Experiencing a tingling feeling in your wrist or stiffness in your neck? Don’t ignore it! You could be affected by a Repetitive Stress Harm.
One of many largest challenges to our well being in the present day is the period of time we spend on actions that trigger pressure on our our bodies. From staying slumped over the desk for lengthy hours to participating in high-intensity exercise, repeated use of the identical motion causes irritation and injury to muscle mass, nerves and tendons within the physique.
The variety of Indians affected by Repetitive Stress Harm, additionally known as Repetitive Pressure Harm (RSI), is on the rise in the present day. One examine by RECOUP, a Bangalore-based Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Centre, reveals that as much as 75% of inhabitants working within the IT, BPOs and the decision centre trade are in danger and are exhibiting signs of RSI.
What causes Repetitive Stress Harm?
Tiny tears within the muscle or tendon tissue are routine however any ache or injury prompted is normally healed with relaxation. Nonetheless, with out relaxation, the construction of the muscle or tendon is impacted.
When the muscle mass are broken or grow to be tight resulting from overuse, the nerves that run via can even grow to be infected and sore. Over time, this impacts posture and motion, resulting in joint ache and stiffness.
Frequent signs of RSI are:
- Ache
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Tingling or numbness
- Weak point
- Cramps
Repetitive stress accidents could be labeled into two sorts:
Sort 1
These are well-defined circumstances that may be identified simply, as a result of availability of measurable proof. Examples of Sort 1 repetitive stress accidents embrace:

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Tendonitis
That is an irritation or irritation of a tendon – a thick wire that attaches bone to muscle. It could possibly happen in nearly any space of the physique, however is mostly discovered on the base of the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip and knee. Tendonitis of the shoulder is thought to happen amongst office-goers who carry heavy laptop computer baggage and stroll lengthy distances.
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Tenosynovitis
One other sort of tendon damage that causes irritation of the tendon lining. Signs embrace joint stiffness and swelling of the affected space.
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Bursitis
Small fluid-filled sacs referred to as bursae cushion the bones, tendons, and muscle mass close to the joints. Bursitis happens when bursae grow to be infected. Frequent signs embrace ache, tenderness and decreased vary of movement over the affected space.
Sort 2
Often known as Diffuse RSI or non-specific ache syndrome, these are limb problems which can be harder to diagnose and deal with, as they don’t present clear measurable proof akin to swelling, deformation, dysfunction, and many others.
How can one keep away from repetitive stress damage?
Poor posture, poor train method and overuse are the three most important causes of repetitive stress accidents, so the following tips can assist forestall it:
- Keep a impartial physique place (a posture during which your joints are naturally aligned). Hold your head degree, ahead going through and in step with the torso. Place your ft flat on the ground or a footrest. Calm down your shoulders and let your arms dangle down.
- Make sure that your workstation is ergonomically sound (see picture under).

- When seated, try to keep good posture. Your head and again ought to kind a straight line out of your ears to your pelvis.
- When typing, be certain that your wrists are usually not bent to at least one aspect. Hold them pointing in a straight line along with your forearm.
- Take common breaks from repetitive duties.
- Make it some extent to rise up as soon as each hour. Stroll round, stretching your arms and wrists, and in addition straighten your fingers.
- Carry out muscle-relaxing respiratory strategies akin to pranayam at your desk each couple of hours.
- Do enough warm-up and cool-down routines once you exercise. That is very important to take care of tendon and bursae well being through the years.
Strive these workout routines to forestall RSI
Again stretch
- Sit on the sting of your chair, ft flat on the ground.
- Lean over until your chest touches your knees.
- Let your arms dangle to the ground and calm down your neck.
Cross your arms

- Lengthen one arm straight out in entrance of you.
- With the opposite hand, seize the elbow of the outstretched arm and pull in direction of your chest.
- Repeat with the opposite arm.
Twist your torso
- Sit up and inhale.
- Exhale, flip to the suitable and seize the again of the chair along with your proper hand and the arm of the chair along with your left hand.
- Repeat with different aspect.
Leg stretches
- Sit down along with your again straight.
- Maintain the seat of your chair, and prolong legs straight out in entrance of you till they’re parallel with the ground.
- Level and flex your toes 5 instances.
Sit and stand
- Rise up and sit again down in your chair with out utilizing your fingers.
Prevention is best than treatment. Join with our Coaches to get your well being on observe.

