI is very severe. If you have RSI, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP. To find out if there are any services in your area: ask the receptionist staff at your GP surgerycheck your GP surgery's websitecontact your local integrated care board (ICB) –find your local ICBsearch online for NHS treatment for RSI near you
Prevention
Regular breaks; Ergonomic workspace; Good posture.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: symptoms persist despite rest/changes.