Treating RSI

Treating RSI is difficult, but not impossible. In general, the various treatments tend to fall into different categories. I have used the word "treatment" here in its broadest sense. It is really only meant for explanation and not as a "cut and dried" method of categorisation. An activity like yoga may, for example, be really described as encompassing parts of all of the categories. Bear in mind that success of any treatment really does depend on the individual, and the practitioner or doctor concerned. The following is meant as a few pointers to things that can help:

Physical treatments: Physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths are good starting points (they can be consulted without a doctors referral, although it is advisable to inform your doctor that you are doing this. It is likely that they would begin treatment by mobilising the cervical and thoracic spine (neck and upper back) in order to increase the blood circulation in the surrounding tissue. In so doing, this releases muscles and helps to free up the nerves that run from the back and down into the arms. The arms are then mobilised by means of stretches to try and increase their range of movement, and to relieve the 'tension' in the nerves. This tension is physical tension and not psychological tension, although when we are under stress we have a tendency to tense up muscles voluntarily. Sometimes medical massage therapy and work on releasing trigger points helps; trigger points are small areas of hardened tissue within muscles that produce pain when pressure is put on them. This treatment can have an amazing effect on some people. Stretching is an important component in recovering from RSI, and the practitioner would normally provide you with a list of stretches to do in your own time. Some are included in my book.

Postural treatments: Repetitive strain injuries are often caused just as much by poor posture as by overuse. The Alexander technique is a good example of a method which aims to correct bad habits. These have often been ingrained over many years. The technique can be learned either individually or in a group. Group lessons may be available at some adult education centres. Probably worth exploring postural therapies after getting some improvement from physical ones first.

Relaxation: Stress is often a contributory factor with RSI injuries. Learning relaxation and meditation techniques is a good way to unwind. Relaxation can also help to reduce pain. Tapes which guide you through such techniques are available at Health Food Shops. Yoga classes are also good ways to learn posture, relaxation, and physical stretching exercises.

Exercise: Remaining active is a very important component in the recovery from RSI. Although an amount of rest and recuperation is part of the healing process, long periods of inactivity don’t help recovery. Of course, taking exercise is beneficial regardless of having RSI or not. The habit of doing some form of exercise every day, even if it is only a brisk walk, can bring about substantial benefits. Before trying out any exercise programme you should definitely seek advice from a physiotherapist or doctor as many activities may not be suitable for your own circumstances.

Stretching: Regular stretching is a major part of RSI prevention and recovery, and is a likely component of any physiotherapy regime. Stretching is certainly the best method of improving the range of motion of joints (ROM). Most sufferers usually find that their pain decreases when they gain increased flexibility.

Energy: This includes treatments like acupuncture and healing. Acupuncture has been successful for some people, although to my knowledge it tends to be less successful in treating RSI than other ailments.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Pain clinics exist for people who suffer long-term pain. They teach methods of coping with pain, including the use of pacing techniques to help avoid the cycle of over use and under use. They also help the patient to understand the pain better and develop coping strategies to deal with it. Most RSI sufferers give them a glowing report.

I would not really consider medication to be a treatment in itself. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs play a valuable role treating some people, but they not a 'cure' and shouldn't be used as a means of working through the pain. It only stores up worse trouble for the future.