By Antonino Balistreri
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) is a broad term to describe those injuries that are caused by repetitive movements or actions.
The hallmark of these conditions is the cumulative traumas that target the same body structure for a prolonged period of time. Examples of RSIs can be generally found in work as well as sport environment. At work can be the continuous use of the mouse and computer appliances that can lead to wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck pain. In sport can be the repetitive training regime that is not changed over a certain period of time.
The results of RSIs can affect musculo-tendious and musculo-ligamentous structure of the body as well as nerve roots and peripheral nerves. The result is a painful inflammatory action triggered by the body in the area affected by the cumulative stress motion. This inflammatory action reduce the range of motion of joint and articulation as well as power and strength of those muscles surrounding the joints and articulation affected. Movements became difficult, restricted and painful thus reducing further the mobility of the body part. At the end the nervous system re-organises itself around the RSI thus changing muscles, tendons and ligaments elasticity and composition leading to a micro changes that further decreases range of motion, stiffness, lack of stability and possible loss of power of muscles of the body part interested.
All this mechanism is also known as the phenomenon of the injury pattern.
Examples of RSIs are tendinosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome (TOC), tennis and golfer elbow, trigger finger, De Quarvain syndrome.
Diagnosis is made by using a number of objective clinical measures and tests. Treatments vary according to the type of RSI.
In order to avoid re-injuring changes in workplace (use of ergonomic strategies) and in training regime need to be made during and after the treatment course by following a neuro-muscular rehabilitation program.
Contact Antonino for more information on how he can help with RSI.