RSI

The jury is still out on what is popularity known as repetitive stress injury (R.S.I.) and the medical profession is split, but anyone who has suffered the debilitating effects of this complaint needs no convincing of its existence. In the early 1990’s, R.S.I. cases constituted more than one half of all reported occupational injuries in the US – about 185,000 annually.

There can be no disputing the fact that the number of people exhibiting the symptoms of R.S.I. has recently reached epidemic proportions.  It is also true to say that the epidemic appears to have increased roughly in proportion to the rise in the use of word processors and desk-top computers.  Public awareness has been fuelled by trade unions concerned for the well-being of their members since, in its extreme form, R.S.I. can mean its victims have to give up a particular line of work.

The condition features disabling hand and arm pain, stiffness and an inability to continue to perform a particular function, especially the use of a computer keyboard.

THE ORTHODOX APPROACH

The quandary for the medical profession is that R.S.I. excludes any diagnosable cause of symptoms such as tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendons), because, if such a condition is found, then that is what is treated and there is no need to call it by any other name.  The usual advice to patients presenting R.S.I. – type symptoms is to cease the repetitive action that is causing the problems.  If this is impossible due to economic necessity, your physician may suggest looking at any underlying factors, such as anxiety, that can be corrected.  Occasionally, a mechanical support may be suggested and, in extreme cases, antispasmodic or sedative drugs may be used.  Many physicians suggest performing exercises to strengthen, stretch and relax the affected muscles.

THE HALE APPROACH

As with most structural problems, osteopaths and chiropractors are generally better trained than doctors.  Initial assessment should be made by specialists such as these, and only if the condition does not respond to initial treatment should an orthodox opinion, perhaps from an orthopaedic specialist, be obtained.

TUINA/ACUPUNCTURE

One practitioner of these ancient Chinese therapies uses a combination of 20 minutes of acupuncture and tuina (a Chinese deep massage technique whose name means “push” and “squeeze”) to treat R.S.I. sufferers.  Tuina rates equally with acupuncture and herbal medicine in the Chinese system and is used for the control of chronic pain and the maintenance of good health.  Like acupuncture, it achieves its effects by balancing the intrinsic energies of the body.  It is a robust, vigorous and deep treatment that contributes strongly to the “feel good“factor. More about acupuncture...   More about tuina...

MARMA MASSAGE

According to the Hale Clinic’s Marma therapist, when muscles are overused, they produce lactic acid and eventually go into spasm more and more quickly.  He gives R.S.I. sufferers a Marma (Indian deep-tissue) massage to relieve the pain, but also teaches them how to massage themselves so that they can drain off lactic acid and stimulate the essential Marma points.  He says, “If the lactic acid is draining effectively, then there is no muscle spasm and no R.S.I.”.  He would use either almond or mustard oil plus a mix of Indian herbs to improve circulation and to promote the elimination of lactic acid.   More about marma massage...

SHIATSU

According to Shiatsu practitioners, the colon meridian is usually blocked in cases of R.S.I., indicating that poor elimination of waste is affecting the movement of the muscles.  Specific techniques are used to relieve the build-up of toxicity which results.  More about shiatsu...

OSTEOPATHY

The osteopath will always check for postural problems in the R.S.I. sufferer.  Determining how a person sits, stands or moves at the time the strain is occurring can be crucial in formulating a recovery program.  The position of the neck vertebrae in sitting can affect the nerves that serve the arms and hands of the computer operator, for instance, and if R.S.I. is diagnosed, osteopathic treatment will be given to those parts of the spine.

A build-up of lactic acid in the muscles in the arms can also aggravate R.S.I.  An osteopath would advise on reducing your intake of acidic foods, and specific manipulation would be used to reduce toxicity.  In some cases the use of supports and strappings would be advocated.  More about osteopathy...

SUPPORTIVE TREATMENT

Clinical Aromatherapy

R.S.I. is a multi-factorial muscular and joint dysfunction, according to one aromatherapist.  Deep massage and mobilization of the joints using anti-arthritic and detoxifying essential oils in combination with anti-inflammatory essential oils and base oils in combination with anti-inflammatory essential oils and base oils greatly reduce pain and discomfort.  The massage, using acupressure and neuromuscular techniques, helps to relax the muscles and calm the nervous system, at the same time stimulating the flow of blood and chi (intrinsic) energy.  Diet is assessed to eliminate allergens which may be causing the symptoms and to improve nutrition to aid tissue repair.

SELF-CARE

Marma Massage: Once mastered under the guidance of a professional, the Marma massage movements can be used at home to prevent and relieve the symptoms of R.S.I.

Aromatherapy: Rosemary, eucalyptus, citriodora, juniper, and yellow birch may be used for home massage treatments.

Hellerwork: Experienced Hellerwork practitioner Sharon Butler has written a book, Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and After Repetitive Strain Injury, on the self-treatment of R.S.I., including gentle stretching techniques.  Good ergonomics and use of the body are essential to prevent this kind of injury.