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Many people around the world are unfamiliar with the repetitive strain injury, or RSI. It is also referred to as repetitive stress injury, this type of affliction stems from the overuse of certain parts of the body while undergoing too much activity.

For example, one who plays the guitar in an overly stressful amount may begin to develop repetitive strain injury. In repetitive strain injuries, the muscles and the tendons that are located in the arms and the back are aggravated due to overuse.

Repetitive strain injury is a disorder with many different names, and some refer to it as WRULD, which stands for work related upper limb disorder due to the area of the body which it tends to affect the most.

More often than not, assembly line workers are at higher risk to this disorder. By encouraging the use of proper posture, along with ensuring that stressful movements only occur for short times with regular breaks, workplaces can act towards eliminating repetitive strain injuries amongst their work force.

For those who are already afflicted with a case of RSI, the condition can be improved by doing stretches and strengthening exercises, as well as massages.

Symptoms of Repetitive Stress Injury

Symptoms such as recurring pain in a localized area that you commonly use may denote a condition of RSI. Also, if you’re experiencing tingling or numbness in an area of your body that you regularly use, you may be afflicted.

The muscles of the affected area may feel fatigued, and you may also find that you have a lack of strength present. It’s also important to note that symptoms may not essentially mean that the problem lies in the area where you are experiencing pain or numbness. For example, a numbness of the hand may be the result of pinched nerves in the shoulder.

Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries

There are many different types of repetitive stress injuries, many of which you are probably familiar with. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, DeQuervain’s syndrome, Tendonitis, as well as many other different individualized afflictions fall under the category of a repetitive stress injury.

It is important to consult your doctor, if you think that you may be suffering from some form of repetitive stress injury.

Prevention Methods

Most types of repetitive strain injury can be prevented with a little understanding and caution.

• If you are in a line of work, or you commonly engage in activities which require the extended use of a particular muscle or limb, be sure that you take it easy.
• Make sure to stop the activity at once if you begin to feel pain in the over-used area.
• Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right – if you don’t heed the warning, some simple pain can quickly develop into a degenerative repetitive strain injury.
• Be sure that you use proper posture in everything that you do, as bad posture can definitely contribute to the development of a repetitive strain injury.
• Be sure to take periods of rest when you are undergoing an activity that requires the over-use of a muscle or limb. Even a few minutes a day can be helpful in preventing the development of an RSI.

Treatment

There are many different treatments as there are many different types of RSI, to help relieve the specific symptoms that you may be suffering from. Treatment options include:

• Quick relief from RSI can usually be found via the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, which can bring down swelling and pain.
• Stretches and yoga have also been used in order to help the patient to regain a sense of muscular posture.
• Physical therapy regimens that can help to strengthen the area that is afflicted, as well as possible surgeries in order to correct damage.
• Avoiding stressful movements of the affected areas is also advised when it comes to getting over a case of repetitive stress injury.

Healing a case of RSI will take patience and hard work in order to make a full recovery, so be sure to put forth your best efforts.