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Repetitive Strain Injuries According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs), also called Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD), are now the single largest cause of occupational health problems in the United States and that over one quarter of all workers work at jobs that can cause RSIs. Repetitive strain injuries are a group of health problems which result from over use or misuse of muscles, tendons, and nerves. Job related RSIs are caused by any combination of the following factors; Unlike strains and sprains, which usually result from a single incident, RSIs develop over time and often go unnoticed or dismissed as important until late in the process. Some of the symptoms of RSIs are; These symptoms may appear in any order at any stage in the development of the injury and at any time, during work, immediately after work, or may hours (or days) after work. Some of the jobs and professions that are particularly high risk are; Some of the most commons RSIs; Tendinitis /tenosynovitis, Epicondylitis , Bursitis, Carpal tunnel syndrome, and Thoracic outlet syndrome. Repetitive strain injuries are not limited to the work place. Activities outside of work such as sports and hobbies, including tennis, golf, knitting or playing musical instruments are also common. Older individuals are more susceptible than younger ones to RSIs because the body’s ability to repair the effects of wear and tear decreases with age. Injuries to tendons may take longer to heal than muscles due to the decreased vascular support in the tendons compared to muscles. If you suspect you may be developing a repetitive strain injury it would be appropriate to see your physician to obtain a diagnosis and rule out other possibilities. Your physician may prescribe medications to help reduce inflammation to allow the area to heal. (It is very important to remember that medications are to provide the opportunity for the body to heal. Increased injury can occur when we continue the offending activities when the body’s warning system (pain) has been diminished with medications). Your physician may also prescribe physical therapy or therapeutic massage which is often covered by workers compensation insurance or personal health policies. It is essential to identify the contributing factors to stop the recurrence of trauma and injury. If the conditions and demands of your job are contributing to your developing condition it can often be corrected by using ergonomics, which is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the worker instead of making the worker fit the job. Also having proper rest periods which incorporate stretching and relaxing can be highly beneficial. Massage therapy can help the affected areas to heal by relaxing the chronically tight muscles, improving circulation to the area, reducing adheasions (connective tissue that becomes fixed to surrounding soft tissue, reducing flexibility and causing discomfort) and trigger points (tender points that can refer pain to distant areas and keep muscle fibers in a chronic state of spasm). Corrective exercises can help to restore proper muscle balance surrounding the joints and decreasing the body’s reaction to improper muscle balance. Corrective exercises also include stretching activities that you can do at home and work to help restore proper muscle balance. Timely attention is important. Most strains and sprains heal relatively quickly given rest and proper care. Pain is the body’s warning system along with swelling and diminished ability to use the affected area. If this persists, it is recommended to seek proper care. Our body’s innate tendency is to heal itself given the opportunity by addressing the origin of cause and supporting the healing process.
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Copyright 2008 DMT |