Before trying any new therapies, treatments or products to help manage your pain you should always consult your GP or a qualified medical practitioner. The information below is only for reference purposes and should never be used as any form of medical advice or diagnosis.
RSI and Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) are disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system that are usually caused by repetitive tasks involving exertion, compression and vibrations. Tasks such as those found in the workplace are often causes of RSI. RSI is also used as an umbrella term and can also refer to pain caused by repetitive actions in sports such as Golf and Tennis. These types of conditions are usually given another name such as Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow.
Treatments for RSI include medical treatment such as pain medication. Certain types of exercise can also be considered to treat or help manage symptoms of RSI. These can include posture and movement exercises such as those found in Tai Chi, Yoga and even the Alexander Technique. Some medical practitioners will recommend continuing as normal and not trying to avoid tasks which you feel may exacerbate your symptoms. For some people, the avoidance of particular activities and time spent trying to cure the condition become more of a problem than the discomfort itself.
Structurally RSI can be avoided if you use your hand and arm correctly for repetitive movements. In an office environment, ergonomic accessories can be used to aid correct posture and movement. For more information on products that can help prevent or manage symptoms of RSI please see the articles Computer Accessories to Improve Work and Choosing an Ergonomic Office Chair.
