In this weeks Topic the concluding article on Repetitive Strain Injury :- Types -Tips - Treatment

Repetitive Strain Injury (Part 2)

This is the conclusion of last week on repetitive strain injuries (RSIs for short).

Examples of repetitive strain injuries

As repetitive strain injury is a very broad term. The more common types of RSIs are:

1. Bursitis results from pain in the bursa caused by inflammation. The bursa acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, joints and muscles. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs. Bursitis commonly occurs in the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip.
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve through the carpal tunnel in the wrist area of hand. When constricted, blood cannot flow freely through the hand to the fingers causing numbness, burning sensations and pain in the hand.
3. Diffuse RSI is where the person experiences pain but upon examination by a health care professional, nothing physical can be found to be wrong.
4. Epicondylitis is the medical name for conditions such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. It results from overuse of muscles and tendons at joints. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two common types. Rest is the treatment of first choice.

Tips to prevent repetitive strain injury

Warm up and cool down the muscles used before and after repetitive activity. When working on a computer, aim to regularly stretch arms and wrists and straighten fingers. Stand up and walk around when feeling fatigued and stare into the middle distance. Take regular breaks throughout the day. Have an appropriate workstation and seating position. If your job puts you at risk of RSI you should seek out expert advice on prevention from your employer or professional body. If you use a mobile phone regularly, use a hands-free headset. This stops you cradling the phone between an ear and a bent neck which can cause neck strain. Using the universal shortcuts when typing will result in less typing and hence less risk of injury. Some common ones are CTRL + a = select all. CTRL + c = copy. CTRL + p = print. CTRL + s = save. CTRL + v = paste. CTRL + x = cut. CTRL + z = undo.

Treatment

Treatment of RSI includes resting the affected area and the use of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. Heat and cold packs can help. Icing the affected area when pain and stiffness is severe can be very helpful as it will reduce inflammation in the area. Elastic wrist supports or firm wrist splints can help. Prevention and proper treatment with a health professional like a physiotherapist can relieve most cases of RSIs. However, in some cases there is no cure so unfortunately the sufferer may have to give up the job or activity causing the problem.

Sports and Injury Massage Therapist

Mark Scally is an experienced sports massage therapist, working with Westmeath Hurling Camogie and Football teams who is based at Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St Mullingar.  

Treatments include:

• Deep tissue and injury recovery massage
• Trigger point relief
• Sports and injury massage
• Soft tissue and joint mobilisation
• Musculoskeletal and athletic injury therapy

Appointments available:

• Monday morning 11 to 1pm.
• Thursday morning 11 to 1pm.
• Most evening's Monday to Thursday 6.30pm to 9pm

Contact Mark by telephone 0872524653 or email mark.scally@hotmail.com for appointments or any queries. We follow COVID-19 Prevention Guidance

For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore). Find us on Facebook.