What is a Repetitive stress injury?

When a particular body part is placed under too much stress through repetitive movements, results in inflammation, muscle strain, tissue damage, pain, and swelling, Repetitive stress injuries (RSI) occurs. RSI is quite often among people who spend their lot of time using Computer keyboards. Areas most affected by RSIs are the elbows, shoulders, knees, and heels. It’s most prevalent in adults but teens are also getting affected by this because they spend a lot of time using mobile phones and computers. A few sports like Tennis can lead to RSI as well because it involves repetitive motions. People involved in other activities such as playing musical instruments or video games are also at a risk of RSI, this may also be referred as overuse injuries.  

What causes Repetitive stress injuries?

More than 100 different kinds of injuries and illnesses vary from person to person in type and severity but most RSI conditions found in people occurs due to repetitive motions at the computer work or in sports. From repetitive actions the body part goes under monotonous wear and tear, resulting in irritation and inflammation in joints and surrounding tendons and muscles.  Any repetitive movement can cause RSI- even text messaging. Improper posture or improper use of equipment can create tightness and tension in muscles and tendons, making people prone to injury. The following types of RSI are common among teens:

• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Epicondylitis
• Osgood – Schlatter disease
• Patellofemoral syndrome
• Shin splints
• Stress fractures
• Tendonitis

How can Physical therapy help Repetitive stress injuries?

Physical therapy can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in tendons, muscles, and joints. It can speed up healing and can restore normal body function. Often just a simple change in posture or movement can bring a drastic change in body function and improve efficiency in movement. To treat RSI, physical therapists use non-harmful exercises, therapeutic modalities, and hands-on manual therapy interventions. During physical therapy, the joints and muscles are treated to improve strength and flexibility. And when pain-free range of motion is restored, exercises can be progressed to treat stabilization of healing areas. We treat patients with curated treatment plans. Experienced Physical therapists treat the condition with utter care. So you will get the Physical Therapy treatment and attention you deserve.