Who Suffers From RSI?

Virtually any profession that requires repetitive motion of the hand, fingers, wrists and arms has a large number of employees that develop a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

Many studies indicate that women are at a higher risk for RSI than men. The hand-intensive nature of housework and typing contribute to this. Women also show an increase incidence in symptoms of RSI while taking oral contraceptives, during pregnancy and menopause.

Anyone who works at a computer is at risk for developing a RSI. Using a computer keyboard and a mouse may lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Computer work often involves at least one of the following factors that predispose someone to injury :

• Repetition of movements and poor typing techniques stress tendons.
• Working in an awkward position for long periods of time pinches nerve groups.
• Lack of recovery time or rest breaks.
• Improper workstation configuration strains different areas of the body from neck to wrists.

The increased number of people using computers has provoked a surge in ergonomic designs for mouse pads and keyboards, but there is still a lot to be done.

The force of the movement is a particular factor for RSI in typists. The fingers of typists whose speed is 60 words per minute may exert up to 25 tons of pressure each day. Taking frequent breaks throughout the day is a necessity.

Musicians comprise a special risk group for repetitive stress injuries. A large percentage of musicians develop physical problems related to playing their instruments. This risk is complicated if they are also computer users. Computer-induced tendonitis is aggravated by guitar and violin playing, amongst other instruments. The shock percussionists subject their wrists and arms to make them susceptible to a larger degree of injuries.

At high risk for RSI are those people whose occupations combine force and repetition of the same motion in the fingers and hand for long periods of time. These individuals include those in the meat and fish packing industry as well as those using vibrating tools, like jackhammers or chain saws. Meat packers have complained of pain and loss of function in their hands since the 1860's. Even today, the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in meat, poultry, and fish packing industries can get as high as 15% of workers.

According to one study, workers in manual labor industries have the highest risk of CTS. In addition, high risks for CTS have been reported in many types of assembly line workers, cake decorators, postal workers, dentists and dental technicians.

Repetitive Strain Injuries are not limited to the work place. Athletes are at high risk of developing RSI.

Sport RSI

Athletes are especially susceptible to Repetitive Strain Injuries. The phrase "no pain, no gain" becomes a dangerous motto to live by.

Common RSIs are:

Skier's Thumb

This condition results from an injury to a ligament that connects the thumb to the hand. It often occurs during a fall onto the outstretched hand while holding onto the ski pole. Prompt treatment is imperative to prevent chronic looseness in the thumb.

Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's Elbow is a strain of the muscles on the inside of the forearm. This condition is a common result of overemphasizing the motion of the wrists during a swing. Under ideal circumstances there should be minimal rotation of the wrists. The power to drive the ball should come from the inertia of the downswing caused by a smooth chain of force transferred through the entire body.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is caused by inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. The forceful and repeated bending of the wrist causes tiny ruptures of the muscle and tendon around the inside of the elbow. This condition is very painful and should be treated as soon as possible.