Repetitive strain injury
(RSIs) are injuries to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Other names for RSI injuries:
- RMI: Repetitive Motion Injury
- MSD: Musculoskeletal Disorder
- CTD: Cumulative Trauma Disorder
- OOS: Occupational Overuse Syndrome
- WRULD: Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder
- UEMSD: Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorder
Risk factors include poor posture, and excessive workload. Working for long periods without rest and using repetitive movements or repetitive forceful hand motions (twisting or gripping) are also contributing factors, as are prolonged body vibrations (such as from power tools), fatigue, cold work environments, and psychosocial stressors.
Symptoms may worsen over time and include recurring sharp or dull pain, soreness, stiffness, tingling and numbness, loss of sensation, limited range of motion, weakness, fatigue, or persistent tension in the neck, shoulders, upper back, elbows, wrists, or hands. Pain may be referred from one area to another, such as when nerve impingement in the neck or shoulder causes pain in the forearm or hand. Less commonly, pain may also be referred to the back or lower extremities.
Symptoms in the arms or hands may worsen when lying in bed.
Routine daily activities such as driving, carrying groceries, housework, or gardening may worsen symptoms. Without treatment, symptoms may become continuous and progress to long-term injury and disability.
Diagnosis is often difficult and is based upon a thorough history and physical examination by a physician familiar with RSI syndromes. Injuries are not identifiable with X-rays or other radiological studies since the injuries involve soft tissues.
In order to properly diagnosis and treat an RSI injury workers need a specialist,i.e., physical therapist, physiatrist, or a pain medicine doctor. If you live in the NYC, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Long Island metro areas choose from the MSR directory for a physician in your local neighborhood to treat your injury.
All the doctors within our network are board certified and accept workers compensation insurance.
Workers are more likely to suffer a repetitive strain or injury when they perform jobs with that include repetitive movements, forceful efforts, and fixed or awkward postures.
Repetitive Strain Injury Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: 1-800-949-6100
