Experiencing a tingling feeling in your wrist or stiffness in your neck? Don’t ignore it! Chances are you’ll be affected by a Repetitive Stress Harm.
One of many greatest challenges to our well being right this moment 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 partaking in high-intensity exercise, repeated use of the identical motion causes irritation and injury to muscle tissue, 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 right this moment. One research 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 induced is normally healed with relaxation. Nevertheless, with out relaxation, the construction of the muscle or tendon is impacted.
When the muscle tissue are broken or develop into tight on account of overuse, the nerves that run by way of may develop into 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 spot
- Cramps
Repetitive stress accidents could be categorised into two sorts:
Kind 1
These are well-defined circumstances that may be identified simply, because of the availability of measurable proof. Examples of Kind 1 repetitive stress accidents embody:
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Tendonitis
That is an irritation or irritation of a tendon – a thick wire that attaches bone to muscle. It may possibly happen in virtually 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 kind of tendon harm that causes irritation of the tendon lining. Signs embody 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 tissue close to the joints. Bursitis happens when bursae develop into infected. Frequent signs embody ache, tenderness and decreased vary of movement over the affected space.
Kind 2
Also called Diffuse RSI or non-specific ache syndrome, these are limb issues which might be harder to diagnose and deal with, as they don’t present clear measurable proof reminiscent of swelling, deformation, dysfunction, and many others.
How can one keep away from repetitive stress harm?
Poor posture, poor train method and overuse are the three primary causes of repetitive stress accidents, so the following pointers may help stop it:
- Preserve a impartial physique place (a posture by which your joints are naturally aligned). Maintain your head stage, ahead going through and in step with the torso. Place your ft flat on the ground or a footrest. Chill out your shoulders and let your arms hold down.
- Be sure that your workstation is ergonomically sound (see picture under).
- When seated, attempt to preserve good posture. Your head and again ought to type a straight line out of your ears to your pelvis.
- When typing, be sure that your wrists should not bent to 1 aspect. Maintain them pointing in a straight line along with your forearm.
- Take common breaks from repetitive duties.
- Make it a degree to rise up as soon as each hour. Stroll round, stretching your arms and wrists, and likewise straighten your fingers.
- Carry out muscle-relaxing respiration strategies reminiscent of pranayam at your desk each couple of hours.
- Do enough warm-up and cool-down routines whenever you exercise. That is very important to take care of tendon and bursae well being through the years.
Attempt these workouts 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 loosen up your neck.
Cross your arms
- Prolong one arm straight out in entrance of you.
- With the opposite hand, seize the elbow of the outstretched arm and pull in the direction of your chest.
- Repeat with the opposite arm.
Twist your torso
- Sit up and inhale.
- Exhale, flip to the precise 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 lengthen legs straight out in entrance of you till they’re parallel with the ground.
- Level and flex your toes 5 instances.
Sit and stand
- Arise and sit again down in your chair with out utilizing your fingers.
Prevention is healthier than remedy. Join with our Coaches to get your well being on monitor.


