We are seeing an increase in support for people with repetitive strain injuries (RSI’s).
While we haven’t conducted through research, anecdotally, there are several reasons for this increase including home working, prolonged use of devices alongside computers and people simply not moving as much.
Repetitive strain injury is a potentially disabling illness caused by prolonged repetitive hand movements, such as those involved in computer use. Symptoms include intermittent shooting pains in the hands, wrists, forearms, and back.
Work-related injuries cost UK businesses millions of pounds every year, and many can be avoided with preventative action as part of your organisation’s workplace wellbeing strategy.
How to prevent getting RSI
Here are some simple tips which may help you prevent getting an RSI.
Get yourself set up correctly
We are supporting lots of companies with online display screen equipment (DSE) ergonomic assessments and it is clear people are sitting in awkward positions for lengthy periods. Even the slightest imbalance over a prolonged time can cause serious problems.
Be body aware and have some triggers that will help you sit up taller such as a timer, the height of your screen or even sixty seconds of relaxation during which you can do a body scan.
Even now, reading this, you should sit a little taller.
Move around
We advocate standing and walking around but if you can’t do this as regularly, try moving your arms punching the air 20 times and rolling your wrists.
Set a goal and move regularly. Your body is like an engine, when you move, oil (synovial fluid) moves around your body, lubricating your joints.
Take regular breaks
This is sometimes tough when there are deadlines, and your workload is piling up but we are sure your team would rather you were more focused and injury-free.
Take breaks regularly and encourage your colleagues. Let people know it’s okay to have a break.
Manual therapy
Trigger point therapy and sports massage can help prevent RSI’s and treat them. It is much easier to treat when the inflammation isn’t too painful.
Stretches can indicate tightness and relieve tension, so please get in touch if you would like another video related to RSI?
If you do have some inflammation, please try some ice on the area. Only apply ice for 5 mins and leave 60 mins between applications.
Do something now
Sometimes RSI symptoms may go away if you do nothing. But they can also get considerably worse. Please don’t take that risk. Just hoping the pain will go away is not a good option.
Don’t wait until:
- The pain becomes so bad that you need to take time off work.
- You develop carpal tunnel syndrome and need surgery to relieve the pain.
- Your condition is so bad that you will never fully recover.
Do:
- Change your work environment.
- Change your work habits.
- Start taking regular rest breaks.
- Get expert help.