PT for Repetitive Strain Injury RSI

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is a term that refers to a number of conditions caused by performing repetitive tasks with your hands, most often an intense computer use injury. RSI is becoming a serious problem among office workers, in particular. According to the Repetitive Strain Injury Association, more than 5.4 million working days were lost in sick leave due to RSI last year. Specific RSI conditions include Tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel syndrome. RSI symptoms include serious pain, most often hand pain and wrist pain. Sufferers often experience hand tingling and hand numbness, as well.

RSI Treatment

There are several ways to treat RSI, with physical therapy being one of the most common. Physical therapy treatment can seem slow to many patients, but it is one of the most effective ways to counter the effects of RSI, and helps minimize the amount of pain medication that must be used. Another benefit to physical therapy treatment for RSI is that it teaches sufferers not only how to relieve their symptoms, but to prevent future occurrences of RSI, as well. Though patients who begin PT treatment for RSI already have symptoms, they learn the basics of RSI prevention, which is key for managing RSI in an ongoing manner.

Physical Therapy Treatment

When you visit a physical therapist for RSI treatment a comprehensive evaluation will be done to check for all contributing elements. The therapist will discuss with you the proper ergonomics for your computer workstation. In particular, having a wrist pad in front of your keyboard is critical, but many computer users don’t use these properly. It is important not to place your wrist on the wrist pad, except when you are taking a break from typing. Rather, your wrists should be straight and parallel with your keyboard. For many people, tilting the keyboard downward is helpful.

Your physical therapist will also stress the importance of good posture while sitting at the keyboard, as well as the importance of taking frequent breaks. It is critical to get up and move around regularly, and to avoid spending the entire day at your desk. Frequent short breaks are more effective than fewer and longer breaks, with the optimum being a ten minute break every hour. Use this time to get up from your desk and stretch to loosen your neck and shoulder muscles.

Another important aspect of your physical therapy treatment will include learning stretches and exercises that can ease your discomfort and prevent further injury. These exercises will be part of a physical therapy home exercise program that is crucial to relieving your suffering and preventing further injury. Be certain to follow your physical therapist’s instructions carefully. Performing your exercises correctly and as often as prescribed is important to healing your RSI condition.

As part of your treatment, you may also receive cold and ultrasound treatments and massage therapy.

Physical therapy is one of the most successful ways to treat RSI and teach you to manage your condition in the future. The time spent with your physical therapist and at home repeating the stretches and exercises prescribed can help you rid your body of the pain and suffering caused by RSI.