RSI: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment - Private Injection Clinics

Every year International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day is observed on 29th February, or 28th February in non-leap years, as the 29th February is the only “non-repetitive” day of the year! It is dedicated to raising awareness about Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI); a condition caused by repetitive movements and overuse of muscles, tendons, and nerves.

RSI is a common, yet often overlooked, health issue affecting millions worldwide – particularly those working in occupations requiring repetitive tasks such as typing, manual labour, or prolonged use of handheld devices. Studies show that nearly one-third of RSI sufferers are under 45, with over half (55%—276,000) being women, and that last year RSI led to the loss of 5.4 million workdays due to sick leave, with six workers leaving their jobs daily. Yet, early intervention through workplace adjustments can make a difference.

What is RSI?

RSI is an umbrella term for various musculoskeletal disorders resulting from repetitive motion, overuse, or poor posture. It primarily affects the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck, leading to pain, stiffness, and weakness. Common conditions that fall under RSI include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing numbness and tingling.

Tendinitis. Inflammation of tendons due to repetitive motion.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis). Overuse injury affecting the tendons of the forearm.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Compression of nerves or blood vessels in the upper chest.

Trigger Finger. A condition where fingers get stuck in a bent position due to tendon irritation.

Signs and Symptoms of RSI

RSI symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time. Common signs include:

Pain, cramps or aching in affected areas
Stiffness
Reduced movement and flexibility
Tingling, numbness, throbbing or burning sensations
Weakness or fatigue in hands and arms
Swelling or inflammation around joints and tendons

Causes and Risk Factors of RSI

Although many people do the same daily activities or job for years without issues, repetitive activities or strenuous work can cause RSI due to repetitive movements. Examples of this include:

Typing & Computer Use – Prolonged keyboard and mouse use can strain the hands, wrists, and arms.

Manual Labour & Repetitive Tasks – Jobs requiring heavy lifting, assembly-line work, or repetitive motions increase RSI risk.

Poor Ergonomics & Posture – Incorrect workstation setup, prolonged sitting, or awkward positioning contribute to muscle strain.

Frequent Device Usage – Excessive texting or smartphone use can lead to “text thumb” or wrist pain.

Lack of Rest & Recovery – Insufficient breaks or repetitive stress without adequate recovery can worsen RSI symptoms.

Certain Sports – Golf and Tennis, for example, involve repeated movements with your arms or hands.

Treatment Options for RSI

If RSI symptoms persist, various treatment options can help relieve pain and restore function:

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

A physiotherapist can guide you through targeted exercises to improve mobility and strength.

Massage & Manual Therapy

Massage techniques help reduce muscle tension and promote circulation.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care helps with RSI by realigning the spine and joints, reducing nerve pressure, and improving mobility. Through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and ergonomic guidance, Chiropractors can help alleviate pain, decrease inflammation, and enhance movement patterns, promoting long-term healing and preventing further strain from repetitive motions.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs, or heat therapy can provide relief.

Corticosteroid Injections

For severe inflammation, corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and swelling. The steroid is combined with a local anaesthetic to ensure the procedure is relatively pain-free, and is carried out using ultrasound guidance to ensure the needle is placed in the correct place to get maximal pain relief.

Prolozone Injections

A regenerative treatment that stimulates tissue healing using natural injections. Prolozone injections help with RSI by delivering oxygen and ozone directly to affected tissues, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and stimulating healing. This therapy promotes cellular repair, relieves pain, and restores function by enhancing oxygenation and collagen production, making it an effective, non-invasive treatment for chronic repetitive strain injuries.

Medical Interventions

In extreme cases, surgery may be required for conditions like severe carpal tunnel syndrome.

Preventing RSI

Prevention is key when it comes to RSI. Here are some simple yet effective strategies:

Maintain Proper Ergonomics – Adjust your workspace for a comfortable posture.

Use Ergonomic Equipment – Invest in an ergonomic chair, keyboard, and mouse.

Muscles – Incorporate stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce tension.

Listen to Your Body – Address discomfort early to prevent worsening symptoms.

Take Regular Breaks

International RSI Awareness Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of ergonomics, prevention, and early intervention. Whether you work at a desk, in manual labour, or frequently use digital devices, taking proactive steps can help prevent RSI. If you experience persistent pain, consult a healthcare professional to explore treatment options and improve your long-term well-being.

Private Injection Clinics offer both steroid injections and prolozone injections to treat many different MSK related pains – including Repetitive Strain Injuries. For more information please take a look at our website.

The Optimum Spine Centre and Private Injection Clinics are based on the coast in Leigh on Sea, and in Colchester Essex – perfect for patients in Essex, Kent, London, and surrounding areas.