Repetitive Stress Injury
Alternate Names : RSI, Repetitive Stress Syndrome
Repetitive stress injury (RSI) is caused by repeated or excessive movement of
the shoulders and arms.
In order for the shoulder, arms, and hands to move, the muscles of the upper
body must contract. Repetitive stress injury occurs when certain movements are made repeatedly, causing:
a diminished blood flow and oxygen supply to the muscles
tightening of the structures of the upper body, which makes them more
susceptible to injury
rubbing of tendons against ligaments or bones, which causes inflammation of the tendons
pinched nerves, if tissues are inflamed or if repetitive movements rub the nerve
What are the causes and risks of the injury?
Causes of repetitive stress injury include:
repetitive and excessive use of the muscles of the upper limbs. This
includes activities such as typing, sewing, heavy lifting, playing tennis,
sawing wood, and using a cash register
poor posture when carrying out the same activities
poorly designed work conditions and work stations
pregnancy
If RSI is not successfully treated, nerve and tissue damage may cause a
decrease in feeling and range of motion. There may be chronic pain or soreness in affected area. Disability or loss of employment may also occur.
RSI conditions include:
carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes pain and other symptoms in the hand and wrist
tendinitis, which is an
inflammation of the tendons in any part of the body
bursitis, which is an inflammation of the sac that cushions a joint
ganglions, which are cysts that may occur on a tendon
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