Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are musculoskeletal and nervous system injuries caused by repetitive tasks or continuously maintaining an awkward position. Individuals with RSI typically experience weakness and short bursts of excruciating pain during activity. The prevalence of this type of injury is increasing due to many jobs requiring repetitive actions such as typing or clicking a computer mouse. It also occurs frequently in sports; for example, Achilles Tendinitis in basketball or Tennis Elbow in tennis.
Physiotherapy is often the recommended treatment for RSI, which includes stretching, strengthening exercises, soft tissue mobilization, and the application of heat or ice. Additionally, ergonomic modifications are recommended to reduce symptoms and re-train the muscles to maintain proper positioning.
References
1. Bhattacharya, A. K., Awan, O. A., Fenerty, S., Taqi, I., Jonnalagadda, P., Ling, S., Ali, S. (2021). Repetitive Strain Injuries of the Upper Extremity: Imaging of Tendon Pathology and Compressive Neuropathies. Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology, 50(4), 512–522. https://doi.org/10.1067/j.cpradiol.2020.07.007
2. Restuputri, D. P., Eriko, Masudin, I. (2019). The Risk Assessment of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Disorder Using Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) Index Method. IOP Conference Series. Materials Science and Engineering, 598(1), 12029-. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/598/1/012029
3. Horowitz, J. M., Choe, M. J., Kelahan, L. C., Deshmukh, S., Agarwal, G., Yaghmai, V., Carr, J. C. (2022). Role of Ergonomic Improvements in Decreasing Repetitive Stress Injuries and Promoting Well-Being in a Radiology Department. Academic Radiology, 29(9), 1387–1393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2021.11.009