Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and the benefit of massage
What is RSI?
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) occurs in the body when repetitive tasks, exertions and sustaining awkward positions causes injury to the musculoskeletal and nervous system, this can often be occupational. It is most commonly seen in the arms, hands and fingers from using the computer keyboard and mouse. RSI is the term used to describe a number of conditions of the muscles, tendons and soft tissues due to the repetitive use of that part of the body. Unfortunately, RSI is not like a strain from a sudden injury or accident, it is usually a condition which lasts much longer and takes more time to ease the pain. RSI is not to be confused with an overuse injury which is when muscles and tendons are used excessively, ie when running and preparing for a marathon. Unlike RSI, overuse does not involve the constant repetition of the same movement.
Common conditions associated with repetitive use of hands and arms are oedema, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and tenosynovitis. With our increasing use of technology, RSI is also the generic term for conditions referred to as gamers thumb, iPod finger and Blackberry thumb, for example. I see far more people with RSI in the upper extremities but it is not to be forgotten that RSI can occur in any part of the body especially the back and legs.
It is not clear why RSI develops in some people and not others, even when doing the same repetitive tasks - it is not actually clear why RSI occurs at all - in many cases the patient has no symptoms such as swelling or inflammation, yet pain does develop. Stress in the workplace could also be a contributing factor due to increasing muscle tension and this can affect how the body feels pain.
The benefits of massage
Clients with RSI complain of numbness, tingling, pain, a dull ache and throbbing in the affected area. At first, this discomfort tends to occur when doing the repetitive task only - later on, when symptoms get worse, the pain can present all of the time - ranging from mild to severe. If at all possible, it is wise to stop or reduce the activities which cause the condition. Unfortunately, due to RSI often being the result of a job, this is not always practical when livelihoods depend on the task being done. Massage therapy can really benefit this condition in a number of ways. Firstly, I would take a look at your posture and give advice on how to maintain a correct position so that you can remain comfortable at your desk all day. Bad posture, rounding the shoulders and slumping over a laptop can easily lead to RSI - some relaxing a strengthening exercises can also be discussed to help the muscles involved.
Several massage techniques can help with easing RSI pain. Gentle stretching helps ease tense muscles which are constricting the nerves and promotes their healing. Gentle massage of the muscle and connective tissues can help relieve the pain in key parts of the body. The systematic manipulation of soft tissue using touch also promotes relaxation and the release of stress. As a massage therapist I would use a range of techniques to detect damage to the soft tissues and tendons. Deep tissue massage can also work very well to release both the tension and to stimulate the blood and lymphatic system. This improves the supply of oxygen to the tissues and helps the removal of waste products. Deep tissue massage strokes are applied using direct pressure with fingers, knuckles, forearms and elbows for deep penetration of the tissues. Stretching and strengthening of the muscles is also crucial at improving the condition.
Please do contact me to discuss your condition and I look forward to working together to improve your health and comfort.
Timo
Timo Massage Therapy
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
