Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Definition

Repetitive strain injury (RSI), which can also be referred to as repetitive stress injury is an umbrella term for a number of specific injuries caused by the repeated movement of a particular part of the body. Specifically, repetitive strain injury is known as an occupational overuse syndrome that affects nerves tendons and muscles.

There has been a recent exacerbation of repetitive strain injury cases with the advent of the computer into mainstream society. This most well known type of RSI injury is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. Sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome will often get disabling pain and feel a tingling in the thumb and the first two fingers after having developed sheaths that cover muscle tendons which in turn swell increasing pressure on the nerves causing the sufferer pain.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is only one form of repetitive strain injury. Unfortunately, RSI can manifest itself in a number of different guises and through numerous repetitive activities. Any activity where the body will be required to perform repetitive tasks is at risk of repetitive strain injuries unless the correct posture or position is assumed. Manual workers using vibrating equipment and sports people are also in a high risk group of developing a condition known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.

Many recognised RSI related conditions include:

Tendon and soft tissue disorders

• Tendonitis
• Tenosynovitis
• De Quervain’s syndrome
• Epicondylitis
• Trigger Finger/Thumb (Stenosing tenosynovitis)
• Bursitis
• Dupuytren’s Contracture (Dupuytren’s Disease)

Nerve/Compression conditions

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Radial Tunnel Syndrome
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Circulatory disorders

• Raynaud’s Syndrome (Raynaud’s Disease)
• Vibration White Finger

Other recognised RSI related conditions

• Ganglion Cysts
• Diffuse RSI – (None specific pain syndrome)

The good news is that there are preventative measures that can be taken against getting repetitive strain injuries, warning signs denoting early repetitive strain injury and treatments available – the repetitivestraininjury.org.uk site will provide advice in these matters.