Repetitive Strain Injury

Author: Sexy Bex
Published on: 15-06-2005
Views: 43565


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Solutions

The PC Review Workout!

Stretches (N.B. These stretches are to be used to aid in the prevention of RSI, and are a guide if you have any of the symptoms described above. If you are worried about any worsening problems you are recommended to see your GP.)

Hands and Wrists

1.) Relax hands and wrists and shake for 10 seconds to loosen up

2.) Spread and stretch out fingers and hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat.

3.) Pivoting the hand from the wrist, move up and down and then in circles. To get a greater stretch, use one hand to push the other backwards towards the arm so that the back of your hand is at more-or-less a right angle with your forearm, hold to feel the stretch. Repeat with other hand

4.) Place hands palm to palm in front of you, fingers pointing upwards, keeping your hands and arms close to your chest (wrists should be level with your breastbone). Rotate your wrists so that your fingers are pointing downwards and away from you whilst keeping arms in the same position and hold for 5 seconds. Relax and then repeat.

Neck

1.) Keeping your head facing forwards, glide your head backwards in a horizontal direction keeping it level - you may find it easier to put a finger on your chin to guide it in the right direction. Hold for 5 seconds - you should feel a stretch down the back of your neck - then relax. Repeat two more times.

2.) Tilt head to the side (without tilting forwards or backwards) and hold for 5 seconds to feel stretch down side of neck. Repeat for the other side.

3.) Turn head to one side keeping it upright and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat to the other side.

Shoulders

1.) Roll shoulders in a circle with your arms by your sides, first five times backwards then five times forwards. Try to trace a big imaginary circle with your shoulders, but not so big that is causes discomfort.

2.) Put hands behind your back and interlace fingers, palm to palm. Straighten arms to feel a stretch in the upper arms and shoulders.

Back

1.) Stand up and rotate torso in one direction keeping your body upright, arms relaxed at your side. Repeat in the other direction.

Massage: If you are encountering pain and stiffness, massage can help alleviate it, whether done by yourself or someone else.

Conclusion

RSI Conclusion

Repetitive strain injury can cause serious problems, which are more difficult to cure than to prevent in the first place. There are various types of RSI affecting different parts of the body, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Bursitis, and Rotator cuff syndrome are some typical examples, but there are many more. If you spend a long time sat at a desk or on a computer it is highly recommended that you take into consideration the potential problems of RSI, and take steps to prevent or combat it. If after reading this you think you could be suffering from symptoms of RSI, see your GP.