Repetitive everyday stresses and strains dictated by our busy lifestyles can lead to a gradual build up of tension and overuse in our muscles, tendons and joints. Sometimes when this reaches its peak we will experience pain and disability.

What is RSI?

Repetitive strain injuries are common in areas where our muscles and tendons are used to carry out the same, repetitive function over and over without rest - often in an area where the natural activity patterns of these muscle groups are designed to function in a very different way to that necessitated (for example) by modern computer keyboards, etc.

The muscle tendons become inflamed and swollen where they run through their tendon sheaths or pulleys and this sets up a chronic pattern of pain and dysfunction in the affected areas.

Often labelled Tendonitis, Tenosynovitis or Epicondylitis these conditions are all characterised by localised pain and swelling and, if left to become chronic, normal function and dexterity may become severely compromised.

Common Conditions

• Tennis Elbow: Overuse of the extensor tendons of the forearm giving pain and weakness (usually on gripping) from the outer prominence of the elbow, down the outside of the forearm into the wrist.
   
• Golfer’s Elbow: Overuse of the flexor tendons of the forearm giving similar symptoms to above but over the inner aspect of the forearm & wrist
   
• Shoulder tendonitis: (often Supraspinatus) Can be caused by something as harmless as excessive mouse use - pain on lifting the arm out and to the side - often confused with  frozen shoulder.
   
• Carpal tunnel: Can be caused by tension buildup in the neck, restricting nerve flow down the arm, thus interfering with the adaptability and recovery of the wrist after repetitive use.

Myosteopractic uses mobilisation, skeletal and cross release techniques to improve alignment, stop pain and restore strength and mobility. Your practitioner will help you eliminate as many of the contributory causes of the problem as possible with advice on height of computer screens and workstations, ergonomic seating, writing slopes, beds and car seats.